Sunak dodges HS2 question as Tories push tax cuts, Labour 'bombproofs' policies, Mirren comments on Jewish roles amid net zero uncertainty

Rishi Sunak refused to confirm if the HS2 rail line will reach Manchester, saying he "won't comment on speculation".
Senior Tories like Michael Gove called for pre-election tax cuts to ease the burden on working households.
Labour's Wes Streeting said the party is "bombproofing" its policies after changing its stance on removing private schools' charitable status.
Dame Helen Mirren responded to questions about whether a non-Jewish actor should play a Jewish role, saying she "can't see who in this room is Jewish".
On net zero, Sunak claimed the UK has decarbonized faster than other G7 countries but did not commit to specific new policies.

bbc.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/19/2023

Most Britons believe the economy is getting worse despite wage boost

### Summary Pressure is mounting on Rishi Sunak to drive economic growth, as voters express concerns about the state of the economy despite recent positive figures. ### Facts - 62% of voters believe the economy is getting worse, while only 11% think it is improving. - Inflation has slowed to 6.8% in the year to July. - The Labour party is polling at 36% while the Conservatives are at 23%. - The Treasury is taking steps to support consumers, with Minister Andrew Griffith calling for banks to pass on the benefits of higher interest rates to savers. - Banks have been warned that they will face fines if they fail to provide free cash withdrawal and deposit services within specific distances from customers. - Economists and Tory MPs are urging the government to focus on reducing energy costs and costs in sectors such as transportation, housing, and retail banking to avoid stagflation and promote economic growth. - Tory MPs are relieved by positive news on the economy but want the government to address issues such as NHS waiting lists and migrants crossing the Channel.

9/9/2023

Sunak Refuses to Rule Out Benefit Cuts Despite 'Morally Bankrupt' Warnings as Hunt and Tories Push Tax Relief

Rishi Sunak has not ruled out a cut to benefit payments in order to fund a tax cut before the next election, despite warnings from experts that it would be "morally bankrupt and economically illiterate." There is speculation that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's upcoming Budget in November may include a real-terms pay cut for benefit claimants to finance pre-election tax cuts, although the government did not deny this possibility. Tories are pressuring Sunak to offer a tax cut in the next spring's Budget, but the Chancellor is facing financial constraints. Experts and anti-poverty charities have expressed concerns over cutting benefits, especially considering the current cost of living crisis and the upcoming winter.

9/16/2023

Sunak Seen as Weak on Economy Compared to Previous Tory PMs, Concerns Remain Over Economic Outlook

According to a recent Opinium poll, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is perceived as less competent on economic affairs compared to previous Conservative leaders, with only 27% of respondents believing that his Conservative party is handling the economy well. Additionally, significant economic concerns were revealed, with half of voters expecting the UK economy to worsen in the next 12 months and only 20% expecting improvement in their personal finances. Labour maintains a strong lead over the Tories, with Keir Starmer's party leading by 15 points in the polls.

10/1/2023

Sunak Prioritizes Inflation Control Over Pre-Election Tax Cuts, Causing Rift Within Conservative Party

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emphasized his priority of curbing inflation and easing living costs but declined to commit to lowering taxes before the next general election.

10/1/2023

Sunak defends policy U-turns and refuses to confirm HS2 plans amid criticism and Cabinet jostling at Conservative Party conference

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defends recent policy U-turns and asserts his understanding of the public's priorities ahead of a Conservative conference centered around tax cuts and succession questions, refusing to confirm whether HS2 will extend to Manchester.

10/21/2023

Tories Warned of Wipeout in 'Red Wall' Seats as Reform UK Targets Pro-Brexit Voters

Conservative MPs fear that their party could be wiped out in the red wall by Reform UK, the successor to the Brexit party, and are demanding a stronger stance on immigration and tax cuts to counter the threat. Reform UK plans to target pro-Brexit seats held by the Conservatives, while leader Richard Tice has stated that his party will not make any pre-election deals with the Tories. The right-wing MPs are also targeting Chancellor Rishi Sunak, accusing him of being out of touch with core supporters.

10/22/2023

Sunak faces discontent from Tory backbenchers as PM anniversary nears, with calls for tax cuts amid election pressure

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing disapproval from his own party, with calls for tax cuts and more Conservative policies, as well as concerns among backbenchers about his leadership, while public opinion is being tested regarding potential tax reductions before the next election.

Topics

Posted 10/1/2023, 8:30:02 AM

Sunak dodges HS2 question as Tories push tax cuts, Labour 'bombproofs' policies, Mirren comments on Jewish roles amid net zero uncertainty

Rishi Sunak refused to confirm if the HS2 rail line will reach Manchester, saying he "won't comment on speculation".
Senior Tories like Michael Gove called for pre-election tax cuts to ease the burden on working households.
Labour's Wes Streeting said the party is "bombproofing" its policies after changing its stance on removing private schools' charitable status.
Dame Helen Mirren responded to questions about whether a non-Jewish actor should play a Jewish role, saying she "can't see who in this room is Jewish".
On net zero, Sunak claimed the UK has decarbonized faster than other G7 countries but did not commit to specific new policies.

bbc.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/19/2023

Most Britons believe the economy is getting worse despite wage boost

9/9/2023

Sunak Refuses to Rule Out Benefit Cuts Despite 'Morally Bankrupt' Warnings as Hunt and Tories Push Tax Relief

9/16/2023

Sunak Seen as Weak on Economy Compared to Previous Tory PMs, Concerns Remain Over Economic Outlook

10/1/2023

Sunak Prioritizes Inflation Control Over Pre-Election Tax Cuts, Causing Rift Within Conservative Party

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emphasized his priority of curbing inflation and easing living costs but declined to commit to lowering taxes before the next general election.

10/1/2023

Sunak defends policy U-turns and refuses to confirm HS2 plans amid criticism and Cabinet jostling at Conservative Party conference

10/21/2023

Tories Warned of Wipeout in 'Red Wall' Seats as Reform UK Targets Pro-Brexit Voters

10/22/2023

Sunak faces discontent from Tory backbenchers as PM anniversary nears, with calls for tax cuts amid election pressure