this is bbc news. i'm joanna gosling at westminster, where later this morning the chancellorjeremy hunt will say he will plug the £54 billion financial black hole by cutting spending and raising taxes in his autumn statement. the chancellorjeremy hunt has been very clear that difficult decisions are needed to get the uk economy back on track. he's expected to announce taxes will go up by £24 billion. he's also set to announce a rise in benefits and state pensions in line with inflation. he will also outline plans to cut public spending and services by £30 billion. i'm annita mcveigh live in

gloucester where we are live throughout the day building up to the autumn statement and later getting reaction to what the chancellor has to say as we talk about the cost of living crisis, tackling it together. today is likely to be a defining moment for the prime minister rishi sunak, who has recently returned from the g20 summit in bali in indonesia. he is expected to give a statement on that shortly. iam in i am in gloucester talking to business owners about how they are feeling ahead of today's autumn statement. hello and welcome. it's a huge day for the uk economy — and for the finances of people up and down the country — as the chancellorjeremy hunt prepares to deliver his

autumn statement. i'm here in westminster and my colleague annita mcveigh is in gloucester, and between us we'll be crunching the numbers and bringing you lots of analysis about what the changes mean for you. joanna, thank you very much. i'm in gloucester docks. we are in an area that has seen a huge massive regeneration over the last 20 years or so. we have the national waterways museum behind me, some of these lovely old victorian warehouses have been turned into flats and apartments. and we have got lots of nice shops and restaurants in this area. but as people face this cost of living crisis, have they got the money to spend going out for meals, going shopping and so forth? it is interesting to hear, i spoke earlier to the centre manager here and he said they are actually doing pretty well but remember this is an outlet centre so people are coming here expecting reductions on high street

prices. so definitely where people are spending their money they are obviously looking for a bargain. we are going to be here right through the day, building up to the autumn statement, and getting lots of reaction afterwards to what the chancellor has had to say. back to you, joanna. thank you. almost everyone in society will be affected, from the lowest earner, to the highest paid. so, let's take a look at the measures we are expecting to be announced. the government plans to save around £30 billion through spending cuts, and raise £24 billion in tax rises, plugging a financial black hole of £54 billion. it will involve lowering the threshold the highest earners start paying the top rate of tax down to £125,000 from £150,000. there will be spending squeezes across government departments, although health will be protected — with its money rising in line with inflation. support for energy bills is expected

to remain in place — but to become less generous from april of next year. that's expected to be financed by a significantly expanded windfall tax on the energy industry. i'm joined by our chief political correspondent, nick eardley. nick, ican nick, i can run through a lot of what we are expecting because they have been so many leaks, very different from the olden days, but very different times. very different from when we stood here waiting for kwasi kwarteng's so—called mini budget which have such a big impact on the uk's finances, in part because the markets were not expecting all of it. today the chancellor has tried to tell us everything that's coming to tell us everything that's coming to try and prepare the markets because i think that's his number one audience today, he is trying to persuade financial markets and all of us that there is a plan for stability and economic credibility. he is going to say that today, that there is an economic storm but the uk needs to face it. however, i don't think that's going to be

without controversy. i think by the end of the day we are going to be talking about some key squeezes on household incomes are they are going to mean for millions of people across the country more tax because the tax threshold, the point at which we start paying tax rates will be frozen. doesn't sound like a big deal but because everybody�*s pay is going up, because of inflation it means most everybody is going to pay more tax. then there is energy bills. there are going to be subsidies funded by the government but for a lot of households it is going to mean your energy bill next year is going on by hundreds of pounds. so there are going to be some big squeezes on household incomes, particularly on the middle, middle class, if you want to call it that, or middle earners. interestingly a lot of people who vote conservative. i think there will be disquiet about that. $5 vote conservative. i think there will be disquiet about that. as you sa the will be disquiet about that. as you say the primary — will be disquiet about that. as you say the primary audience - will be disquiet about that. as you say the primary audience today i will be disquiet about that. as you say the primary audience today is | say the primary audience today is the markets but as you say these decisions will have a huge impact on people out there. in terms of what we are looking at already,

particularly in the public sector, is the prospect of strike action because of the impact on people's livelihoods. because of the impact on people's livelihoods-_ livelihoods. because government departments _ livelihoods. because government departments are _ livelihoods. because government departments are going _ livelihoods. because government departments are going to - livelihoods. because government departments are going to see - livelihoods. because government i departments are going to see their budgets squeezed. there will not be any money for the next couple of years to deal with inflation. after that there is going to be below inflation increases in spending which means real term cuts meaning there will not be much money to get significant pay rises to people in the public sector. likewise, the national living wage will be announced today, the new rate that kicks in from april is going to go up, probably by a fair amount. but i think we are going to face a lot of questions about industrial action, about whether the pay rises we are seeing off their given the rate of inflation. the key argument you are going to hearfrom inflation. the key argument you are going to hear from the government todayis going to hear from the government today is that it needs to do this, that the black hole we have heard about for the last few weeks needs

to be plugged if you are going to bring down inflation and get the economy back on a more sound footing. but that is controversial. there are some who do not agree with the way the government is working out the size of the fiscal black hole. there are some who think you should focus more on spending cuts, or on tax rises. so there is still a big political debate to come. i think you will hear the chancellor say today that he is prioritising people who need it the most. so we are going to see pensions and benefits go up by the rate of inflation. that wasn't always guaranteed, although we had thought for the last couple of weeks it was highly likely. i think we are going to see particular cost of living support payments for people on pensions and people on low incomes, that will be the government's way of saying to us this afternoon we are looking after people at the bottom. but households are going to be squeezed, everybody is going to face a pinch over the next few months, the next few years, and the question

the next few years, and the question the chancellor will face over the course of the day is has he got the balance right? there are some who think he has overcooked it. he is going to argue that it is necessary. thank you, nick. let's take a look at the impact on business with our business correspondent caroline davies. she has more details of what the autumn statement is likely to mean for all of us. new chancellor, the fourth this year, and a new autumn statement. with inflation at its highest in 41 years, and warnings about the uk facing the longest recession since records began, the stakes are high, and around the uk people are already feeling it. what we usually buy for £2 is now £2.50. you start worrying how it's going to impact immediately, you know, feeding, clothing and heating the house. me and my partner have said no presents for each other. - we've been together a number of years. l we've never not bought each other a christmas present. _ and this year we're not buying each other a christmas present - because we simply can't afford to.

so what do we think the chancellor plans to do? firstly, he's expected to raise state pensions, benefits and tax credits in april, by september's inflation rate. that was 10.i%. 0n energy, there'll still be a price cap, but it will rise, so that the typical household will be paying just over £3,000 a year. currently, they're paying around £2,500. not everyone lives in a typical household, and the cap is on unit rates, not your bills, which means how much you pay will still depend on how much energy you actually use. and there will likely be tax rises. energy companies are expected to be hit by an expanded windfall tax. the treasury are expected to say there needs to be cuts to spending plans, but those will be pushed back until after the general election. after liz truss and kwasi kwarteng's mini—budget, and the turmoil seen in the markets, the treasury feels under pressure to show that it can win credibility

back, while trying to reassure the country as the economy struggles. caroline davies, bbc news. it is possible that one thing we might hear from the chancellor today is on council tax and lifting the cap on council tax increases. it comes amid warnings from some councils that they are sleepwalking to financial disaster. kent county council and hampshire county council say they are potentially at risk of bankruptcy. i'm joined by councillor peter fleming, spokesperson for the local government association and conservative leader of sevenoaks district council. welcome. thank you forjoining us. tell us about the picture facing councils. i tell us about the picture facing councils. ~' ., , , councils. i think the reality is today you — councils. i think the reality is today you will _ councils. i think the reality is today you will hear _ councils. i think the reality is today you will hear a - councils. i think the reality is today you will hear a lot - councils. i think the reality is today you will hear a lot of i today you will hear a lot of incredibly big numbers, and really incredibly big numbers. and really are not going to understand people are not going to understand the impact. the fact is that at the moment the gap

