Stephen Kinnock was asked a simple question about Labour’s tax promise at the election multiple times.
Sky’s Kay Burley was forced to ask a senior minister 10 times this morning a simple question about Labour’s tax policy – and repeatedly received no answer.
Senior minister Stephen Kinnock was unable to specify whether Labour’s pledge not to hike the three biggest taxes on “working people” extended to those earning over £100,000.
The line of questioning came after Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that the Budget will not be concerned about people on over six-figures.
This morning Mr Kinnock was asked 10 times whether Labour’s definition of “working people” includes those on over six figures.
However he repeatedly refused to answer the simple questi on, repeatedly saying he wouldn’t get drawn into speculation about the Budget ahead of October 30.
Mr Kinnock floundered on Sky News
He repeated: “We made it absolutely clear we won’t be raising taxes on working people – that means VAT, national insurance and income tax.
“We will not be breaking any of those manifesto commitments, the Chancellor will set the Budget out on October 30 so there’s not that long to wait.”
His claim that Labour had been “absolutely clear in our manifesto” sparked Ms Burley to hit back: “It’s not clear to me, that’s why I’m asking.”
Mr Kinnock notably refused to rule out treating those on higher incomes the same as the poorest, and protecting wealth creators from higher taxes on income.
Rachel Reeves could break Labour’s manifesto commitment on tax
The health minister ominously added: “The definitions have to be seen in the round, and that’s what’s going to be put on the table on October 30”.
Ms Burley chuckled as she pointed out: “You’re either working or you’re not”.
Labour is being accused of preparing to breach their manifesto commitment after it became apparent Ms Reeves is planning a tax raid via employers’ national insurance.
While Labour maintains this would not be a breach, Paul Johnson of the IFS has said employer NI “comes from the pay of the employee” and would result in “less pay rises” and “possibly fewer jobs”.
He added that the policy would not be consistent with Labour’s manifesto pledge.
Labour is yet to properly define what “working people” means, specifically whether it includes those on high incomes or those with savings.
Speaking yesterday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting told Sky’s Trevor Phillips: “When I’m thinking about this budget and its consequences, I’m actually not thinking about people on my salary or your salary”.
“I’m thinking about people like my mum, who’s a cleaner, or my dad, who’s a car salesman. People who are on lower or middle income who get towards the end of the month and find they’ve got more month left than they have the money.”