UK's Truss admits tax cuts misstep as conservatives gather

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss conceded she should have better prepared Britain for her recent debt-driven mini-budget, which slashed taxes and sparked market turmoil, as her restive ruling Tories kick of their annual conference.

Less than a month into the job but already mired in a deep crisis, the new Tory leader insisted the controversial plans would return Britain to economic growth, as it grapples with decadeshigh inflation and imminent recession.

With the Conservative party faithful gathering for four days in Birmingham, Truss also sought to reassure critics she will reduce the extra government borrowing earmarked to fund the tax cuts for the wealthiest.

"I do stand by the package we announced... but I do accept we should have laid the ground better there," Truss told the BBC in her first live TV appearance since the contentious proposals were unveiled on September 23.

"We have a clear plan moving forward both to deal with the energy crisis and to deal with inflation, but also to get the economy growing," she added, while also vowing to curb government debt "over the medium term".