the impact. the fact is that at the momen' to e gap “jr" ,, "as" "a ,, . w the impact. the fact is that at the momen' to e gap £40 www w www ww w . w the impact. the fact is that at the momen' to e gap £40 w every 77.— w. ,, . c, and child england. �*the three we will get to not the ot period are will remember adult social in. you will remember adult social care costs were already rising, already hadn't been tackled. we are dame-"i £%'¥:5%£. ed" "9,-5-5 . ww www ww particular, also at a we responsible at a we responsible for a we responsible for housing we responsible for housing are we are responsible for housing are many more people approaching seeing many more people approaching us is that cost of living starts to really hit. i us is that cost of living starts to reall hit. ., , ., ., , really hit. i mentioned your county council kent _ really hit. i mentioned your county council kent says _ really hit. i mentioned your county council kent says it _ really hit. i mentioned your county council kent says it is _ really hit. i mentioned your county council kent says it is facing - council kent says it is facing bankruptcy. how is this picture being managed and what are your concerns about the cuts that are not just being implemented now but what you are facing? i just being implemented now but what you are facing?— you are facing? i think it comes back to the _ you are facing? i think it comes back to the core _ you are facing? i think it comes back to the core problem - you are facing? i think it comes back to the core problem that l you are facing? i think it comes - back to the core problem that local government had before this crisis. and all this crisis has done is make it even worse. and that is around the cost of adult social care. more

and more people need adult social care, adult social care costs are going up, and it cannot be funded solely through council tax. it's just not possible for that to happen. the government has looked at changes but not in fermented them. and those changes would have benefited the nhs side of adult social care but not local government side. so this is what we are talking about when we are talking about their large county councils and other councils that have demand services right on the brink in terms of finances, and this crisis is going to possibly tip them over. you want to hear — going to possibly tip them over. you want to hear from the chancellor stuff around that, that is going to affect the bigger picture, because otherwise it effectively that councils social staff to taking bins 77 bins away? the bins away? take adult social care to children's _ the bins away? take adult social care to children's services - the bins away? take adult social care to children's services out i the bins away? take adult social care to children's services out ofj care to children's services out of the picture, the current crisis will start to affect those services you see every time you walk out of your front door. the street cleaning,

your waist been collected, whether your waist been collected, whether you have a leisure centre that is open, do you feel safe? councils are actually involved in community safety. to do with the economy, lots of councils work incredibly hard around economic development. all of that work potentially is at risk if we can't find a way of funding local government that doesn't just we can't find a way of funding local government that doesn'tjust keep going back to the council taxpayer. 0n the council tax, i mentioned it is possible that we will get an announcement from the chancellor today that there would be a lift in the cap that councils can introduce to increase the income from council tax. would that be helpful? the reali is tax. would that be helpful? the reality is it _ tax. would that be helpful? iie: reality is it would need to go up 20% and no council in the country is in a position, when actually everybody is looking at all of their other costs, you know, we pay council tax, you and i pay council tax, we are seeing all of our other costs going up. is that really the time when we can introduce a 20% increase? the amount that is needed to fill that gap. d0

increase? the amount that is needed to fill that gap-— to fill that gap. do you think councils would _ to fill that gap. do you think councils would be _ to fill that gap. do you think councils would be prepared | to fill that gap. do you think. councils would be prepared to increase even buy a smaller amount? at the moment councils are capped, and obviously dependent on what the situation is in local areas. because the reality is in some areas where services are needed the most, we have residents that are in the least capable of paying council tax. so actuallyjust capable of paying council tax. so actually just saying you capable of paying council tax. so actuallyjust saying you can increase council tax and that will solve the problem, or we can increase business rates and that will solve the problem, fundamentally neither of those two fully solve the problem, which is a huge, over £2 billion gap in local government funding. what huge, over £2 billion gap in local government funding.— huge, over £2 billion gap in local government funding. what is your solution on _ government funding. what is your solution on this? _ government funding. what is your solution on this? the _ government funding. what is your solution on this? the governmentj solution on this? the government needs to give _ solution on this? the government needs to give flexibility _ solution on this? the government needs to give flexibility to - solution on this? the government needs to give flexibility to those l needs to give flexibility to those councils that don't have demand led services. we have a smorgasbord of different types of local government in this country. but councils like mine, we need is inflexibility, some freedom around fees and charges. we need flexibly to go out and invest in our local areas and bring that revenue back so that we can put that

back into services. and then the government needs to tackle those big demand led services, adult social care, children's services. there needs to be a national solution. when you are talking about the power to increase fees and charges, that obviously is an extra cost for people you have already described, everyone out there is facing difficulties.— everyone out there is facing difficulties. , ., difficulties. many of these are around choice _ difficulties. many of these are around choice based - difficulties. many of these are around choice based charges. | around choice based charges. planning applications and those sorts of things were actually people can make a choice. council tax, there is no choice element to it, you have to pay it. so actually looking at fees and charges is one thing. but actually giving local governments some flexibility around how they operate would be the biggest change for councils like mine. however, the fundamental problem is adult social care and children's services, and the government needs to get a handle on that. ., . ., that. councillor peter fleming, thank you _ that. councillor peter fleming, thank you very _ that. councillor peter fleming, thank you very much. - that. councillor peter fleming, thank you very much. let's - that. councillor peter fleming, thank you very much. let's go | that. councillor peter fleming, - thank you very much. let's go back to gloucester, and my colleague anita mcveigh. 0ver to gloucester, and my colleague anita mcveigh. over to you.

joanna, thank you very much. i've literallyjust been walking around the streets of gloucester city centre grabbing some people to come and talk to us. they are with me now. let me see if i have no name is wright, francis, philand page. thank you. then, whatever you were doing, to have a word with us today. francis and filled in both retired and about to start drawing your pension is?— and about to start drawing your pension is? yes. what would you like to see from — pension is? yes. what would you like to see from the _ pension is? iezs what would you like to see from the government today pension is? i2; what would you like to see from the government today in this autumn statement by the chancellor? figs this autumn statement by the chancellor?— this autumn statement by the chancellor? a ., , , , chancellor? as regards pension, they said they would _ chancellor? as regards pension, they said they would put _ chancellor? as regards pension, they said they would put them _ chancellor? as regards pension, they said they would put them up, - chancellor? as regards pension, they said they would put them up, but - chancellor? as regards pension, they said they would put them up, but a l said they would put them up, but a little bit would be great. ilirui’ith little bit would be great. with inflation. little bit would be great. with inflation. with _ little bit would be great. with inflation. with inflation. - little bit would be great. with inflation. with inflation. noti little bit would be great. with | inflation. with inflation. not a little bit would be great. with - inflation. with inflation. not a lot but enough _ inflation. with inflation. not a lot but enough to — inflation. with inflation. not a lot but enough to keep _ inflation. with inflation. not a lot but enough to keep us _ inflation. with inflation. not a lot but enough to keep us going. - inflation. with inflation. not a lotj but enough to keep us going. but kee the but enough to keep us going. but keep the triple—lock on pensions? i'd like to see that if they can. i have _ i'd like to see that if they can. i have quite _ i'd like to see that if they can. i have quite a different view from a lot of— have quite a different view from a lot of people, i'm quite happy with the support they are trying to give

us, i_ the support they are trying to give us, i appreciate what rishi has done and they— us, i appreciate what rishi has done and they are — us, i appreciate what rishi has done and they are giving is an allowance for the _ and they are giving is an allowance for the heating, quite substantial, i for the heating, quite substantial, i think _ for the heating, quite substantial, i think i_ for the heating, quite substantial, i think. i actually differ from quite — i think. i actually differ from quite a _ i think. i actually differ from quite a few people in thinking that the government are offering really -ood the government are offering really good support. it is the government are offering really good support-— good support. it is interesting to hear ou good support. it is interesting to hear you say _ good support. it is interesting to hear you say keep _ good support. it is interesting to hear you say keep the _ good support. it is interesting to| hear you say keep the triple-lock good support. it is interesting to i hear you say keep the triple-lock if hear you say keep the triple—lock if they can because some of the government's own mps were really cross when there was a suggestion under the previous prime minister that that triple—lock might go, and very quickly the government announced that that would not be happening. but you seem pretty content with the government's offering. i content with the government's offerina. . , ., ., offering. i believe they are going to rive offering. i believe they are going to give the _ offering. i believe they are going to give the 1096 _ offering. i believe they are going to give the 1096 inflation - offering. i believe they are going to give the 1096 inflation rate, i to give the 10% inflation rate, that's— to give the 10% inflation rate, that's what i feel they are going to do. that's what i feel they are going to do i_ that's what i feel they are going to do. i haven't seen it this morning on the _ do. i haven't seen it this morning on the television but i think that is what — on the television but i think that is what they are going to do. so they— is what they are going to do. so they will— is what they are going to do. so they will do benefits and triple—lock in line with inflation. so, triple—lock in line with inflation. 50. you — triple—lock in line with inflation. so, you know, that's good support, really. _ so, you know, that's good support, really. with— so, you know, that's good support, really, with the heating allowances and the _ really, with the heating allowances and the money off their heating bills, _ and the money off their heating bills, £66 a month, you know, how much _ bills, £66 a month, you know, how much more — bills, £66 a month, you know, how much more can they give? i think it's quite — much more can they give? i think it's quite good, really. do

