UK PM Starmer warns Farage's 'fantasy' fiscal plans would crash the economy
FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits a local mechanics business, following the British government's announcement of investments to maintain roads across the UK, in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Britain, March 24, 2025. REUTERS/Chris Radburn/Pool/File Photo
LONDON - Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Nigel Farage would crash the economy if his Reform UK party ever won power, describing his tax and spending plans as a fantasy in a speech attacking the man who has become Labour's chief threat in the polls.
Starmer's Labour Party suffered a bruising set of local election results earlier this month after less than a year in power, losing ground to Reform, which also now leads national opinion polls.
Farage has pitched a right-wing agenda of lowering immigration and cutting taxes, while also courting workers who may have become disaffected with Labour over Starmer's efforts to cut public spending.
But Starmer said Farage's economic plan was similar to that of former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss, who resigned in October 2022 after less than two months in power when her 'mini budget' of unfunded tax cuts sent markets into a tailspin.
"We were elected to fix that mess," Starmer said of Truss's economic legacy on Thursday.
"Now in government, we are once again fighting the same fantasy - this time from Farage. The same bet in the same casino: that you can spend tens of billions of pounds in tax cuts, without a proper way of paying for it."
Farage, one of Britain's most recognisable politicians, was only elected to parliament for the first time last year, when Reform won five seats.
But he has spent more than a decade campaigning from outside the mainstream of British politics, forcing successive governments to shift policies on Europe and immigration out of a fear his populist appeal could turn voters against them. REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
34 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Israel blocks Ramallah meeting with Arab ministers, Israeli official says
JERUSALEM - Israel will not allow a planned meeting in the Palestinian administrative capital of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, to go ahead, an Israeli official said on Saturday, after media reported that Arab ministers planning to attend had been stopped from coming. The delegation included ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Palestinian Authority officials said. The ministers would require Israeli consent to travel to the West Bank from Jordan. An Israeli official said the ministers intended to take part in "a provocative meeting" to discuss promoting the establishment of a Palestinian state. "Such a state would undoubtedly become a terrorist state in the heart of the land of Israel," the official said. "Israel will not cooperate with such moves aimed at harming it and its security." A Palestinian Authority official said that the issue of whether the meeting in Ramallah would be able to go ahead was under discussion. The move comes ahead of an international conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, due to be held in New York on June 17-20 to discuss the issue of Palestinian statehood. Israel has come under increasing pressure from the United Nations and European countries which favour a two-state solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, under which an independent Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that recognising a Palestinian state was not only a "moral duty but a political necessity". REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Table tennis-ITTF to probe AGM disruption after presidential election
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) said it will investigate the disruption that forced the suspension of its annual general meeting in Doha this week after the re-election of Petra Sorling as president. The disruption started when Sorling, the ITTF's first female president, was re-elected until 2029 with 104 votes to the 102 received by her Qatari opponent, Khalil Al-Mohannadi. "After the presidential election had already concluded, the AGM had to be suspended following the disruption initiated by individuals who were neither delegates from member associations, nor members of the executive board, council, committees, or invited guests," the ITTF said in a statement on Thursday. "The ITTF regrets and strongly condemns the disruption. It will conduct an investigation to determine the various responsibilities and take measures, in particular, to avoid a similar disruption from happening in the future." The Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) also released a statement