内容摘要：In a letter to the chancellor Fire Brigades Union boss Matt Wrack warned of possible strike action without a "generous funding settlement" in the Budget.

In a letter to the chancellor Fire Brigades Union boss Matt Wrack warned of possible strike action without a "generous funding settlement" in the Budget.

In other words, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland these would remain – depending on income – at 20p, 40p and 45p.But as people's wages increased, so too would their tax bill.

In 2019, the Conservatives also pledged not to increase tax "rates" - and went on to freeze tax thresholds.At the time, this was denounced by the Labour opposition as a "stealth tax".However, it is not one the party has specifically pledged to reverse.

Labour's opponents will argue that an extension of a freeze would undermine the party’s wider-ranging promise not to increase taxes on working people.Reeves has just 11 days to firm up her plans ahead of Budget day.

The country's first female chancellor has warned of a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances - a gap caused by

governing how much money it can borrow over the next five years."I will only strike a deal if it's in the national interest," he said.

"That's my priority - strength abroad, security and renewal at home," he added.The PM was speaking as a trio of US stock markets opened 4.4% to 5% down amid concern about a global recession.

Earlier, the government announced it wouldand provide £2.3bn to boost electric car take-up and improve charging infrastructure as a "down payment" on Britain's industrial future.