Newscast The Budget: Starmer Defends The Chancellor
15 snips
Dec 1, 2025 
Join Simon Jack, BBC business editor, as he dives into the recent UK–US pharmaceuticals deal, exploring its implications for NHS funding and the healthcare sector. He explains how the agreement secures zero tariffs on UK pharmaceutical exports for three years, but at a cost of increased NHS spending. Simon also discusses the possible effects of this deal on future investments in the UK pharma industry and reflects on the recent resignation of OBR's Richard Hughes, shedding light on the importance of fiscal oversight.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
OBR Website Failure Triggered Resignation
- The OBR's early release of the Economic and Fiscal Outlook exposed a major operational vulnerability in its web publishing process.
- Richard Hughes resigned because the breach was an operational failure, not a judgement error.
Harden Publishing Controls For Sensitive Data
- Public bodies handling market-sensitive data must secure publishing platforms and test discoverability settings.
- Small organisations like the OBR should invest in basic digital resilience to prevent accidental early releases.
Pre-Budget Emphasis Skewed Perceived Finances
- Rachel Reeves emphasised a productivity downgrade at a pre-budget news conference without mentioning offsetting higher tax receipts.
- That omission created perceptions she painted a bleaker picture of the public finances than the full OBR data warranted.
