A £4 trillion plan to revitalise public services and spur economic growth has been announced by the Chancellor, with critics warning it could trigger hefty tax rises and leave a hefty debt burden for future generations.

Rachel Reeves faces widespread criticism over official figures showing a significant slump in employment since her tax-raising Budget last year, with doubts emerging about the effectiveness of her economic measures.

In a dramatic climbdown, Labour reinstated the winter fuel payment for pensioners earning under £35,000, with Reeves refusing to apologise for the earlier cut and the PM facing criticism for claiming the move was now feasible thanks to the party’s handling of the economy.

A newly uncovered scheme reveals fixers charging substantial sums to secure questionable work permits for unskilled workers, prompting concerns that the PM’s migration pledge is being undermined.