Manifesto ‘really clear’, PM says as chancellor said to be poised to increase national insurance rate for employers

Keir Starmer has denied misleading the public over tax rises during the election campaign, amid reports that the government is planning to increase employers’ national insurance contributions.

Asked if he had misled voters by not warning them about the billions of pounds in tax rises expected in the budget on Wednesday, the prime minister said: “No, we were very clear about the tax rises that we would necessarily have to make whatever the circumstances … I listed them I don’t know how many times in the campaign.