claiming there had been discrepancies in the online voting and calling for an independent and transparent review of the election. "We are prepared to cooperate with any independent investigation or tribunal, including before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)," it said. The ITTF defended the legitimacy of the election process and said it was prepared to address any formal complaints in "the appropriate forum". Sorling decided to leave the meeting because she did not feel safe, as did the Swedish delegation, the Swedish Table Tennis Association (SBTF) said in a statement. The ITTF said it would reconvene the AGM before November this year to address agenda items that could not be completed in Doha. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Savour seven high tea sets from $25.90
SINGAPORE – School is out and the sun is up, which means most of the country is flocking east – to the airport. If you have opted out of the mid-year vacation crush, there are still ways to take a well-deserved break in Singapore. Why not put on your Sunday best and treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon tea? The British tradition originating in the 19th century has yet to fall out of fashion, even with patrons gravitating towards casual dining. 'Its relevance has remained strong, primarily because afternoon tea is viewed not as an everyday meal, but as an indulgent and experiential occasion. Guests seek it out to mark special moments – be it a birthday, bridal shower or leisurely weekend catch-up,' says InterContinental Singapore executive pastry chef Jason Goh, 40. However, diners these days expect more than just scones and cucumber sandwiches. Pullman Singapore Hill Street's general manager Mazen Abilmona, 49, notes: 'They are more intentional with their spending, and are looking for offerings that feel purposeful, personal and layered with meaning. Rather than just a mid-afternoon indulgence, afternoon tea has evolved into a platform for storytelling.' In response, some hotels have teamed up with snack chains to offer trendy bites. In March and April , Sofitel Singapore City Centre collaborated with Japanese confectioner Warabimochi Kamakura on its springtime afternoon tea, while Pullman Singapore Hill Street worked with local finger foods stalwart Old Chang Kee to offer a taste of heritage. 'For many of our local guests, Old Chang Kee is a brand they grew up with. By reimagining these iconic local flavours in a refined format, from mini Curry'O and Sardine'O puffs to laksa vol-au-vents topped with caviar, we created an experience that felt both deeply personal and delightfully unexpected,' adds Mr Abilmona. High tea remains operationally strategic for restaurants too, allowing them to maximise business and manage costs with forecasted covers. Ami Patisserie chef-director Makoto Arami, 36, says: 'It fills the post-lunch, pre-dinner lull, turning what would usually be quiet hours into an opportunity.' Here are seven afternoon tea sets to check out in June. Taiwan-inspired high tea Choose from two high tea sets at Typhoon Cafe. PHOTO: TYPHOON CAFE Where: Typhoon Cafe, 04- 63 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road When: 2 to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays Info: Get a taste of Taiwan's bustling night markets without having to jostle through a sweaty crowd. At Taiwanese eatery Typhoon Cafe, these treats are served on a tray and interspersed with cups of Gifel Tea, a home-grown brand that prides itself on handpicked exotic brews. Opt for the Exploration Menu, which pairs golden chicken fritters with fruity black tea, mala pancake with lemongrass detox tea, lu rou Momofuku bun with melon oolong tea, and coffee tiramisu cake with earl grey tea. Or try the Discovery Menu: deep-fried shimeiji mushrooms with white ginger pear tea, chilli oil dumplings with Moroccan mint tea, mei cai Momofuku bun with breakfast tea, and ondeh-ondeh cake with a blend of goji berries, tea leaves and floral scents. Each set, available only at Typhoon Cafe's Plaza Singapura branch, can be shared among two people and costs $25.90++. Guests have the option to add free-flow tea for $5.90++. Bubble tea high tea High tea at Kebuke in Sembawang Shopping Centre. PHOTO: KEBUKE Where: Kebuke @ SSC, 01-01 Sembawang Shopping Centre, 604 Sembawang Road When: 11am to 9.30pm, Sundays to Thursdays; 11am to 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays Info: @kebukesg on Instagram If you are the kind of person whose idea of sustenance starts and ends with bubble tea, this one is for you. Kebuke launched its high tea set ($28.80 a person) earlier in 2025 . Blending the Western tradition with artisanal Taiwanese tea, the tiered dessert platter consists of two medium classic teas or milk tea lattes, two sliced cakes, four cream puffs and six cookies. New bakes include a choux pastry filled with rice oolong tea-infused cream, a cream puff flavoured with peach black tea, butter and coffee cookies, as well as a fudge chocolate cake. 