much more can they give? i think it's quite good, really.— it's quite good, really. do you think actually _ it's quite good, really. do you think actually when _ it's quite good, really. do you| think actually when pensioners it's quite good, really. do you - think actually when pensioners are wealthier or better off, that there ought to be more means testing of benefits in order to divert money to those who are less well off? filth. those who are less well off? 0h, es. we those who are less well off? oh, yes- we have — those who are less well off? oh, yes. we have always _ those who are less well off? i yes. we have always said those who are less well off? oi, yes. we have always said anybody those who are less well off? oi yes. we have always said anybody who definitely needs it it is a good thing to have the means test for them. but the people who are all right on the pension they are on, that's fine. i right on the pension they are on, that's fine-— right on the pension they are on, that's fine. _, . ,, ., i. that's fine. i will come back to you in a minute _ that's fine. i will come back to you in a minute to _ that's fine. i will come back to you in a minute to find _ that's fine. i will come back to you in a minute to find out _ that's fine. i will come back to you in a minute to find out a _ that's fine. i will come back to you in a minute to find out a bit - that's fine. i will come back to you in a minute to find out a bit morel in a minute to find out a bit more about what you'd like to hear from the chancellor today. also joining us is page who is a midwife. thank you for talking to us at bbc news today as well. what are you looking for from the government today? we have been told by the chancellor that there are tough decisions ahead, that there are going to be spending cuts and tax rises. working in the nhs i — spending cuts and tax rises. working in the nhs i always _ spending cuts and tax rises. working in the nhs i always feel _ spending cuts and tax rises. working in the nhs i always feel they - spending cuts and tax rises. working in the nhs i always feel they should | in the nhs i always feel they should be in the nhs i always feel they should he more _ in the nhs i always feel they should he more funding _ in the nhs i always feel they should be more funding for— in the nhs i always feel they should be more funding for the _ in the nhs i always feel they should be more funding for the nhs, - be more funding for the nhs, everybody— be more funding for the nhs, everybody needs— be more funding for the nhs, everybody needs the - be more funding for the nhs, everybody needs the nhs, i be more funding for the nhs, i everybody needs the nhs, and be more funding for the nhs, - everybody needs the nhs, and we would _ everybody needs the nhs, and we would he — everybody needs the nhs, and we would be struggling _ everybody needs the nhs, and we would be struggling as _ everybody needs the nhs, and we would be struggling as a - everybody needs the nhs, and we would be struggling as a country. everybody needs the nhs, and wej would be struggling as a country if we didn't— would be struggling as a country if we didn't have _ would be struggling as a country if we didn't have the _

would be struggling as a country if we didn't have the support- would be struggling as a country if we didn't have the support that i would be struggling as a country if| we didn't have the support that we have from — we didn't have the support that we have from it — we didn't have the support that we have from it. working _ we didn't have the support that we have from it. working all - we didn't have the support that we have from it. working all the i we didn't have the support that we have from it. working all the way i have from it. working all the way through— have from it. working all the way through the — have from it. working all the way through the pandemic _ have from it. working all the way through the pandemic has - have from it. working all the way through the pandemic has been i have from it. working all the way i through the pandemic has been very hard on _ through the pandemic has been very hard on anybody— through the pandemic has been very hard on anybody working _ through the pandemic has been very hard on anybody working in - through the pandemic has been very hard on anybody working in the i hard on anybody working in the services, — hard on anybody working in the services, any— hard on anybody working in the services, any area _ hard on anybody working in the services, any area of— hard on anybody working in the services, any area of it, - hard on anybody working in the services, any area of it, but i services, any area of it, but particularly _ services, any area of it, but particularly i'm _ services, any area of it, but particularly i'm finding i services, any area of it, but particularly i'm finding in i services, any area of it, but i particularly i'm finding in where i am in_ particularly i'm finding in where i am in maternity— particularly i'm finding in where i am in maternity we _ particularly i'm finding in where i am in maternity we are - particularly i'm finding in where i am in maternity we are very, i particularly i'm finding in where ii am in maternity we are very, very short— am in maternity we are very, very short of— am in maternity we are very, very short of midwives. _ am in maternity we are very, very short of midwives. for— am in maternity we are very, very short of midwives. for every i am in maternity we are very, very short of midwives. for every 30 l short of midwives. for every 30 midwives— short of midwives. for every 30 midwives that _ short of midwives. for every 30 midwives that start _ short of midwives. for every 30 midwives that start their - short of midwives. for every 30| midwives that start their training and come — midwives that start their training and come to— midwives that start their training and come to qualification, - midwives that start their training and come to qualification, only. midwives that start their training i and come to qualification, only one midwife _ and come to qualification, only one midwife actually— and come to qualification, only one midwife actually maintains - and come to qualification, only one midwife actually maintains their i and come to qualification, only one| midwife actually maintains theirjob in midwifery— midwife actually maintains theirjob in midwifery two _ midwife actually maintains theirjob in midwifery two years _ midwife actually maintains theirjob in midwifery two years after - midwife actually maintains theirjob in midwifery two years after they. in midwifery two years after they have _ in midwifery two years after they have qualified. _ in midwifery two years after they have qualified. because - in midwifery two years after they have qualified. because of- in midwifery two years after they have qualified. because of the i have qualified. because of the stresses — have qualified. because of the stresses on _ have qualified. because of the stresses on the _ have qualified. because of the stresses on the service. - have qualified. because of the stresses on the service. because there is not _ stresses on the service. because there is not enough _ stresses on the service. because there is not enough funding. - there is not enough funding. presumably you think the government, and of course we have been reporting on the vote in favour of a strike by nurses, you would want to see the government somehow find the money to get more funds into the nhs and more funds into staff pay in order to recruit and retain staff, because that's what gnosis i have spoken to have said to me. it is that's what gnosis i have spoken to have said to me.— have said to me. it is not even necessarily — have said to me. it is not even necessarily about _ have said to me. it is not even necessarily about pay. - have said to me. it is not even i necessarily about pay. everybody would _ necessarily about pay. everybody would always _ necessarily about pay. everybody would always want _ necessarily about pay. everybody would always want more - necessarily about pay. everybody would always want more pay- necessarily about pay. everybody would always want more pay to l necessarily about pay. everybody- would always want more pay to match with the _ would always want more pay to match with the cost — would always want more pay to match

with the cost of— would always want more pay to match with the cost of living _ would always want more pay to match with the cost of living with _ would always want more pay to match with the cost of living with the - with the cost of living with the cost _ with the cost of living with the cost of — with the cost of living with the cost of living _ with the cost of living with the cost of living going _ with the cost of living with the cost of living going up. - with the cost of living with the cost of living going up. for. with the cost of living with the| cost of living going up. for me with the cost of living with the . cost of living going up. for me it is more — cost of living going up. for me it is more ahout— cost of living going up. for me it is more about the _ cost of living going up. for me it is more about the actual - cost of living going up. for me it is more about the actual moneyi cost of living going up. for me it - is more about the actual money into the service — is more about the actual money into the service. people _ is more about the actual money into the service. people are _ is more about the actual money into the service. people are not- the service. people are not receiving _ the service. people are not receiving the _ the service. people are not receiving the care - the service. people are not receiving the care that - the service. people are not| receiving the care that they the service. people are not- receiving the care that they need in a timely— receiving the care that they need in a timely fashion _ receiving the care that they need in a timely fashion because _ receiving the care that they need in a timely fashion because there - receiving the care that they need in a timely fashion because there is. a timely fashion because there is not enough — a timely fashion because there is not enough money _ a timely fashion because there is not enough money in _ a timely fashion because there is not enough money in the - a timely fashion because there is| not enough money in the service, there _ not enough money in the service, there are — not enough money in the service, there are budget— not enough money in the service, there are budget cuts _ not enough money in the service, there are budget cuts to - not enough money in the service, there are budget cuts to the - there are budget cuts to the service, _ there are budget cuts to the service, there's _ there are budget cuts to the service, there's that - there are budget cuts to the service, there's that issue . there are budget cuts to the . service, there's that issue with recruitment— service, there's that issue with recruitment and _ service, there's that issue with recruitment and retention, - service, there's that issue with - recruitment and retention, because it's not— recruitment and retention, because it's not as _ recruitment and retention, because it's not as ari— recruitment and retention, because it's not as an attractive _ recruitment and retention, because it's not as an attractive job - recruitment and retention, because it's not as an attractive job to - recruitment and retention, because it's not as an attractive job to be i it's not as an attractive job to be in the _ it's not as an attractive job to be in the nhs — it's not as an attractive job to be in the nhs any— it's not as an attractive job to be in the nhs any more _ it's not as an attractive job to be in the nhs any more because i it's not as an attractive job to be i in the nhs any more because you don't _ in the nhs any more because you don't feel— in the nhs any more because you don't feel supported _ in the nhs any more because you don't feel supported and - in the nhs any more because you i don't feel supported and rewarded in the nhs any more because you - don't feel supported and rewarded by the government— don't feel supported and rewarded by the government for— don't feel supported and rewarded by the government for putting _ don't feel supported and rewarded by the government for putting your- don't feel supported and rewarded by the government for putting your life i the government for putting your life into the _ the government for putting your life into the nhs — the government for putting your life into the nhs i_ the government for putting your life into the nhs. idon't_ the government for putting your life into the nhs. i don't feel... - the government for putting your life into the nhs. i don't feel... ”that. into the nhs. i don't feel... that will no what _ into the nhs. i don't feel... that will no what you _ into the nhs. i don't feel... that will no what you will— into the nhs. i don't feel... that will no what you will be - into the nhs. i don't feel... will no what you will be looking for, page. finally, a finalword from you, phil and francis, what is the key thing you like to hear from the key thing you like to hear from the chancellor in the autumn statement? i’d the chancellor in the autumn statement?— the chancellor in the autumn statement? �* ,, ., . . statement? i'd like to hear about the increase _ statement? i'd like to hear about the increase in _ statement? i'd like to hear about the increase in line _ statement? i'd like to hear about the increase in line with - statement? i'd like to hear about the increase in line with inflationl the increase in line with inflation for the _ the increase in line with inflation for the pension, the increase in line with inflation forthe pension, really. the increase in line with inflation for the pension, really. find for the pension, really. and francis? — for the pension, really. and francis? obviously - for the pension, really. and francis? obviously benefitsi for the pension, really. and - francis? obviously benefits need to be assessed — francis? obviously benefits need to be assessed for _ francis? obviously benefits need to be assessed for the _ francis? obviously benefits need to be assessed for the more _ francis? obviously benefits need to| be assessed for the more vulnerable grades. be assessed for the more vulnerable trades. . , be assessed for the more vulnerable i rades. ., , ., ., ., be assessed for the more vulnerable rades. . , ., i. grades. really good to get your thou i hts, grades. really good to get your thoughts. and _ grades. really good to get your thoughts, and i _ grades. really good to get your thoughts, and i appreciate - grades. really good to get your thoughts, and i appreciate you | thoughts, and i appreciate you stopping to talk to us. we're just

