Govt taxing 'wrong people' and those with 'broadest shoulders' should pay up, Rayner says

22 March 2022, 18:52 | Updated: 20 October 2022, 11:58

The deputy leader of the Labour party has said the government should introduce a tax for "those with the broadest shoulders" ahead of the Chancellors spring statement tomorrow.

Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr, Angela Rayner said the hike in National Insurance is "the wrong tax on the wrong people" claiming the Conservatives "have done nothing" to support families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

When questioned on Labour's "£19 billion shopping list" ahead of Rishi Sunak's spring statement, including no hike in National Insurance, more than 5p off fuel and no VAT on energy bills, Ms Rayner said the Government should do "more" so that those with the highest incomes "can pay more to help".

The deputy leader said: "This is the wrong tax on the wrong people, when there is more that they can do, to those that have got the broadest shoulders can pay more to help.

"Those that have got assets management, they don't pay tax at the highest rate."

Watch Tonight with Andrew Marr exclusively on Global Player every Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 7pm.

Angela Rayner pressed on a wealth tax

Read more: Ukraine win would be 'one of the great underdog victories in history', says Andrew Marr

When pressed by Andrew Marr on what Labour would introduce to raise funds instead of increasing the NI payment, and whether she would like a wealth and high income tax introduced, she responded: "Rishi has an opportunity tomorrow to decide who is going to pay the most and at the moment the working people that have got food price inflation, they've got energy gas prices going up they're the ones that are feeling the pinch the most at the moment and the chancellor has done nothing to support those families."

You can also listen to the podcast Tonight with Andrew Marr only on Global Player.

Speaking about rumours of the "worst recession in our lifetime" Andrew asked: "Something really really horrendous may be coming round the corner at us all, in particular lower income families, and the question is you will be asking the Government tomorrow, whether they are doing enough really to mitigate that.

"My question to you is, if you really mean it, if you really think lower income families deserve a proper more generous support in the tough times ahead, that is very very expensive and you have to give us some sense into how you are going to fund that? Otherwise it is just words."

Ms Rayner said Labour would not implement a National Insurance hike stating the party would consider "other financial means with those with the broadest shoulders paying more."

Shadow exchequer secretary tells Iain Dale what Sunak should do

Rishi Sunak is set to give his Spring Statement tomorrow.

At a time when inflation looks likely to reach 10 per cent, interest rates are going up again and a global energy crisis is forcing up the cost of gas, the Chancellor's financial plan has never been more pivotal.

Mr Sunak has already announced an energy bill rebate.

Read more: Dean Dunham: What to hope for in Sunak's Spring Statement amid 'perfect financial storm'

But since then Citizens Advice has warned Brits will see a further surge in gas prices in October, which could see 14.5 million people unable to pay their energy bills.

As a result the Chancellor is under pressure to announce further support.

He is also being urged to cut fuel duty and halt the planned hike in National Insurance.