Budget will focus on 'driving up living standards, reviving the NHS and rebuilding Britain', says Sir Keir Starmer

The upcoming Budget will place emphasis on enhancing living standards, revitalising the NHS, and "rebuilding Britain", Sir Keir Starmer has revealed, pointing to prospective investments in education, housing, and transport.

In the run-up to Chancellor Rachel Reeves presenting her inaugural Budget on October 30, amidst sombre forecasts regarding harsh choices and potential tax increases required to manage the economic consequences of Conservative governance, Sir Keir has hinted that the focal point will be on "making people better off".

The Prime Minister highlighted three main areas of concern: "driving up living standards – making sure people feel better off, ensuring our NHS is back on its feet and fit for the future, and rebuilding the country, particularly our efforts in housing". He acknowledged the necessity of tough measures such as withdrawing winter fuel payments from numerous pensioners, and addressed stark advisories about the precarious situations of the NHS and penal institutions.

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Speaking on BBC's Newscast, he stated his conviction in proactively addressing these challenges to secure a brighter future, as opposed to simply glossing over them: "I am convinced that by running towards those problems and tackling them, we will make for a better future rather than painting over them."

However, Sir Keir reaffirmed that the central goal of the Budget remains improving living standards, stating specifically: "the central focus of the Budget is going to be on living standards, making people better off". He expounded upon the intentions to restore the health service, rebuild the nation, foster necessary growth, and honour key manifesto pledges, notably regarding NHS waiting lists.

Ahead of the global investment summit set for Monday, Sir Keir stressed the importance of assuring the markets of the Government's dedication to economic stability as central to fostering growth. He acknowledged the upcoming Budget involved tough choices, citing the winter fuel policy as a challenging decision made in the pursuit of necessary economic steadiness and a defined strategy.

"So in the Budget, we are taking difficult decisions. Winter fuel, for example, was a difficult decision, but we’re doing it to provide the economic stability that we need and the clarity of mission," he said.

On the BBC podcast, Sir Keir remarked that Heathrow Airport has had to "expand the VIP area" to accommodate the influx of investors arriving in the UK for the summit on Monday.

During discussions with both the BBC and The Guardian, he indicated that the Budget would bring substantial levels of Government spending nationwide. His statement on Newscast went as follows: "Yes, I believe in an active government. I think we should be up there with our sleeves rolled up, working with business."

He elaborated that it's not merely about the size of the investment, but its effectiveness in spurring private sector contributions.

"(It’s) What are you doing with your money, how you’re using it as a catalyst, and how is it going to unlock the private investment that we need? And that’s the way I see it."

Sir Keir stressed the need for clever investments: "And that’s why we need to be really smart with investment. But we do need that investment."

Speaking to The Guardian, he lamented Britain's lag behind other nations that have forged ahead, utilising new technologies and larger-scale projects. He criticised the outdated concepts and services that he feels have left Britain playing catch-up.

"While other countries have powered ahead, building big and taking advantage of new technology, Britain has been left to make do with their out-of-date ideas and out-of-date service," he conveyed.

The Prime Minister has emphasised the logic behind his investment strategy, stating it's "common sense to invest and build". He highlighted the struggles of working people in securing a decent home, which he believes is essential for building good lives and careers.

He also pointed out the impact of inadequate public transport on productivity and the negative effects of deteriorating school infrastructure on children's learning. Furthermore, he addressed the issue of NHS waiting lists, attributing them to a significant lack of investment in hospitals and technology that could enhance treatment efficiency and effectiveness.

Despite recent controversies, including those involving his former chief of staff Sue Gray and the acceptance of gifts from donors, the Prime Minister insisted he would not be "bogged down". He expressed his desire to present voters with "a bit of the sunny uplands", countering the bleak economic outlook painted by the Labour administration.

As Sir Keir marks his 100th day as Prime Minister, he acknowledged the challenges faced, describing his tenure thus far as not always smooth. "You get these days and weeks when things are choppy, there’s no getting around that," he admitted during a BBC interview, acknowledging the inherent difficulties of governance.

However, he remained steadfast, telling The Guardian, "You’re going to get side winds all the time. If you’re not going to get knocked off course, you’ve got to know where we’re headed," signalling his determination to stay focused on his government's direction.

"The moment I allow myself to get too bogged down in the side winds is the point that other governments have gone wrong, in my view, because they’ve lost sight of what the real point of government is."

He also remarked: "It’s been very much what I expected. It’s proved the thesis that government is tougher, but that government is better."

"Tougher because you’ve got to take tough decisions. Better, because you can take decisions and make a difference."

Discussing the challenges he faced with the focus on his recent receipt of gifts, which included clothing, glasses, football and concert tickets, it was acknowledged: "I’m not going to pretend its pleasant, because of course it’s not pleasant, but it wasn’t a first-time experience, and I doubt it will be a last one either," particularly noting the difficulty caused by family involvement, referencing his wife Victoria's receipt of clothing and use of an apartment lent by Labour peer Lord Alli for their son's GCSE studies. .

Finally, he distinguished the current donation issues from past Conservative Party scandals, stating, "the furore around donations was 'a million miles away' from the Covid-era partygate and PPE scandals which hit the Tories."