- First secretary of state Louise Haigh has declined to rule out tax rises to fund increasing welfare costs during Prime Minister's Questions.
- Standing in for prime minister Andy Burnham, Ms Haigh insisted the Government will bring the welfare bill down by investing in success and tackling long-term drivers.
- Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart accused Labour of lacking the resolve to cut spending, claiming the party's approach will lead to higher taxes and borrowing.
- Official forecasts show welfare spending is projected to rise from #353 billion this year to #431 billion by the 2031-32 financial year.
- Ms Haigh defended Labour's early record in office, pointing to tax cuts for businesses, capped energy and bus costs, and support for rough sleepers.
