Senior defence officials from Britain

Lower growth forecasts, possible tax increases, and tighter benefits are raising concerns that 250,000 more people could face hardship, prompting renewed scrutiny of the government’s economic approach.

Labour MPs are questioning whether the traditionally protected state pension triple lock can be maintained amid escalating costs, prompting debate over its place in the current economic climate.

Amid widespread warnings of public-sector cost-cutting, thousands of civil service roles appear set for the axe and schools face a severe funding shortfall, as Reeves confirms the need for billions of pounds in savings and sparks fears of the toughest financial strain in a generation.