Rachel Reeves has vowed to cut the cost of living ahead of the final PMQs before her highly anticipated Budget.
Sir Keir Starmer will be facing questions in the Commons after inflation fell to 3.6 per cent in October, in a pre-Budget boost to the chancellor.
On the falling figures, Ms Reeves said: “It’s welcome that inflation has fallen from 3.8 to 3.6 per cent in this month’s data. But I recognise that inflation, the cost of living, is still a big burden on families right across the country.
“And that’s why in the Budget next week, I’ll be taking targeted action to bring down inflation to address the cost of living.”
However, the figures were criticised by Sir Mel Stride MP, shadow chancellor of the exchequer, who said “inflation has been above target every single month” since Labour’s last Budget.
He said: “Labour’s last Budget hiked borrowing and taxes, stoking the inflation now hitting families.”
The prime minister and chancellor have faced fierce scrutiny ahead of next week’s Budget announcement, with a raft of tax rises expected.
Starmer to face final PMQs ahead of Budget
The prime minister is set to face his final round of questions in the Commons ahead of his government’s crunch Budget next week.
Sir Keir Starmer will answer questions from the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch, and other MPs at midday.
We’ll bring you the latest updates here,
Athena Stavrou19 November 2025 09:21
UK inflation drops to four-month low in pre-Budget boost for Rachel Reeves
Inflation fell to 3.6 per cent in October, in a pre-Budget boost to Rachel Reeves – as well as to consumers and businesses.
The latest update from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation dropping from September, when it surprisingly held at 3.8 per cent. That has led to most analysts to declare inflation has peaked across the UK.
It is the first time the rate of inflation has been at this level since June of this year – though just three months prior to that, in March it was as low as 2.6 per cent.
Athena Stavrou19 November 2025 09:19
