Rishi Sunak pledges to slash inflation as Tory Prime Minister tries to win over critics

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Rishi Sunak has pledged to halve inflation by the end of 2023.Speaking in east London, the Prime Minister said that the UK Government would "halve inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security."He also pledged to grow the economy and reduce the national debt.

His final two pledges were to cut NHS waiting lists and to pass new laws which would stop small boats arriving in the country.The SNP dismissed Sunak's speech and claimed it was an "an advert for why Scotland needs independence." Inflation has battered household budgets with latest figures showing it at 10.7 per cent.

But the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has already predicted that inflation is due to fall to 3.75 per cent by the fourth quarter of this year - well below half of the current rate.

Sunak said: "First, we will halve inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security."Second, we will grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country."Third, we will make sure our national debt is falling so that we can secure the future of public services."Fourth, NHS waiting lists will fall and people will get the care they need more quickly."Fifth, we will pass new laws to stop small boats, making sure that if you come to this country illegally, you are detained and swiftly removed."SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn MP said: "[Sunak] spoke at length about improving numeracy - yet offered no hope to those weighed down by the harsh figures that are preventing them from heating their homes, putting food on the table or paying their mortgages."On Westminster's watch Scots are energy rich but fuel poor, our businesses are struggling to trade with Europe, our