"U.K. Budget: Tax Cuts and Election Hopes"

Newspapers have given mixed reviews to chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s pre-election budget, with The Guardian calling it a "last desperate act" and The Mirror echoing Keir Starmer’s verdict that "We deserve better." The i highlighted the highest tax levels since 1948 and Labour ruling out taxing the wealthy, while The Metro reported on tax cuts and battle lines drawn for the election. The Financial Times noted the chancellor's aim at Labour's poll lead, while The Daily Telegraph took a more positive view, focusing on the ambition to abolish National Insurance. The Daily Mail reported on a radical election pledge to abolish National Insurance, but some Tories expressed doubt. The Times highlighted tax cuts for workers and parents, and The Express declared the country "ready for take off!" Meanwhile, The Sun chose to focus on the sale of Prince Harry’s underpants in a different angle on the budget.