going to go a short distance across the city to an market and my colleague adina campbell is there. for those who don't know you are from gloucester originally so you really know this place. i am indeed. really know this place. lam indeed. this really know this place. i am indeed. this shopping centre, i spent many weekends as a here teenager, lots of memories flooding back to me, but the threshold here is over the market stalls up and running, if you come to gloucester there is no better place than this indoor market. it's been around for more than 60 years and it's a great place in terms of gauging reaction and thoughts on what will be a huge day of news in terms of government announcements. many businesses and customers here will be watching closely to find out how the proposed tax changes and spending cuts could affect their futures. how are people in gloucester feeling? you affect their futures. how are people in gloucesterfeeling? you run affect their futures. how are people in gloucester feeling? you run an antiques and shoe service behind us and you have had a couple of tough

years. it’s and you have had a couple of tough ears. �* , , . , and you have had a couple of tough ears. fl, . , years. it's been really bad, with the deteriorating _ years. it's been really bad, with the deteriorating economy - years. it's been really bad, with l the deteriorating economy people don't have money to spend, and given governments have papered over what i see is a global recession that is getting so bad. you see is a global recession that is getting so bad-— see is a global recession that is getting so bad. i getting so bad. you lose money? i lose money _ getting so bad. you lose money? i lose money every _ getting so bad. you lose money? i lose money every week, _ getting so bad. you lose money? i lose money every week, just - getting so bad. you lose money? i. lose money every week, just getting by. lose money every week, 'ust getting b . ~ , . lose money every week, 'ust getting by. why are you still here? insanity. — by. why are you still here? insanity, desperation - by. why are you still here? insanity, desperation and l by. why are you still here? - insanity, desperation and hope, basically! insanity, desperation and hope, basicall ! ~ . ., ., basically! what you hope for from toda ? basically! what you hope for from today? budget? _ basically! what you hope for from today? budget? it _ basically! what you hope for from today? budget? it is— basically! what you hope for from today? budget? it is a _ basically! what you hope for from today? budget? it is a reality - basically! what you hope for from i today? budget? it is a reality check about what people can spend as opposed to what people want him to spend, he hasn't got the money, he needs to target the money on those. what do you think would make the biggest difference to your business in order to keep going? it is biggest difference to your business in order to keep going?— in order to keep going? it is very difficult. councils _ in order to keep going? it is very difficult. councils have _ in order to keep going? it is very difficult. councils have bills - in order to keep going? it is very difficult. councils have bills to i difficult. councils have bills to pay and budgets to keep, but there are so many closed shops, notjust in gloucester, which is worrying and it's to do with the fixed cost of running a business and people want to work but they can't afford to run

a business because like me they could be losing money. with a small pension it is hard. you could be losing money. with a small pension it is hard.— pension it is hard. you sell antiques — pension it is hard. you sell antiques and _ pension it is hard. you sell antiques and collectables, | pension it is hard. you sell- antiques and collectables, that could be a luxury item for many people. it could be a luxury item for many --eole. ., could be a luxury item for many eo le, ., ., could be a luxury item for many --eole. ., ., . , , people. it evolved into that because the shoes were _ people. it evolved into that because the shoes were not _ people. it evolved into that because the shoes were not selling - people. it evolved into that because the shoes were not selling and - people. it evolved into that because the shoes were not selling and at i the shoes were not selling and at least it is a bit more interesting. there is a big community here and you all stick together. irate there is a big community here and you all stick together. we struggle to attract new _ you all stick together. we struggle to attract new footfall. _ you all stick together. we struggle to attract new footfall. there - you all stick together. we struggle to attract new footfall. there is - you all stick together. we struggle to attract new footfall. there is a l to attract new footfall. there is a term i use, spend full, and that's money who have —— people have money to spend. realistically, how much longer can you go on for?— you go on for? months maybe. i strui iled you go on for? months maybe. i struggled to _ you go on for? months maybe. i struggled to make _ you go on for? months maybe. i struggled to make the _ you go on for? months maybe. i struggled to make the rent, - you go on for? months maybe. i struggled to make the rent, it . you go on for? months maybe. i struggled to make the rent, it is you go on for? months maybe. i i struggled to make the rent, it is a simple as that. you struggled to make the rent, it is a simple as that.— simple as that. you need the government _ simple as that. you need the government to _ simple as that. you need the government to do _ simple as that. you need the government to do something simple as that. you need the - government to do something pretty fast? , . . , . ., fast? they need a reality check to iet these fast? they need a reality check to get these shops _ fast? they need a reality check to get these shops occupied, - fast? they need a reality check to get these shops occupied, people want to work but can't afford to work. . ~ want to work but can't afford to work. . ,, , ., want to work but can't afford to work. . ~' , ., , want to work but can't afford to work. . ,, i. , . want to work but can't afford to work. . «i , . , work. thank you very much. many business owners _

work. thank you very much. many business owners like _ work. thank you very much. many business owners like neil - work. thank you very much. many business owners like neil will - work. thank you very much. many business owners like neil will be i business owners like neil will be watching closely once the chancellor gets on his feet to deliver today's autumn statement. so many questions over what the government will do, how they will propose these tax changes, spending cuts, given there are so many economic pressures. but the one thing we have seen time and time again after speaking to so many business owners this morning, they want to see a clear and detailed plan in order to restore some sense of stability. adina campbell, thank you very much. just a short distance away from where i am in gloucester city centre. throughout the rest of the day after the autumn statement take place i will talk to lots of business owners in this area, i will try and answer as many of your questions as possible about what this autumn statement means to you. this is part of our continuing coverage on tackling the cost of living crisis, tackling it together. everybody is facing this in common. we are going to be telling more

stories from gloucester throughout the day. back to you, joanna. thank you very much. we will be live in the common shortly because the prime minister rishi sunak will be making a statement on the g20 which he attended in bali earlier this week. so we will bring you that statement when it happens, it is due in the next five minutes or so. 0ur chief political correspondent nick eardley is with me. nick, it has been a busy week for the prime minister. that was his first g20 as prime minister. it was a test for him? it prime minister. it was a test for him? ., , , prime minister. it was a test for him? , . ._ him? it absolutely was, particularly iiven him? it absolutely was, particularly given everything — him? it absolutely was, particularly given everything that _ him? it absolutely was, particularly given everything that happened - him? it absolutely was, particularly given everything that happened in l given everything that happened in ukraine over the last few days, some of those strikes we saw on ukrainian infrastructure and the incident over the border in poland which caused a lot of alarm at the g20. it meant a lot of alarm at the g20. it meant a lot of alarm at the g20. it meant a lot of hastily rearranged meetings. it is interesting because obviously it is a huge dealfor it is interesting because obviously it is a huge deal for the it is interesting because obviously it is a huge dealfor the prime minister to be at the g20 for the first time, to talk to world leaders about his vision for the uk, to try