'To us, tea is more than just a beverage, it's a lifestyle. The high tea set was born from our desire to showcase the versatility of our artisanal tea leaves, not only in drinks, but also in food,' says Kebuke Singapore director Remus Kan, 29. 'By incorporating our signature brews into freshly made pastries, we offer a refined yet approachable way to enjoy tea culture in every bite.' The high tea set is available only at Kebuke's outlet in Sembawang Shopping Centre. Peter Rabbit-inspired high tea Peter Rabbit-inspired high tea at Skai Restaurant. PHOTO: SKAI RESTAURANT Where: Skai Restaurant, Level 70 Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road When: Till June 30, 3 to 5pm daily Info: Hop over to Skai Restaurant for its Peter Rabbit-inspired high tea. Themed after English writer Beatrix Potter's beloved character, it injects pastoral flair into classic high tea bites. The foie gras and apple filled tartlet, for instance, is fashioned into one of Mr McGregor's – the antagonist in the children's book – shiny red apples. The croissant with tomato, melon and honey ricotta pays tribute to the garden's vibrant bounty, while the wild mushroom mousse with parmesan, cep and sherry vinegar recalls the secret hideaways of another character, Squirrel Nutkin. There are sweet treats too, like a waffle basket brimming with blueberries and edible flowers, as well as a toadstool-shaped vanilla raspberry cheesecake. 'Themed afternoon teas are part of how we stay relevant and creative. It's not just about food, it's also about storytelling. Peter Rabbit offers a nostalgic yet whimsical lens that resonates across generations,' says Mr Marshall Orton , 59, general manager of food and beverage at Swissotel The Stamford, where Skai is located. He adds that by tying in cultural icons or artistic inspiration, the restaurant is able to surprise and engage guests, who are starting to skew younger. Alongside families and mother-daughter duos are now Gen-Z clients, who are drawn to the Instagram- worthy experience. The high tea is available till June 30 and runs daily from 3 to 5pm. The menu is priced at $68++ an adult and $34++ a child aged six to 12 , inclusive of a choice of mocktail, TWG tea or gourmet coffee. Drinks can be upgraded to cocktails like Mischief In The Garden – a sweet and earthy concoction with vodka and carrot juice – for an extra $25. Savoury skewers and sliders Opus Bar & Grill's skewers and sliders stack. PHOTO: OPUS BAR & GRILL Where: Opus Bar & Grill, voco Orchard Singapore, 581 Orchard Road When: Noon to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays; 3 to 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays Info: Opus Bar & Grill has noticed a shift in its afternoon tea crowd. Gone is the monopoly of silver-haired sybarites. Today's diners are younger, more diverse and drawn to bolder flavours. In response, the steakhouse has revamped its midday experience, moving away from traditional finger sandwiches and petit fours to feature savoury light bites that appeal to a wider range of tastebuds. There are skewers spiced up with Asian influences – think teriyaki salmon, bulgogi wagyu beef, chicken masala and miso eggplant – alongside sliders in the form of mini cheeseburgers, smoked beef brisket and crispy fish fillet combos. A trio of desserts consisting of a cheesecake and dark chocolate brownie with hazelnut creme completes the set. 'We wanted to move away from a traditional afternoon tea – where sweets often take centre stage – and have curated a menu with a more savoury-forward approach,' says executive chef Dean Bush, 53, of voco Orchard Singapore , where Opus Bar & Grill is located. Since diners prefer personalised experiences , the restaurant invites them to pick a teacup that resonates with their mood and style from its eclectic collection. It can accommodate dietary preferences where possible – for instance, by swopping proteins for plant-based alternatives or adjusting marinades. The Skewers & Sliders Stack is available at $54++ for two diners, including free-flow speciality coffee, artisanal teas and soft drinks. Spring journey The Chef's Table Discovery Experience at Ami Patisserie includes a Hokkaido crab tartlet. PHOTO: AMI PATISSERIE Where: Ami Patisserie, 27 Scotts Road When: Noon and 6.30pm, Wednesdays; noon, 3 and 6.30pm , Thursdays to Sundays Info: Spring at Ami Patisserie brings with it a fresh six-course journey ($118++ a person) through chef Makoto Arami's pastry finesse. Light and airy yet filling, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients like citrus, young ginger and tender asparagus. It starts with a miso madeleine topped with a smoky puree of charred eggplant, before diving into a Hokkaido crab tartlet encased in buttery layers of honey-brushed filo pastry. Bits of ginger and green apple add a burst of springtime brightness. Next comes the chef's version of a wagyu sando – smoked Omi beef on pan-seared brioche, crowned with uni and wasabi cream – followed by an asparagus tart with Parma ham and sauteed shiitake mushrooms. To round off the meal, there are three desserts featuring the season's bounty of mandarin oranges, dark chocolate and strawberries. 