Starmer promises ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ despite looming tax hikes
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to reassure the nation that there is “light at the end of the tunnel”, urging the public to endure short-term financial difficulties for long-term prosperity.
In his first speech to a Labor conference since taking office, he will outline the need for tough economic decisions to tackle the “black hole” of public finances left by the Conservatives, saying that tax cuts are not imminent until these problems are resolved. .
Looking to the future, Starmer will promise that stabilizing the economy will deliver tangible benefits over the next five years, including higher growth, reduced NHS waiting lists, tighter borders, and a clean energy plan. This positive message aims to end criticism, even within his Cabinet, that his speech since becoming Prime Minister has been too pessimistic.
‘Short term pain for long term gain’
Starmer’s speech comes as the government faces a backlash over the scrapping of the winter fuel surcharge for 10 million pensioners, a move which has led to progress at the Labor conference. He will acknowledge the difficulties of the current situation but says that the sacrifices made today will eventually lead to a secure and prosperous future for the country.
“The politics of national renewal is inclusive,” Starmer is expected to say. “This will be difficult in the short term, but in the long run, it is the right thing to do for our country. If we take the hard long-term decisions now—higher economic growth, reduced hospital waiting lists, safer roads, stronger borders, clean energy Britain—we will reach that light at the end of the tunnel very quickly.”
His speech is likely to lay the groundwork for the Labor government’s first budget on October 30, when tax increases and spending cuts are expected, echoing earlier warnings from Chancellor Rachel Reeves. While Labor has ruled out an increase in Income Tax, National Insurance, VAT, or Corporation Tax, other areas such as Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax may see changes.
Tackling the ‘financial black hole’
Starmer will highlight the £22 billion deficit inherited from the previous government, warning that fiscal prudence is essential to prevent further damage to the economy. “It’s not just the financial black hole the Tories have left,” he will say, “but also our diminished public services. Just because we want low taxes and good public services doesn’t mean we can ignore the need to properly fund policies.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks are expected to include a defense of Labour’s economic strategy, which he sees as the only way forward after years of what he describes as Conservative economic mismanagement. This comes as Starmer faces falling approval ratings and disillusionment among voters, with some accusing him of focusing too much on the mistakes of the past government rather than offering hope for the future.
