The UK government has announced a new budget that includes significant tax increases, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves stating that ordinary people will have to pay more. The budget freezes income tax and National Insurance thresholds until 2031, pushing around 1.7 million people into higher tax brackets. Analysts warn that these measures will raise living costs, and Reeves defended the changes as fair and necessary. Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed plans to raise military spending to 2.6% of GDP, despite public discontent. Reeves emphasized the need to maintain commitments to NATO and address perceived threats from Russia. Russia has criticized Western states, including the UK, for their militarization, warning it risks sparking a wider conflict in Europe.