'Higher earners and the wealthy should pay a fairer share of tax'

Axing free bus passes and prescriptions for pensioners would have spelled disaster for Labour after the winter fuel fiasco.

So supporters will be relieved the new government isn’t going to commit further self harm in Wednesday’s Budget.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves inherited a £22billion black hole from the Tories.

But balancing the books on the backs of older people who worked all their lives, often for small pensions, can never be anything but an appalling choice.

Higher earners and the wealthy should pay a fairer share of tax and we would welcome a move in this direction.

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We also applaud the Chancellor’s bold decision to redefine the way the national debt is calculated, freeing up billions for public works.

Wrecked Britain must be rebuilt from the foundations up. And we must do that despite the self-­interested squeals of pain from rich Tories.

Time to listen

Slavery enriched Britain so it is no surprise that descendants and exploited former colonies seek reparations.

It is no good Keir Starmer declaring the issue isn’t on the Commonwealth summit agenda.

That won’t wash with aggrieved members determined it should be addressed.

Those who wish the Commonwealth to survive need to get their heads out of the sand.

Calculating compensation will not be easy. Perhaps the international development budget could be a source despite Tory cuts.

It will be an enormous task to redress ­grievances going back centuries. But the PM has the power to change the tone of the debate.

And that is what he should do.

Endless Pride

LITTLE Florrie Bark’s drive to raise £1million for other kids with cancer is truly inspiring.

The selflessness of the eight-year-old Pride of Britain winner has earned her a place in our hearts and is typical of all those honoured at this week’s awards