Tories dismiss PM’s budget ‘everyday fixes’ as little more than ‘cheaper gherkins’ and ‘an insult to families’

The UK government has announced a package of five measures ahead of the budget, including removing tariffs on over 100 products such as gherkins and baked beans, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressures. The Conservatives, however, have dismissed the measures as trivial, with critics labeling them 'cheaper gherkins' and an 'insult to families' struggling with soaring prices. The announcement comes amid broader political tensions over Brexit, as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham called for a debate on revising the settlement, arguing that Brexit has 'done more harm than good'. While Tories largely avoided challenging this claim, Kemi Badenoch defended Brexit, citing growth rates and service exports. Meanwhile, unions welcomed the measures but stressed the need for bolder action on wealth taxation and enduring support for working-class communities. The budget is expected to include further relief, such as permanent mileage rate uplifts, offering up to £300 in tax savings for high-mileage drivers. As the cost of living continues to rise, the government faces pressure to deliver meaningful change rather than symbolic gestures.