Budget 2025: Voters May Shift from Centrist Parties Amid Economic Concerns, Former Cabinet Secretary Warns
A former cabinet secretary has cautioned that centrist parties risk losing voter support if teh upcoming budget fails to address persistent economic challenges. The warning comes as the government prepares to unveil a budget expected to be “incredibly difficult” due to low economic productivity and pressure to increase spending on underperforming public services.
One confirmed measure in the budget is a renewed crackdown on illegal vapes. New powers will be granted to Border Force and HM Revenue and Customs to seize illicit products and impose fines of up to £10,000 on traders violating the law. This action follows a ban on single-use vapes implemented five months ago, aimed at curbing environmental damage and reducing youth usage, a ban which has so far struggled to limit the availability of illegal products.
Officials state the chancellor will introduce tools to combat the illegal vape trade, including on-the-spot seizure powers and substantial fines. A government source stated, “Britain’s high streets are being flooded with illegal vapes by rogue traders.The chancellor will crack down hard – giving Border Force and HMRC the power to seize dodgy vapes on the spot and hit offenders with £10,000 fines. We’re protecting shoppers and backing honest businesses.”