and get some credibility back. that's the way he put it. but this is the moment that matters. it is what we see at 11:30am. he knows that his political future will be dictated by the economy. this is a defining moment for the government, it is a defining moment for the prime minister and it is going to feel very different to the defining moment we had eight weeks ago when the last prime minister was ultimately brought down. he’s the last prime minister was ultimately brought down. he's been described as — ultimately brought down. he's been described as effectively _ ultimately brought down. he's been described as effectively being - ultimately brought down. he's been described as effectively being a - ultimately brought down. he's been described as effectively being a bit. described as effectively being a bit of a technocratic prime minister because of his financial background, he was chancellor. is that the way to look at it?— to look at it? this guy is saying the messiah — to look at it? this guy is saying the messiah is _ to look at it? this guy is saying the messiah is coming. - to look at it? this guy is saying the messiah is coming. i - to look at it? this guy is saying the messiah is coming. i don'tl to look at it? this guy is saying - the messiah is coming. i don't know if there are some political metaphors in there, someone will figure it out somewhere. i think there will be politics, there will be lots of politics. we talked earlier about how the biggest challenge for the government is to try and bring back some stability and economic credibility. that will

involve those decisions, making the books add up, but there will also be a lot of politics in this. one of the interesting things that we will be mulling over once we get the full autumn statement is a lot of those most painful decisions have been postponed until after the next general election. what does that do? it sets up a debate in the next general election about who is going to manage the economy more soundly. the government will want to argue in a couple of years' time that we get a couple of years' time that we get a lot of stuff wrong but we have got back on the right foot, they will want inflation to be coming down and they say if we keep going with the planet will work. labour will argue, well, actually, the government crashed the car and we can't trust them any more and we need to start looking for an alternative. fulfill?! looking for an alternative. man shouts over _ looking for an alternative. man shouts over megaphone. it| looking for an alternative. man - shouts over megaphone. it sets up the snours over megaphone. it sets up the interesting _ shouts over megaphone. it sets up the interesting debate _ shouts over megaphone. it sets up the interesting debate over— shouts over megaphone. it sets up the interesting debate over the - the interesting debate over the extent to which spending cuts and tax rises are necessary. what is really interesting is there are some differences between labour and the conservatives. they are important. but as of this moment they are not

massive ideological gulfs. find but as of this moment they are not massive ideological gulfs.- massive ideological gulfs. and in terms of the _ massive ideological gulfs. and in terms of the party _ massive ideological gulfs. and in terms of the party and _ massive ideological gulfs. and in terms of the party and how- massive ideological gulfs. and in terms of the party and how this i massive ideological gulfs. and in i terms of the party and how this new leadership team is being responded to, what's happening? dare leadership team is being responded to, what's happening?— leadership team is being responded to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't think— to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't think there _ to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't think there is _ to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't think there is as _ to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't think there is as much - to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't think there is as much of- to, what's happening? dare i say it, i don't think there is as much of a i i don't think there is as much of a sense of crisis as we have got used to at westminster, comparatively things are a bit calmer. however, there are conservative mps who have been knocking on that door of number 11 been knocking on that door of number i! command saying to the chancellor, we are not sure you need to do all of these tax rises. those tory mps who were telling us over the some that liz truss was right to bring taxes down to stimulate economic growth, a lot of them are still worried about the idea that taxes are going to get a bit higher now over the next few years. they will continue to be worried about that. some of them will tell you privately that they think this could squeeze economic growth further, it could make a recession worse, longer and

however, i don't think they will. .. they will hold their noses over the next few weeks. there might be some who feel they need to speak out against this but i don't get the sense at the moment that the crisis is about to hit rishi sunak and that there is going to be a massive rebellion on this, for one reason in particular. you get a budget through with a finance bill and a finance bill is a confidence vote. if a tory mp votes against a tory mp votes against the finance bill they are in effect voting to say i don't have faith in this government. they would probably lose the whip. it is a massive decision to make. so there may be some, let's wait and see what the reaction is like over the next few days, my gut tells me that there will be some soundings off, but not necessarily some of the big rebellions we have seen. there has been so much _ rebellions we have seen. there has been so much talk _ rebellions we have seen. there has been so much talk around - rebellions we have seen. there has been so much talk around an - rebellions we have seen. there has been so much talk around an early| been so much talk around an early election, demands for an early election, demands for an early election and when the tory party was effectively imploding it was looking like that may well be on the cards.

is that now completely gone away? i think the most interesting thing... the most interesting political thing for me today is that we stood here eight weeks ago and talked about a government that had one focus, that one focus was growth. the chancellor then was going to do anything he could to try and stimulate growth, including taking some big risks on inflation. we now have the same party in power, the same mps voting these measures through, but we have a different prime minister, different chancellor and we have a very different single priority. their single priority is to bring down inflation because they think that will allow economic growth in the slightly more medium term. so there has been this roller—coaster of political activity of the last few weeks and the last few months. it has been confusing for everyone, it has been confusing for everyone, i think. but today we get the economic vision that rishi sunak will bejudged on. he hopes that

people will understand his argument, which is that you need cuts, you need tax rises to try and balance the books. but all of this is political, all of it is debatable and you can expect the politics and the debate to be fierce.— and you can expect the politics and the debate to be fierce. keeping an e e on the the debate to be fierce. keeping an eye on the door _ the debate to be fierce. keeping an eye on the door of _ the debate to be fierce. keeping an eye on the door of number - the debate to be fierce. keeping an eye on the door of number 11 - the debate to be fierce. keeping an i eye on the door of number 11 because we are expecting rishi sunak to leave there shortly. he is making his statement at 11:30am but now the prime minister is speaking inside the commons with that statement on the g20. president zelensky addressed the g20 with a plan to stop the war. russia launched over 80 separate missile strikes on ukraine. the targets were innocent people and civilian infrastructure. the aim to cast the population into darkness and cold. once again, russia has shown its barbarity and given the lie to any

claim that they are interested in peace. during the bombardment of ukraine on tuesday, an explosion took place in eastern poland. the investigation into this incident is ongoing and it has ourfull investigation into this incident is ongoing and it has our full support. as we have heard the polish and american presidents say, it is possible that the explosion was caused by a ukrainian munition, which was deployed in self defence. and whether or not this proves to be the case, no blame can be placed on a country trying to defend itself against such a barrage. the blame belongs solely to russia. i spoke to the president yesterday to express my sympathy and pledge our solidarity. i spoke to president zelensky on a joint call with prime ministerjustin trudeau to express our continued support. i met my g7 and nato counterparts at the sidelines of the g20. we will help our polish allies to conclude their

investigation and we will continue to stand with ukraine in the face of russia's criminal aggression. mr speaker, the bali summit took place amidst the worst global economic crisis since 2008. the g20 was created to grip challenges like this. but today's crisis is different because it is being driven by a g20 member. by turning off the gas taps and choking of the ukrainian grain supply, russia has severely disrupted global food and energy markets. the economic shock waves will ripple around the world for years to come. together with other responsible members of the g20 we are delivering a decisive response. almost all g20 members called out russia's actions, declaring that today's era must not be one of the war. we will work together to uphold international law and the united nations�* charter. we will act to protect our collective

economic security. the g20 agreed to use all available tools to support the global economy and ensure that means international financial institutions mobilising more resources to support developing countries and continuing to call out those who exploit their lending power to create debt traps for emerging economies and it means tackling the causes of rising inflation head on including by delivering fiscal sustainability. we pledged our support for the un brokered deal to keep grain shipments moving in the black sea. i'm pleased to say that a deal has now been renewed. two thirds of ukraine's wheat goes to developing countries. with famine looming, it is desperately needed and russian must uphold its part of this deal. we agreed action to improve energy security by accelerating the transition to clean energy. and we

launched a newjust energy transition partnership with indonesia, which will unlock billions in private finance for new green energy infrastructure. and, finally, we committed to maintain free markets, free trade, add to reform the world trade organization. mr speaker, yesterday i held my first meeting with president biden. we pledged to redouble our support for ukraine and continue deepening our cooperation, including on energy security and managing the challenges posed by china. i met prime minister mahendra modi, where we reviewed progress on our forthcoming fta and i discussed our extension to the cp tpp with the prime ministers of japan, canada and australia. and i met with almost every other leader at the summit with the exception of russia. in each of these discussions, there was a shared determination to restore stability, to live growth and drive a better future. —— deliver growth. where no single country has the power to hold

