BORDERS MP John Lamont has reacted to this morning's u-turn by Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng on one of his 'mini-budget' proposals.

One of the more criticised aspects of Mr Kwarteng's mini-budget announced recently, was the scrapping of the 45p rate on top earners.

This proposal would have seen the 45p additional rate of tax removed for those who earn more than £150,000.

Mr Lamont told the Border Telegraph that scrapping the additional tax on the highest earners was not "something I could support in the current economic climate".

However, this morning (Monday, October 3) the UK Government u-turned on this plan, keeping the 45p rate in place.

In response to the sudden change, Mr Lamont, who represents the Conservatives for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said: "Although the 45p rate did not apply in Scotland it was not something that I could support in the current economic climate."

Mr Lamont added that he does support other measures in Mr Kwarteng's budget.

He said: "However, I do welcome the National Insurance cuts that means that Borderers will have an average of £280 extra in their pocket in the coming year.

“This is on top of the multiple packages of support to assist with energy bills, including the cap saving an average household £1000, the £400 discount on energy bills this winter, and the directed support for the most vulnerable households.

“Although I have been clear with ministers that we need to see more support for households that are not connected to mains gas, as many are here in the Borders."

Mr Kwarteng explained he decided to u-turn on the tax cut for the richest in the UK as the 45p rate had become "a massive distraction on what was a strong package".

The proposed tax cut received criticism from those within and outwith the Conservative Party, with former minister Michael Gove suggesting he would not support the measure in the House of Commons, and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the proposal as "morally wrong and hugely costly for millions".