Rachel Reeves faced strong criticism after insisting her plans would bolster the nation’s finances, even as growth forecasts were cut in half and questions arose over further potential tax hikes.

In the face of rising scepticism, the Chancellor’s attempt to attribute the nation’s economic struggles to wider turmoil is facing criticism, with predictions indicating stagnant living standards for years to come.

Labour is set to oppose a ban on solar panels purportedly linked to forced labour, keeping them available for installation on schools and hospitals under the party’s energy plans.

Rachel Reeves, facing scrutiny over an expensive corporate box seat at a Sabrina Carpenter concert, is expected to cut 10,000 civil service positions, prompting fresh debate about public spending and the acceptance of high-value perks.