Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she will make “necessary choices” in the Budget after the “world has thrown more challenges our way”.
In an unusual pre-Budget speech in Downing Street, Reeves did not rule out a U-turn on Labour’s general election manifesto pledge not to hike income tax, VAT or National Insurance.
When journalists explicitly asked if the government was set to break that pledge she did not answer directly but said she was “setting the context for the Budget”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the speech was “one long waffle bomb” which had left business leaders “none the wiser”.
She added that the chancellor “does not need to put up taxes”, and should copy Conservative policies like scrapping stamp duty to “stimulate” the economy.
South Yorkshire’s Chambers of Commerce warns the Chancellor that businesses can’t take more tax hikes. There is fear amongst economists that increasing taxes will not help economical growth. Read more from BBC >
Launched Tuesday 21 October at Logistics UK’s Digital Transformation in Logistics conference in Birmingham, the roadmap challenges innovators to develop creative and technological solutions to real world problems that will have material benefits for the logistics sector and wider UK economy.
As Freight Forwarders we have carved out a niche in terms of project managing unusual consignments for transportation to all parts of the globe. 
Whether you require an Express or Economy service, we have developed an efficient booking system and we work with trusted partners with networks all over the world.
Taking place from 3rd to 7th November, International Trade Week 2025, is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors: from those looking to secure their first international contract, to experienced exporters keen to increase sales in new or existing markets.
The £25 billion investment in the Strategic Road Network (SRN) committed in the strategy is welcomed by business group Logistics UK, and Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy Jonathan Walker says the focus must now switch to delivery: