Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Labour's growth plan suffers a setback Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly said that spurring economic growth is the number one mission of his Labour government.  So it will have disappointed the prime minister to hear Rachel Reeves confirm Britain has suffered a slowdown since his party came to power.  In March, the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said the economy would grow by 0.8 per cent, 1.9 per cent, 2.2 per cent, 1.8 per cent and 1.7 per cent in the coming five years.  The OBR now believes it will grow by 1.1 per cent, 2.0 per cent, 1.8 per cent, 1.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent.  It means a short-term upgrade to the watchdog's forecast, but a longer term slowdown under Labour.  Written by Archie Mitchell Quiz question Which chancellor has delivered the most Budget speeches? Answer at the bottom of today's email Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW Daily briefing Live: Rachel Reeves reveals stamp duty rise as part of £40bn in tax hikes Our Budget live blog will keep you up to date with the latest developments Fax machines still being used to contact train crews, official admits 'We have plans to get rid of them,' one official said Reeves hands low-paid a £1,400 boost as minimum wage to rise by 6.7% The chancellor will increase the measure, also known as the national living wage, from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 from April What else you need to know today The Labour mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham broke ranks with Sir Keir Starmer to reject controversial plans to raise the bus fare cap by 50 per cent A teenager accused of murdering three children in a stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport appeared in court charged with a terror offence and making the poison ricin Parents are already deciding against sending their children to private schools in the wake of Labour coming to power as they face fee rises from Sir Keir Starmer's controversial VAT policy, school leaders and education experts have warned The Independent View This huge Budget gamble by Starmer and Reeves rests on one ambition – economic growth Politics explained Why the sun is setting on Jenrick's bid to rule the Tory empire In the contest to lead the modern Conservative Party into the future, debate has turned to Britain's former colonies as Sean O'Grady explains...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Trump pounces as Biden accused of calling MAGA supporters 'garbage' in wake of racist joke Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for The Commons sits from 9.30am with business and trade questions. Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, will not be there because he will be in Qatar for the Gulf Cooperation Council ministers' meeting.   That will be followed by Lucy Powell, the leader of the House, setting out next week's business. The Budget debate then continues for the rest of the day.    The Institute for Fiscal Studies delivers its influential Budget verdict at 10.30.   John Healey, the defence secretary, will meet Royal Navy personnel to launch London Poppy Day.    The Conservative leadership ballot closes at 5pm (the result will be announced on Saturday).  QUOTATION OF THE DAY "He's wiped the floor with Rachel [Reeves]."   Shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins, shouting over her boss Rishi Sunak's shoulder as he responded to the Budget Quiz answer: With twelve Budget speeches under his belt, William Gladstone holds the record for delivering more than any other chancellor The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy