Where and when to view the Chancellor’s Budget statement

The UK Budget 2025 is taking place on Wednesday 26 November, marking one of the biggest political broadcasts of the year. Viewers across the country will be tuning in to hear the Chancellor’s plans for the economy, taxes, benefits, and public spending. For many households and businesses, the speech will provide the clearest picture yet of what the year ahead could look like financially across the UK.

The Chancellor is expected to begin delivering the Budget in the House of Commons shortly after Prime Minister’s Questions. PMQs typically starts just after midday and lasts around half an hour, meaning viewers should be prepared to watch from 12:30pm UK time. Broadcasters often start their Budget special programmes earlier, so tuning in from 12:00pm ensures you do not miss the opening.

The main Budget coverage will be available live on UK news channels. BBC News and Sky News are expected to show the full speech, along with expert commentary breaking down every announcement as it happens. These channels usually provide interviews with political correspondents and economists before and after the event, helping viewers understand the potential impact on daily life.

For those who want the most direct feed, the Budget can be watched through Parliament’s official live streaming service. This broadcast shows the Commons session without added commentary, making it an ideal option for those who want to focus solely on the Chancellor’s words. It is also a useful choice for people who plan to share or review specific moments later.

Online streaming options are widely available for anyone following from a phone, tablet, or computer. Most major UK news outlets provide live video players along with rolling text commentary, giving quick summaries of the key measures as they are revealed. This is particularly convenient for viewers working during the afternoon who still want to remain informed in real time.

Radio listeners will not miss out on the Budget either, as national stations such as BBC Radio 4 typically carry the speech live or in extended clips. For commuters or those away from screens, this remains one of the most accessible ways to stay updated on what the Government is planning. Many people also rely on push notifications from trusted news apps for instant alerts.

The Chancellor’s statement normally lasts around an hour, though it can sometimes extend slightly depending on the volume of announcements. During this period, new forecasts for the UK economy are usually published, alongside concrete measures affecting areas such as wages, investment, infrastructure, and public services. The latter part of the speech often contains headline-making decisions.

After the speech ends, the Treasury releases full Budget documents, which contain the detailed breakdown of every change announced. News outlets then run instant analysis, explaining how households and businesses might be affected. For viewers who cannot watch live, this evening coverage offers an easy way to catch up on the most important points.

The political reaction continues throughout the afternoon and evening, with opposition leaders responding to the Chancellor’s plans in the Commons. Current affairs programmes usually feature interviews with politicians from across the spectrum, as well as specialists who can look beyond the headlines. This gives viewers a clearer sense of how the Budget is likely to be received nationwide.

Those watching from outside the UK should convert the 12:30pm start into their local time, as the Budget is a key moment for global economic watchers too. Whether tuning in for personal finances, small business updates, or sector-specific measures, being ready at the right time means you can follow every decision as it is announced. Watching live ensures you do not miss the policies that could shape the year ahead for millions across the United Kingdom.