PMQs: Keir Starmer says Sunak is the ‘experts’ expert on raising taxes’

Keir Starmer has accused his predecessor as prime minister of being the “experts’ expert” at rising taxes on working people when in office.

It came as the PM repeatedly refused to rule out raising National Insurance for employers amid speculation that the measure is being considered as part of the budget.

The Conservative Party leader said: “I know that not everything or everyone has survived his first 100 days in government.

“So can he confirm that when he promised not to raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT, that commitment applies to both employer and employee national insurance contributions?”

Starmer responded: “He well knows I’m not going to get drawn on decisions, but we made an absolute commitment in relation to not raising tax on working people [at the election].”

The prime minister added: “He, of course, was the experts’ expert on raising taxes. What did we get in return for it? We’ve got a broken economy, broken public services and a £22 billion black hole in the economy.”

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