'Each course draws from my food memories and favourite flavour combinations,' says chef Arami , 36. For example, the strawberry sakura dessert that includes rice pudding and coconut is a tribute to his grandfather's traditional sakura mochi . 'I aspire to change diners' perspectives on the role of pastries with the Japanese concept of ' tsudo' – a pastry should be savoured at any time of the day, even as a meal in itself.' As such, the menu is available for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Guests are served in a nine-seater room, where pastries are assembled and plated on a counter before their eyes. Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea Golden Nectar Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge. PHOTO: INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE Where: The Lobby Lounge, Level 1 InterContinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road When: Till July 15, 1 to 3pm, 3.30 to 5.30pm daily Info: It is golden hour at InterContinental Singapore, which has built its latest afternoon tea menu around one sweet ingredient – honey. Flowing in courtesy of New Zealand honey retailer Comvita, this nectar is infused into The Lobby Lounge's many delicate bites, presented on a rustic tiered stand for a homely feel. Among the menu's gilded creations are a delicate vanilla panna cotta sweetened with multifloral honey and crowned with meringue and a little bee made of chocolate, as well as a sweet and tart honey redcurrant mousse made of financier sponge , lemon yuzu compote and rewarewa honey. It also includes a ginger manuka honey tartlet, clover honey-miso glazed salmon and pistachio manuka honey choux puff. 'We wanted to create something that felt both indulgent and intentional. Comvita's manuka honey not only adds a naturally sweet, floral complexity to our creations, but also aligns beautifully with the growing desire among guests for ingredients that offer health benefits alongside taste,' says executive chef Jason Goh, 40. Wash it all down with Queen Bee ($20++), a cocktail that packs a citrusy punch, stirred with kumquat liqueur , lemon, yuzu, lemon bitters and manuka honey. For a non-alcoholic option, try the Honey Buzz mocktail ($16++), which blends Comvita Manuka Leaf Blend Tea, manuka honey, cloudy apple juice and lemon. Each foray into this candied colony costs $65++ a person on weekdays and $70++ a person on weekends, inclusive of a serving of coffee or loose-leaf tea, and free-flow ice cream. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available too, as well as a vegan afternoon tea set – one of few in Singapore. Tropical Fruits Afternoon Tea Tropical Fruits Afternoon Tea at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. PHOTO: SINGAPORE MARRIOTT TANG PLAZA HOTEL Where: Lobby Lounge, Level 1 Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road When: 3 to 5.30pm, Mondays to Thursdays; 2 to 3.30pm and 4 to 5.30pm, Fridays to Sundays Info: Nothing spells summer like a basket – or delicately plated tray – of tropical fruit. And in the sun-speckled Lobby Lounge of Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, they sit ripe and ready for picking. Passionfruit, coconuts, mangoes, kiwis and bananas are turned into pastries like a sponge cake topped with tangy kiwi compote and silky yogurt chantilly, as well as a chocolate banana choux finished with hazelnut praline. There is also a tart draped with mango-passionfruit jelly, and a coconut and mango panna cotta dotted with nata de coco. Balancing out these sweet nibbles are savoury bites, such as a smoked salmon seaweed roulade with wasabi mayonnaise and a Thai-style chicken with pineapple tartlet. 'Our high tea experience distinguishes itself by embracing local culture and flavours. We curate themed menus that celebrate our rich heritage, incorporating local produce and ingredients to create unique and memorable offerings,' says Ms Marisa Ng, 40, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. The set, served until the end of June, costs $68++ for two people from Mondays to Thursdays, and $58++ a person on Fridays to Sundays. Check out ST's Food Guide for the latest foodie recommendations in Singapore.
