Budget news: Philip Hammond's claim that 'austerity is coming to an end' faces fierce scrutiny
Follow all the latest updates from Westminster
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Philip Hammond's pledge that "austerity is finally coming to an end" has faced fierce scrutiny from MPs and economists delivering their verdict on the Budget.
The chancellor sought to strike an upbeat tone with a multi-billion pound giveaway on Monday, which included early tax cuts for millions of workers, minimum wage rises and the decision to plough some £1bn into the troubled universal credit scheme.
However respected economic thinktank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said Mr Hammond had taken a "gamble" with the public finances, which could lead to higher borrowing and debt.
Experts from the Resolution Foundation also ran the rule over the Budget, warning that low and middle-income families would be hit hardest by the measures.
Meanwhile, John McDonnell became embroiled in a row when he stood by his support for the chancellor's tax cuts for the middle classes in the face of criticism from his own party.
The shadow chancellor said he would not reverse changes that benefit higher earners because people like head teachers have had a "rough time" in recent years.
But Labour MPs said the move was wrong, and condemned him for supporting the wealthy while there are "people dying on British streets".
If you want to follow our coverage as it happened, see the updates below
Theresa May has stood firm and ruled out giving the British people a final say on her Brexit deal, despite a groundswell of support for a second vote.
700,000 people took to the streets of central London last weekend to demand a referendum, while over a million people have now signed The Independent’s petition, as polls show a trend in favour of a plebiscite.
More here:
Matt Hancock was mocked in the Commons for a geography mix-up which saw him answer a York MP's social care concerns by referring to Scotland.
The Health Secretary appeared to believe Rachael Maskell was from the SNP as the Labour MP was sat near where the third largest party in Westminster is based in the chamber.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell jokingly shouted "get the map" as a Tory MP left the frontbench shortly after the gaffe.
Speaking during the Budget debate, Ms Maskell said: "I have very little hope for the old people of our country when they've cut £7bn from the social care budget and only replaced it with £240 million.
"How is that safeguarding our old people for the future?"
Mr Hancock replied: "In Scotland, social care is devolved."
As Labour MPs shouted "York!", the Cabinet minister attempted to make a smooth recovery by adding: "And in York, the amount of social care money is going up thanks to the decisions yesterday."
That's it for the politics liveblog for the day. Thanks for following!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments