Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out extending the freeze on income tax thresholds in next week's budget.

The prime minister said he would not "inflict austerity on the country as they did", referring to the Conservatives, but did not directly address the speculation that the chancellor may extend the freeze on income tax thresholds beyond 2028.

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Asked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch whether Rachel Reeves would unveil the measure next week, Sir Keir said: "The budget is one week today and we will lay out our plans.

"I've said what we will do in terms of protecting the NHS and public services.

"What we won't do is inflict austerity on the country as they did. What we won't do

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