How and where to watch the Budget announcement today

The UK Budget 2025 is being delivered today, and millions of viewers are preparing to tune in as the Chancellor reveals major tax and spending measures. This year’s announcement will be closely watched by households, workers, and businesses who want to know what changes may affect their finances. With so much attention on the economy, reliable live coverage is essential for anyone following events as they unfold.

The Budget statement begins shortly after Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons. PMQs typically starts just after midday and runs around half an hour, so the Budget is expected to start at approximately 12:30pm UK time. BBC broadcasters usually begin their special coverage beforehand, meaning viewers should plan to tune in from around 12:00pm for the build-up.

BBC News will carry full live coverage of the Budget as it happens, featuring political experts and economic analysts who will explain and interpret the Chancellor’s announcements. The broadcast will continue throughout the afternoon, with interviews, reaction, and instant breakdowns of each key policy. This makes BBC News one of the most comprehensive ways to follow the statement live.

Viewers can also turn to BBC Parliament for a more unfiltered experience. This channel shows the Commons session directly, giving audiences every word of the Chancellor’s speech without commentary. It is a good option for those who prefer to hear the exact message before switching to expert analysis later on. BBC Parliament is available on most UK TV platforms.

Streaming is a major choice for anyone watching from a mobile device or computer. The BBC iPlayer app and website will support live BBC coverage, making it easy to follow whether you are at home, at work, or travelling. Online viewers can also switch between channels for different styles of reporting, depending on how detailed an explanation they require.

For those without access to BBC channels, the Parliament Live online stream will also show the full statement directly from the Commons. This is often the first source to begin broadcasting when major political events take place. It is particularly useful for people who want a clean, uninterrupted feed with no additional commentary or graphics on screen.

Sky News and other UK networks will air their own live Budget specials too, offering alternative perspectives and different interview voices. However, the BBC remains one of the most accessible broadcasters, with coverage available on both free-to-air television and digital platforms. Many viewers switch between channels throughout the afternoon to follow a range of expert viewpoints.

Once the speech concludes, the BBC will move into in-depth reaction programmes that dig deeper into the details. These explain exactly how policies may affect everyday life in the UK, including wages, pensions, housing, and public services. As official documents are released by the Government, financial experts will review the finer points that do not always appear in the main speech.

People following the news from outside the UK should be aware that BBC live streams may be restricted in certain countries due to regional broadcasting rights. International viewers often rely on highlights posted shortly after the speech or coverage from global news services. Converting the start time to local hours will ensure no major announcement is missed.

Budget Day typically continues well past the Chancellor’s final words, with opposition leaders responding in Parliament and broadcasters presenting further analysis into the evening. For most people, the BBC will remain the primary source of trusted coverage as the national conversation continues. With so many policies expected to have real-world impact, staying tuned throughout the day will help viewers understand how the plans shape the UK’s financial future.

Today’s Budget is set to be one of the most closely watched in recent years, and many people will want to hear the outcome first-hand. Whether you choose BBC News for expert commentary or BBC Parliament for uninterrupted delivery, being ready around 12:30pm is the best way to follow every announcement as it happens.