Burnham has no scope to increase borrowing, think tank warns

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will have to raise taxes or cut spending to meet his pledges on defence and the cost of living, a major think tank has said." Labour's manifesto pledge was to not increase taxes for working people - including income tax, VAT and national insurance contributions - which Burnham has said he will uphold.

It questioned whether Burnham had "fully thought through" how his promises would be paid for, but said the prime minister will have to raise taxes or cut spending elsewhere.