Politics latest: Chancellor to deliver spring forecast – Greens leapfrog Labour into second place in poll
Politics latest: Chancellor to deliver spring forecast – Greens leapfrog Labour into second place in poll
This afternoon, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil her spring forecast, following the Greens’ surge in polling rankings. The exclusive poll reveals a shift in public sentiment, with the Green Party now edging Labour into second place. Meanwhile, the prime minister has defended his stance on not joining the US-Israeli offensive strikes, as the war in the Middle East continues to shape political discourse.
Spring Forecast Amid Ongoing Conflict
As tensions persist in the region, questions arise about the impact of the conflict on the UK’s economic outlook. Reeves will address these concerns, highlighting her fiscal decisions as a buffer against external shocks. However, the backdrop of war, rising energy prices, and economic instability will likely influence the tone of her remarks.
Legal Debate and International Stance
Sir Jeremy Hunt, who previously held both foreign secretary and chancellor roles, has stated that the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran were lawful under international law. When questioned by Wilfred Frost, Hunt remarked:
“I think it was and I think the legal advice is a lot less clear than Keir Starmer was making out.”
He further noted that left-leaning governments in Australia and Canada have supported the strikes, suggesting a broader alignment with the US position.
Political Rhetoric and Public Sentiment
Senior cabinet minister Darren Jones described the Green Party as “the populist of the left,” arguing that while they identify key issues, they lack concrete solutions. He remarked:
“They have a lot of diagnoses of the problems. They don’t really have any answers to how to fix them that are credible, and I think when the public look at that, especially at the point of a general election, they’ll be able to see that neither the populist left or the populist right have got any credible plans.”
The Greens, however, assert they are positioned to replace Labour, citing voter dissatisfaction with high bills, migration rhetoric, and stalled reforms.
Reactions to the Conflict
Kemi Badenoch’s team has criticized Starmer, claiming he is “abandoning British interests and our allies.” They argue:
“While Canada and Australia stand with US, Britain cowers. Our bases are now being targeted by Iran and still Keir Starmer does nothing. Britain is being shamed on the global stage by this meek, weak Labour government.”
The prime minister’s team remains confident in their position, stating they are “in the right place in terms of policy, politics, and legality.”
Reeves is expected to acknowledge the conflict’s effects but will likely keep her comments concise, given the uncertainty of its duration and economic fallout. Opposition MPs will press her on the defence budget shortfall and potential fuel duty hikes, testing her commitment to fiscal stability.
