Burnham warns of 'difficult decisions' in Budget after inflation rises to 3.1% - as ex-BoE chief jibes that he is another 'tax and spend socialist'

Andy Burnham has warned that difficult decisions will be necessary during next month's Budget following an inflation rise to 3.1%. While attributing economic pressures to Middle East chaos, he maintained that the UK economy remains resilient. Burnham has explicitly rejected claims from a former BoE chief who described him as a tax and spend socialist. The prime minister remains committed to implementing these tough fiscal measures to address the current economic climate and manage national spending.