How to watch the Chancellor deliver the 2025 Budget live

The UK Budget is one of the most important events in the political calendar, and many viewers will be preparing to watch the Chancellor outline plans for tax, spending, and the economy. The 2025 Budget takes place on Wednesday 26 November, and the key question for millions is simple: what time does it start and where can you watch it live? This year’s statement will be closely monitored by households, businesses, and analysts who want to understand how the decisions may affect everyday life in the UK.

The Budget will be delivered in the House of Commons shortly after Prime Minister’s Questions. PMQs usually begins just after midday and lasts around half an hour, meaning viewers should expect the Chancellor to start speaking at around 12:30pm UK time. It is recommended to be ready from noon in case the schedule moves quicker on the day, as broadcasters usually start their coverage early to set the scene.

UK audiences will be able to watch the full Budget announcement live on major TV news channels. BBC News and Sky News traditionally run special Budget coverage with expert commentary, interviews, and real-time breakdowns of the key announcements. Parliament Live will also broadcast the speech directly from the chamber for those who want a clean, uninterrupted view of the proceedings.

Many platforms will offer live streams online, making it simple to follow the announcement whether you are working, commuting, or travelling. News websites routinely provide rolling text updates alongside clips, allowing users to quickly catch the latest headline measures. Viewers can choose between in-depth coverage or quick summaries depending on how closely they want to follow political details.

Radio listeners will be able to stay updated too. BBC Radio 4 and various UK news stations typically carry the Chancellor’s speech either live or in substantial sections. This option is particularly useful for people on the move who cannot sit in front of a television or device during the early afternoon. Push notifications through news apps are also popular for quick Budget alerts.

The speech itself generally lasts around an hour. During this time, the Chancellor will discuss the latest economic outlook and outline the Government’s fiscal approach for the coming year. The most impactful tax and spending details often appear in the latter stages of the statement, so staying tuned until the finish is advised if you want a complete picture of what is changing.

Once the speech concludes, the Government releases a full set of Budget documents that cover every announced measure in detail. These papers often include technical explanations and timelines for when new policies will take effect. Broadcasters and newspapers will publish instant analysis, helping people understand what has been confirmed and how the decisions will influence personal finances and public services.

Reaction from opposition parties and MPs follows soon after the speech, and this debate continues throughout the afternoon. Evening programmes on TV and radio typically offer deeper analysis alongside response from business leaders, experts, and public representatives. This ongoing discussion offers viewers a chance to digest the Budget once the initial headlines are clear.

If you are watching from another country, remember that the 12:30pm start is in UK time. European viewers will see the Budget in the early afternoon, while those in Asia and Australia may prefer to catch replay clips the next day. International audiences often rely on YouTube channels and global news networks to watch major moments back later.

As Budget Day approaches, many people think about the particular announcements they care about most. Some tune in for information about income tax or pensions, while others focus on benefits, housing, fuel duty or business support. Whatever matters to you, knowing when and where to watch ensures you do not miss the crucial updates that could shape the coming year for millions of people in the UK.