us back. injust a single country has the power to hold us back. in just a few moments, single country has the power to hold us back. injust a few moments, my right honourable friend the chancellor will build on these international foundations when he sets out the autumn statement, putting our economy back onto a positive trajectory and restoring our physicals to stability. mr speaker, by being strong abroad, we strengthen our resilience at home —— fiscal responsibility. we will continue to support ukraine, we will continue to support ukraine, we will continue to support ukraine, we will continue to stand up for the rule of law and the fundamental principles of sovereignty and self—determination. and we will build a global economy that is more secure, more stable, and more resilient. because this is what the gravity of the moment demands. and this is how we will ensure our country emerges from this crisis stronger than it was before. i commend this statement to the house. i now commend this statement to the house. i now call— commend this statement to the house. i now call the leader of the opposition, _ i now call the leader of the opposition, keir— i now call the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. i i now call the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker- — opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker- i — opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker. i would _ opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker. i would like _ opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker. i would like to _ opposition, keir starmer. thank you, mr speaker. i would like to thank-

mr speaker. i would like to thank the prime — mr speaker. i would like to thank the prime minister for advance copy of his— the prime minister for advance copy of his statement. what should have been a _ of his statement. what should have been a summit focused on global economic— been a summit focused on global economic recovery and delivering clear— economic recovery and delivering clear commitments on climate change was, sadly. _ clear commitments on climate change was, sadly, overshadowed by the unjustifiable actions of russia and their illegal war in ukraine. civitian— their illegal war in ukraine. civilian infrastructure targeted across — civilian infrastructure targeted across ukraine and a war of aggression rumbling on, as world leaders _ aggression rumbling on, as world leaders try— aggression rumbling on, as world leaders try to reach agreement. whatever— leaders try to reach agreement. whatever the outcome of the investigation into the missile incident _ investigation into the missile incident in poland, it is a stark reminder— incident in poland, it is a stark reminder of the danger russia's unjustifiable war has brought to the border— unjustifiable war has brought to the border of— unjustifiable war has brought to the border of our nato allies. we must remain— border of our nato allies. we must remain vigilant and united in our opposition— remain vigilant and united in our opposition to this pointless and brutal— opposition to this pointless and brutal conflict. and, as i've said nrany— brutal conflict. and, as i've said many times— brutal conflict. and, as i've said many times from this despatch box, and to— many times from this despatch box, and to the _ many times from this despatch box, and to the prime minister personally, whatever other differences we may have across this housei _ differences we may have across this house, and — differences we may have across this house, and there are many, when it comes— house, and there are many, when it comes to _ house, and there are many, when it comes to the — house, and there are many, when it comes to the defence of ukraine, we stand _ comes to the defence of ukraine, we stand as _ comes to the defence of ukraine, we stand as one. and in behalf of

members _ stand as one. and in behalf of members on the side of the house and across— members on the side of the house and across the _ members on the side of the house and across the house, i want to send condolences to those killed in poland — condolences to those killed in poland. poland's measured reaction to the _ poland. poland's measured reaction to the incident and the calm heads that have — to the incident and the calm heads that have prevailed over the last few days — that have prevailed over the last few days are welcome. i listened carefully — few days are welcome. i listened carefully to what the prime minister said about _ carefully to what the prime minister said about this and agree with him that no— said about this and agree with him that no country can be blamed for defending — that no country can be blamed for defending itself. we do need to get to the _ defending itself. we do need to get to the bottom of this. and, obviously, the investigation is ongoing — obviously, the investigation is ongoing but can i ask the prime minister— ongoing but can i ask the prime minister when he expects those investigations to be finalised? russia — investigations to be finalised? russia is— investigations to be finalised? russia is losing this war. so, i welcome _ russia is losing this war. so, i welcome the 620's communique, which set out _ welcome the 620's communique, which set out that— welcome the 620's communique, which set out that most members strongly condemn— set out that most members strongly condemn the war in ukraine. and i askthe— condemn the war in ukraine. and i ask the prime minister, has further support— ask the prime minister, has further support for— ask the prime minister, has further support for ukraine been discussed amongst _ support for ukraine been discussed amongst western allies and what efforts _ amongst western allies and what efforts are taking place to open a diplomatic road map to rid ukraine of russian — diplomatic road map to rid ukraine of russian troops and bring an end to the _ of russian troops and bring an end

to the conflict? it is crucial we work— to the conflict? it is crucial we work to— to the conflict? it is crucial we work to find international unity to further— work to find international unity to further isolate putin. that will include — further isolate putin. that will include working with china. we do not underestimate the challenges china _ not underestimate the challenges china poses to global security. and we must _ china poses to global security. and we must defend the human rights of the uyghur and democracy in hong kong _ the uyghur and democracy in hong kong that— the uyghur and democracy in hong kong. that our approach must be measured — kong. that our approach must be measured and it is in our interest to work— measured and it is in our interest to work with _ measured and it is in our interest to work with china on the climate crisis. _ to work with china on the climate crisis, trade, and most importantly isotating _ crisis, trade, and most importantly isolating putin. iwas crisis, trade, and most importantly isolating putin. i was glad to see constructive dialogue on these issues — constructive dialogue on these issues between president biden and president _ issues between president biden and president xi. i would like to ask the prime — president xi. i would like to ask the prime minister if he believes this summit marks a change in western— this summit marks a change in western relations and whether his government is now taking a different approach _ government is now taking a different approach from his predecessor to british— approach from his predecessor to british china relations? mr speaker, after a _ british china relations? mr speaker, after a decade of low growth in this

country. _ after a decade of low growth in this country. it— after a decade of low growth in this country, it is crucial be open new trade _ country, it is crucial be open new trade opportunities. the prime minister— trade opportunities. the prime minister has said he met prime minister— minister has said he met prime minister mahendra modi and a future india minister mahendra modi and a future india uk_ minister mahendra modi and a future india uk trade deal was discussed and this— india uk trade deal was discussed and this deal was previously put in doubt _ and this deal was previously put in doubt by— and this deal was previously put in doubt by his home secretary, indicating she would not support it. labour— indicating she would not support it. labour does support a trade deal with india~ — labour does support a trade deal with india. we believe this can bring — with india. we believe this can bring new— with india. we believe this can bring new opportunities to promote and create — bring new opportunities to promote and create newjobs here in britain. so, and create newjobs here in britain. so. can— and create newjobs here in britain. so. can he — and create newjobs here in britain. so, can he tell us when he now expects — so, can he tell us when he now expects this deal to be completed? and if— expects this deal to be completed? and if measures on visas will be included — and if measures on visas will be included in _ and if measures on visas will be included in the overall deal? and, if soi _ included in the overall deal? and, if so, can— included in the overall deal? and, if so, can he — included in the overall deal? and, if so, can he guarantee his whole cabinet _ if so, can he guarantee his whole cabinet will actually support it? can he also tell us whether in his meeting — can he also tell us whether in his meeting with president biden the uk— us trade _ meeting with president biden the uk— us trade deal was discussed? or can we assume _ us trade deal was discussed? or can we assume that this deal now has no prospect— we assume that this deal now has no prospect of— we assume that this deal now has no prospect of being delivered any time soon? _ prospect of being delivered any time

soon? lastly, mr speaker, cani prospect of being delivered any time soon? lastly, mr speaker, can i ask the prime _ soon? lastly, mr speaker, can i ask the prime minister whether the northern— the prime minister whether the northern ireland protocol was raised by either— northern ireland protocol was raised by either us or eu colleagues? failure — by either us or eu colleagues? failure to — by either us or eu colleagues? failure to make progress is hurting british— failure to make progress is hurting british research, development, and trade _ british research, development, and trade all_ british research, development, and trade. all at a time when we need to remove _ trade. all at a time when we need to remove barriers for british business. fixing this issue could lead _ business. fixing this issue could tead to— business. fixing this issue could lead to a — business. fixing this issue could lead to a better relationship with our biggest trading partners and opportunity for our scientists and exporters — opportunity for our scientists and exporters. an end to the past two years— exporters. an end to the past two years of— exporters. an end to the past two years of unnecessary fights and division — years of unnecessary fights and division so when is he going to deliver? — division so when is he going to deliver? mr speaker, our international alliances had never been _ international alliances had never been so — international alliances had never been so crucial for global stability and our— been so crucial for global stability and our own stability. on the side of the _ and our own stability. on the side of the house, we know that standing up of the house, we know that standing up to— of the house, we know that standing up to russia's aggression will require — up to russia's aggression will require further sacrifice. but we must _ require further sacrifice. but we must make those sacrifices because taking _ must make those sacrifices because taking no _ must make those sacrifices because taking no action is not an option. the message from all of us must be clear - _ the message from all of us must be clear — ukraine will win and putin

