The most and conservative thing i could do would be to cut taxes by increasing borrowing. Thats just cutting taxes and saying future generations have to pick up the tax after. I wont to do that. But i do want, where its possible to do so, responsibly, to move towards a lower tax economy, and id hope to show a pass in that direction. But this will be a prudent and responsible budget for long term growth, tackling inflation, my investments, morejobs, and thats path to lower taxation as and when we can afford it. But you said also, that the forecast from the obr, which is the economic watchdog which marks your homework, you have said that the numbers have gone against us. So the picture is bleaker than it was at the beginning of the year . Why then are you looking now to cut taxes at all . These forecasts change the whole time. What happened in the autumn was that the forecast went in our favour unexpectedly, quite close to the end. So i was able to introduce the biggest business tax cuts
From washington had sent pulses racing among some people, hoping that there may be an imminent agreement for a cease fire, however temporary, between hamas and israel. And the hamas delegation arriving in cairo today for the talks also expressed hope that a deal could be reached. And again, Optimism Sort of grew, but there were significant obstacles. And anybody covering this story over the last few months will know that often hopes of a ceasefire are dashed by realities on the ground. And one of israels obstacles and demands that was that hamas should present a detailed list of the hostages who would be released under the terms of any future agreement, of course, in exchange for palestinian prisoners in israeli jails. That list hasnt been provided by hamas. There are thought to be at about 134 hostages held by hamas and other groups in gaza. About 30 of those may actually be dead. And israel wanted to know who was still alive, who was going to be released. That hasnt been forthcoming.