Happy spring statement day! The annual event seems to come faster every year, replete with all those funny old traditions associated with this hallowed day. There’s the time-honoured Chancellor photoshoot, in which the incumbent minister has to strike a pose which suggests both responsible fiscal probity and compassionate one-nation benevolence. There’s the Sunday media round ritual, in which stony-faced ministers refuse to say anything of interest on the grounds of market sensitivity. And then of course there are the classic pre-statement media briefings, with much froth, speculation and excitable newspaper headlines about what the Chancellor is set to announce.
This year, attention has focused on fuel duty amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. According to the denizens of the lobby, Rishi Sunak is set to announce a cut of 5p, in response to soaring pump prices. Such a move might not cure the country’s ails overnight but will no doubt be popular with petrol-heads in Westminster.
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