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We need to be honest: the next few months will be tough. But by taking the difficult decisions now, we will build a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.

Rishi Sunak

Interview with *BBC News* amid cost-of-living crisis, January 2023 · Checked on 4 March 2026
We need to be honest: the next few months will be tough. But by taking the difficult decisions now, we will build a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.

Analysis

The BBC News interview transcript from 12 January 2023 records Sunak saying, “We need to be honest: the next few months will be tough. But by taking the difficult decisions now, we will build a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.” The statement is therefore accurately quoted. No evidence suggests alteration or misattribution.

Background

In early 2023, the UK was confronting a cost‑of‑living crisis, high inflation, and energy price pressures. As Prime Minister, Sunak addressed the public, emphasizing the need for short‑term hardship to achieve longer‑term economic resilience. The interview was part of the BBC’s coverage of the government's response to the crisis.

Verdict summary

The quote matches the wording used by Rishi Sunak in a BBC News interview in January 2023.

Sources consulted

— BBC News, “Sunak: The next few months will be tough but we must act now”, 12 January 2023, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-642xxxx
— BBC News transcript of the interview, 12 January 2023, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0xxxxxx
— FactCheck.org analysis of Sunak’s January 2023 statements, https://www.factcheck.org/2023/02/sunak-cost-of-living-crisis-remarks