Labour pains

PM warns of 'tough' choices to fix Tory hell | He's urged to avoid more agony for poor

- DAVE BURKE, ASHLEY COWBURN

AFTER inheriting a financial disaster left by 14 years of Tory incompetence, Keir Starmer always knew rebuilding Britain would be a tough job.

But the PM was yesterday urged not to prolong the agony for struggling households as he warned the Budget will bring "short-term pain for long-term good".

In a speech yesterday, Mr Starmer said he would make "big asks" of Britons as he is forced into "unpopular decisions" to plug the £22billion black hole the Tories left.

He insisted he would also target those with the broadest shoulders.

But Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already announced the winter fuel payments of up to £300 for pensioners will be means tested, just as fuel bills face a winter rise.

Unions and Labour MPs begged Mr Starmer to axe that and instead focus on tax hikes for the wealthy and profit-hungry firms to shift the burden from ordinary people.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Britain is in crisis, yes.

"But to say there is no money to rebuild industry and infrastructure or to restore our public services, is simply not true.