Brown and Cameron resume borrowing fight
Gordon Brown and David Cameron have resumed their argument over the government’s economic strategy, with the Tory leader calling on the prime minister to admit taxes will have to rise.
Mr Brown refused to answer that question during today’s prime minister’s questions.
“Real help means there will have to be some fiscal expansion,” Mr Brown said. He then accused the Conservatives of not being willing to “help people” because of their ideology.
“On this side of the House we’ve made our choice. It’s called spending restraint,” Mr Cameron replied.
Today’s PMQs was the first since Mr Cameron’s announcement he would detach his party’s policies from Labour spending plans – previously a mainstay of his leadership.
Mr Brown accused the Tory leader of changing his mind.
“They all shout, but only a few days ago the leader of the opposition himself said borrowing had to happen. Then he changed his mind,” the prime minister said.
Chancellor Alistair Darling and his Conservative counterpart George Osborne will face off in the Commons next Monday when the government publishes its Pre-Budget Report.
Analysts will be watching the exchange closely to see if yesterday’s Conservative announcement improves the party’s ability to address the current crisis.
crisis.