will lose — clear — ukraine will win and putin will lose. democracy and liberty will lose. democracy and liberty will defeat imperialism again. thank you, will defeat imperialism again. thank you. mr— will defeat imperialism again. thank you, mr speaker. mr speaker, can i start by thanking the right honourable gentleman for his words about the situation in ukraine and russia and for his condemnation of the russian aggression and steadfast support for the government and indeed this whole house's position on ukraine? he is a right to ask about the further support that we will be providing. he will know that we have provided £i.5 he will know that we have provided £1.5 billion in economic and humanitarian support to ukraine alongside the military assistance. we are hosting a reconstruction conference in the uk next year and there is an ongoing dialogue about what further support the ukrainian government needs from us and others. in the short term, we are in the process of providing 25,000 pieces of winter equipment for the brave ukrainian soldiers but also funding to help restore some of the damage done to their energy infrastructure,

which i know has been warmly welcomed by president zelensky. to briefly turn to some of his other questions on china, i very much supported president biden in his meeting with president xi and we discussed, the president and i, discussed, the president and i, discussed that meeting at length. i believe our approach to china is aligned entirely with that of the us and, indeed, our otherallies like canada and australia. of course, china poses significant challenges to our values and interests and indeed our economic security. it is right we take the steps necessary to defend ourselves against them but it is also right to engage in dialogue where that can make a difference on solving some of the pressing global challenges that we all collectively face. he asked about northern ireland, i have discussed this issue with my european counterparts and indeed the president in various meetings, notjust at indeed the president in various meetings, not just at the t20. indeed the president in various meetings, notjust at the t20. i remain committed to finding a solution to the challenges posed the

protocol —— notjust at solution to the challenges posed the protocol —— not just at the solution to the challenges posed the protocol —— notjust at the g20. it is having an impact on families and businesses on the ground and northern ireland and the people of northern ireland and the people of northern ireland and the people of northern ireland deserve to have a functioning executive at a time like this particular to something i will devote my energies to bringing about. i have had so far very constructive relationships with both the president and european counterparts and the taoiseach last week i met on this issue. on trade, the broad overarching comment i would make to him is when it comes to trade deals, whoever they may be with, what i won't do is sacrifice quality for speed. i think it is important... i think it is important... i think it is important... i think it is important important... i think it is important important that important... i think it is important that we take the time... it is important... it is important that we take the time to get trade deal is right and this government believes wholeheartedly in the power and benefits of free trade, we will champion that around the world —— trade deals. i did discuss the free trade deals. i did discuss the free trade agreement with india and the prime minister and i committed our

teams to working as quickly as we can to see if we can bring a successful conclusion to those negotiations. with regards to the us, their priorities are in lots of different areas but with regard to trade, what we are doing and the president and i discussed this, we are deepening our economic relationship. the united states is already our single largest trading partner. we are doing more with individual states to broaden our trade relationships. and we have seen recent action on tariffs with regard to steel, aluminium and agricultural exports, all of which is good for the uk economy. of course we are in the process of some exciting conversations aboutjoining cp exciting conversations aboutjoining cp tpp. exciting conversations aboutjoining cp tpp. that is real evidence of our country's commitment to the indo—pacific region, something supported by the prime minister is of canada, australia, and japan and hopefully we can bring those negotiations to conclusion in the near future that might be prime minister is. lastly, my reflections

on the summit and attending cop27 is that in the united kingdom is at its best when we are an engaged and active member of the global community. when we are standing up for our values, defending our interests, but also spreading prosperity and alleviating poverty and suffering. i'm pleased to have had conversations with so many leaders over the past couple of days. it confirms to me they very much welcome the uk's support in achieving all of those objectives and that is what this government will set about doing. i list kearns. chair of select _ will set about doing. i list kearns. chair of select committee. - dialogue is never weakness. will my i’ili'it dialogue is never weakness. will my right honourable friend tell us... studio: — right honourable friend tell us... studio: we will leave the commons. rishi sunak talking about the g20 summit he was just attending earlier this week. in bali. our chief political correspondent nick eardley is with me. that is all about rishi sunak on the global stage. later it turns to

domestic politics, not much later, the chancellor will be speaking at 11:30am. your thoughts on what he was saying about the g20?- 11:30am. your thoughts on what he was saying about the g20? ukraine is the backdrop — was saying about the g20? ukraine is the backdrop to _ was saying about the g20? ukraine is the backdrop to a _ was saying about the g20? ukraine is the backdrop to a lot _ was saying about the g20? ukraine is the backdrop to a lot of _ was saying about the g20? ukraine is the backdrop to a lot of stuff, - the backdrop to a lot of stuff, isn't it? the prime minister talking a lot about some of the conversations he's had in the last few days. that sense of pressure on russia from the g20, the vast majority of countries condemning the invasion of ukraine. making it clear that it was against international norms. it was interesting be prime minister didn't get out of that meeting with president xi, his schedule changed because of what happened in poland overnight tuesday into wednesday. rishi sunak has come back with a sense that there is a lot of global cooperation on that issue, on trying to bring down inflation. both of those things are the context for what we will hear in about 45 minutes from the chancellor. there won't be many people who would disagree that

global inflationary pressures are a thing, they are important, the ukraine war has pushed up things like the price of food and energy because of some of the impacts that embargoes on russia and things like that have had. a lot of that is the context for the big economic questions at the chancellor will be trying to answer later this morning. in terms of trying to unpick how much that context is about where we are now and how much impact that many budget from kwasi kwarteng actually had, can it be unpicked? yes. it can. maybe not scientifically in terms of specific figures. they change quite a lot. there is no doubt if you ask many people in government now that the mini budget made it harder. it put up mini budget made it harder. it put up borrowing costs for the uk government. whether this government can bring them down enough to mitigate all the impacts of that, not sure. you might have heard this referred to in some of the

newspapers there is a premium on the global markets, not particularly complimentary —— moron premium. if you don't trust the government and they might make bad decisions, you charge them because the risk is higher. that risk has been brought down after we stood here and the chancellor a few weeks ago completely junked chancellor a few weeks ago completelyjunked everything that completely junked everything that kwasi completelyjunked everything that kwasi kwarteng had done, or the vast majority. coming back to what this is all about today, it is trying to get those premiums down, trying to bring down those costs, trying to persuade the financial markets and economic experts that the uk government has a plan to bring back stability, confidence in the markets, reliability as a global partner. that is what is key for the chancellor today. partner. that is what is key for the chancellortoday. he partner. that is what is key for the chancellor today. he will argue to us all that he needs to cut spending and increase tax to fill what he calls a fiscal black hole. there will be arguments about that, not

everyone agrees with the way he will do it and some of those debates might be quite severe over the next few months. that is what today is all about and that is why lots of us will feel a real squeeze in the next few months. it will feel a real squeeze in the next few months-— few months. it has been described austerity mark _ few months. it has been described austerity mark too. _ few months. it has been described austerity mark too. they _ few months. it has been described austerity mark too. they come - few months. it has been described| austerity mark too. they come and willt to austerity mark too. they come and will try to find _ austerity mark too. they come and will try to find that _ will try to find that characterisation and they will say it isn't like 2010. == characterisation and they will say it isn't like 2010.— it isn't like 2010. -- austerity mark two- — it isn't like 2010. -- austerity mark two. lots _ it isn't like 2010. -- austerity mark two. lots more - it isn't like 2010. -- austerity mark two. lots more tax - it isn't like 2010. -- austerity| mark two. lots more tax rises it isn't like 2010. -- austerity - mark two. lots more tax rises now than there — mark two. lots more tax rises now than there were _ mark two. lots more tax rises now than there were then. _ mark two. lots more tax rises now than there were then. there - mark two. lots more tax rises now than there were then. there isn't l mark two. lots more tax rises now. than there were then. there isn't as much to cut from government spending as there was in 2010, frankly, because a lot was cut in the intervening period. yes, you will hear that characterisation. they way that this will all happen, there will be big squeezes on departmental budgets. there are going to be difficult decisions for government departments to make. ligament will argue it is trying to keep front line services as a priority and you will hear a lot about what the government was my key priorities are —— the government will argue. there will be people looking at the impact

