# Falling branch strikes cameraman during report on budget pressures

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/portent-of-a-budget-crash-watch-moment-large-branch-breaks-off-as-mail-political-journalist-sets-out-challenges-chancellor-is-facing/
- Published: 2026-10-23T14:44:27+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T14:52:32+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16229479/moment-large-branch-Mail-political-journalist.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- A falling branch struck a cameraman filming in Green Park.
- He sustained a forehead cut but carried on filming.
- The report focused on possible Budget taxes and rising energy costs.

## Summary

A large tree branch fell on cameraman Aiden Smith while he and political correspondent Christian Calgie were filming in Green Park about the upcoming Budget. Smith suffered a bleeding cut to his forehead but continued filming for another hour; the incident interrupted a report on the financial pressures facing Chancellor John Healey.

The article says energy costs remain a concern despite a recent VAT cut on household electricity bills, as gas and oil prices have risen. The government is expected to keep its pledges not to raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT, while considering other measures, including a reported £2 billion levy on banks, another freeze on income tax thresholds and a lower threshold for the property charge on high-value homes. The article also reports a possible rise in Machine Games Duty from 20 to 40 per cent.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.