Cutting Taxes but Not Hearts: Sun Readers’ Verdict on Jeremy Hunt’s Budget
HEALTH SECRETARY: Advocating for a Vaping Ban
Trainee GP Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, 28, expressed concerns regarding the taxation of vaping products. She highlighted the need for a complete ban, especially for young individuals. Dr. Mukherjee emphasized her worries about children as young as 11 and 12 getting addicted to vaping.
TRANSPORT SECRETARY: Mixed Feelings from London Cabbie Grant Davis
London cabbie Grant Davis, 60, was pleased with the freeze on fuel duty for petrol and diesel. However, he voiced his overall disappointment, stating that a saving of £450 over a year wouldn’t make much of a difference for him as he has two kids to support.
DEFENCE & FOREIGN SECRETARY: Ex-Army Captain’s Displeasure
Ex-Army captain Hugh Andree, 50, criticized the lack of focus on defense in the Budget, deeming it disgraceful. He found the promise of a rise in military spending to 2.5 percent of GDP in the future as a mere cop-out.
BUSINESS SECRETARY: Plumbing Into Budget Details
Plumber Manesh Vekaria, 37, acknowledged the freeze on the VAT threshold for small businesses for seven years. While he appreciated the increase from £85,000 to £90,000, he believed that more could have been done to support firms like his.
HOME SECRETARY: Former Detective’s Take on Policing
Former detective Jonathan Taylor, 63, welcomed the integration of AI technology and drones to aid the police force. However, he dismissed the notion that these measures would result in time equivalent to having an additional 20,000 officers annually.
EDUCATION SECRETARY: Ex-Teacher’s Disappointment
Ex-teacher Carrie Ann Booth, 42, and mother of one, expressed her desire for increased funding for public services. She criticized the Budget as being tailored for an election year, noting the absence of any meaningful acknowledgment of the state of the education system.