at this and say the spending reductions, squeezes are so significant that it is hard to avoid that characterisation. i think one of the biggest things that will be tangible by the end of today is more of a sense of the pressures on household budgets. increasing tax payments, because, as the thresholds as frozen as people's pay goes up, they will pay more tax, they won't see the impact of the pay increases. and energy. the government is going to continue to pay a lot of money to subsidise energy. but not as much as it had been planning. that means four people across the uk, across gb, slightly more complicated in northern ireland, people are going to see their energy bills go up in april. to see their energy bills go up in a-ril. . .. to see their energy bills go up in a-ril. . ~i ,, to see their energy bills go up in airil. ., ~i , to see their energy bills go up in airil. ., , . ~ to see their energy bills go up in airil, ., ,. y., , . . ., april. thank you very much. we are less than 40 _ april. thank you very much. we are less than 40 minutes _ april. thank you very much. we are less than 40 minutes away - april. thank you very much. we are less than 40 minutes away from - april. thank you very much. we are | less than 40 minutes away from the chancellor getting to his feet in the commons at 11:30am, where we will get all the detail. as we have

been saying, there has been lots of pre—briefing on what the chancellor says today because what they don't want to do is spook the markets. this is about trying to keep things steady, giving a clear direction of travel in advance. we know there will be those spending cuts. around £30 billion of spending cuts and £24 billion of tax increases. they want to have no surprises in what we are about to hear today. i'm joined by carys roberts, executive director of the institute for public policy research — a centre left think tank. thank you forjoining us, what will you be looking for from the chancellor today? it you be looking for from the chancellor today?— you be looking for from the chancellor today? it is critically im iortant chancellor today? it is critically important that _ chancellor today? it is critically important that the _ chancellor today? it is critically important that the chancellor l important that the chancellor recognises the huge challenges that people are facing up and down the country, but sickly on the cost of living, rising bills, so on. iwant to see his supporting this family ——

particularly the cost of living. through the cost of living crisis. he needs a credible plan for the economy that has got to include a plan for economic growth, a stronger economy and that growth will be shared. that is what i will be looking for today. the government has said they _ looking for today. the government has said they will _ looking for today. the government has said they will be _ looking for today. the government has said they will be helping - looking for today. the government has said they will be helping the i has said they will be helping the most vulnerable, it is expected that benefits will go up in line with inflation and pensions will go up in line with inflation. there were lots of debates around whether that would happen or not. how significant is that? it happen or not. how significant is that? , ., , happen or not. how significant is that? , . , ., , that? it is really welcome to see that, that? it is really welcome to see that. that _ that? it is really welcome to see that. that is _ that? it is really welcome to see that. that is a — that? it is really welcome to see that, that is a really _ that? it is really welcome to see that, that is a really important l that, that is a really important first step. but it is just standing still. we have huge increases in costs that families are facing, particularly pertinent for low income families who are spending more of their budgets on heating their homes and on food. it is vitally important that enough support goes to them. it is also important that our public services, which we all rely on are supported in the coming years. you see the nhs, social care, local government, for example, really struggling with

budgets. it is important those are protected for people budgets. it is important those are protected for people to budgets. it is important those are protected for people to use budgets. it is important those are protected for people to use them budgets. it is important those are protected for people to use them and the economy as a whole.— protected for people to use them and the economy as a whole. where do you see sco ie the economy as a whole. where do you see scope for— the economy as a whole. where do you see scope for £30 _ the economy as a whole. where do you see scope for £30 billion _ the economy as a whole. where do you see scope for £30 billion worth - the economy as a whole. where do you see scope for £30 billion worth of- see scope for £30 billion worth of spending cuts? when we look back to what happened with austerity that came in in 2010, there are only two departments now who have greater spending power than they had back then and that is the home office and then and that is the home office and the department of health. i then and that is the home office and the department of health.— the department of health. i really don't think we _ the department of health. i really don't think we should _ the department of health. i really don't think we should be - the department of health. i really don't think we should be talking i don't think we should be talking about 30 billion in spending cuts at all. it is deeply irresponsible to be looking at those sort of cuts as we enter what the bank of england will be saying will be a two—year long recession. we have heard lots about how the spending cuts are inevitable but that is simply not the case. in fact, there is a wide variety of opinion on what the government needs to do in terms of its tax and spend policy over the coming years. it has choices. it could raise taxes on the very richest, for example, rather than cutting spending, which will hit people hard, whether that is a nurse going to a food bank on a child who

hasn't eaten for several days, they shouldn't be barriers. what hasn't eaten for several days, they shouldn't be barriers.— shouldn't be barriers. what would the sco ie shouldn't be barriers. what would the scope be _ shouldn't be barriers. what would the scope be that _ shouldn't be barriers. what would the scope be that you _ shouldn't be barriers. what would the scope be that you would - shouldn't be barriers. what would i the scope be that you would suggest for increasing taxes? we know they will be going up 24 billion, that will be going up 24 billion, that will take the tax hike... to)»: will take the tax hike... tax take to its highest _ will take the tax hike... tax take to its highest level _ will take the tax hike... tax take to its highest level for _ will take the tax hike... tax take to its highest level for a - will take the tax hike... tax take to its highest level for a very - will take the tax hike... tax take | to its highest level for a very long time. it is notjust about how much to raise in taxes, it is also who will be paying those taxes. for example, there are lots of taxes on the table that the chancellor could be turning to that would place a burden on the very richest. for example, at the moment, income from wealth is taxed much more likely leek lightly than work. if you get income in dividends or capital gains much late —— you will pay much less tax than someone going out to work and that is not fair. there are good options on the table the chancellor could choose today. the options on the table the chancellor could choose today.— could choose today. the headline that ou could choose today. the headline that you are _ could choose today. the headline that you are hoping _ could choose today. the headline that you are hoping for? - could choose today. the headline that you are hoping for? i - could choose today. the headline that you are hoping for? i am - could choose today. the headline i that you are hoping for? i am hoping for iublic that you are hoping for? i am hoping for public services _ that you are hoping for? i am hoping for public services to _ that you are hoping for? i am hoping for public services to be _ that you are hoping for? i am hoping for public services to be protected, l for public services to be protected, a plan for growth that includes investment in r and d, making our homes warmer, and i'm hoping for the

government to avoid these damaging spending cuts that will pull the rug from under the economy and family households. from under the economy and family households-— households. carys roberts, thank ou. we households. carys roberts, thank you- we will _ households. carys roberts, thank you. we will have _ households. carys roberts, thank you. we will have to _ households. carys roberts, thank you. we will have to wait - households. carys roberts, thank you. we will have to wait and - households. carys roberts, thank you. we will have to wait and see | you. we will have to wait and see what we hear from the chancellor. from now, good buy if you are watching around the world. —— goodbye if you are. just over 30 minutes away from hearing what the chancellor will be outlining in that autumn statement. it is going to obviously in encapsulates the spending cuts and tax increases. plenty of coverage coming up but now let's catch up with the weather. hello, again, we have watched large rainfall totals mount up in the last few hours. as we go through the next few days, these totals will get higher. as we continue with wet and windy conditions for most of us. this has all been driven along by an area of low pressure that came

into the south—west yesterday. it has been drifting steadily east, north and today as it pushes north, it will edge further west. a weather front bringing in showers to the west. by tomorrow, a ridge of high pressure builds in from the west and it will settle things down for some of us. today, the centre of the low pressure here and you can see the inner circle moving north, taking its rain with it. wet across northern england, central and eastern scotland with showers coming from the west. after the fog this morning, lifting in northern ireland, it should brighten up for you and a few showers across southern parts of england. gusty winds, once again, and the strongest in the english channel, the north sea and shetland. the evening and overnight, that band of rain continues across northern england, eventually easing as the heaviest rain moves into eastern scotland. still showers coming in from the west and a fair bit of cloud. not anticipating any issues with frost tomorrow morning. this is the area of low pressure tomorrow.

it is still with us and moving north. a bit further west. you can see this ridge of high pressure building on from the west. you can see this ridge of high pressure building in from the west. we start off with the heaviest rain across scotland and it is still swelling around the low pressure, still seeing some and it is still swirling around the low pressure, still seeing some of that getting into northern england and the north midlands and then we have the showers coming in on the wind towards the west. brighter skies as this builds in in northern ireland, wales, central and southern england. temperatures 9—13 north to south. into saturday, low pressure is with us but starting to weaken. a new weather front coming in drifting steadily east overnight on saturday. behind that, things are quieter. saturday morning starts off on a frosty night for southern england and northern ireland and we have that patchy rain in the east, brighter skies behind with some snow on the mountains of scotland and northern

england on sunday.

this is a politics live special as the chancellorjeremy hunt prepares to announce massive spending cuts and tax rises in his autumn statement. joining me for this politics live autumn statement special... deputy political editor vicky young, economics editor faisal islam and business editor simonjack.

reporter: who is responsible for this mess, mr hunt? -