Newspaper headlines weigh a difficult moment for the budget as Netanyahu’s fate hangs in the balance

Budget proposals and energy bills

The Guardian expects the Budget to address the cost of living, while describing it as likely to be limited in scope. It says Healey may postpone major tax and spending decisions until next year, amid what he called a “difficult moment”, according to the paper.

The Times reports that Healey plans to scrap green levies to reduce energy bills and make Britain more resilient to global economic shocks. The Financial Times focuses on longer-term market reforms, reporting that £20.4bn in additional support for the state’s business lender and infrastructure bank will be confirmed over five years. It says funding will back projects including renewable energy, defence and AI.

The i Paper expects lower-income households to receive extra help with bills. The Mirror presents the plans as a Budget for workers, saying Healey is expected to offer households breathing space and businesses hope.

Welfare and public finances

The Daily Express quotes Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warning that Labour is “coming for your pay packets”. The paper says she accused Healey of avoiding welfare reform and forecast a stealth raid on wages.

The Daily Mail also expects Healey to avoid welfare reform and says the tax burden will rise to a record level. It reports that £5.5bn has been set aside to support a 3.5% increase in benefits for about 10 million Britons. The accounts of the Budget differ: some papers anticipate help with energy costs, while others emphasize tax rises and continued welfare spending.

Netanyahu and Israel’s election

The Independent features Benjamin Netanyahu at a ballot box and says his fate hangs in the balance after Israel’s election. The paper describes the vote as historic and reports record turnout. It was the first election since the October 7 attacks, according to the Independent.

Royal visit and other stories

The Times and Daily Telegraph feature King Charles inspecting a guard of honour in the Bahamas. The Telegraph reports that he described slavery as a “great suffering” and acknowledged that some island culture was born out of darkness.

The Daily Star says an unnamed celebrity has asked the High Court to stop two news groups publishing his identity and allegations of sexual misconduct involving girls and young women. The paper says he denies the allegations and has promised not to return to public life.