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08/04/2010
Electioneering Heats Up
More than a dozen additional business leaders have given their backing to Tory plans which would see employers' National Insurance contributions cut.
However, Labour has claimed there are flaws in the tax proposals.
Conservative leader David Cameron said his government would block the 1% rise in NI next April for those earning over £20,000.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown insists this would force the Tories to cut overall spending by £6bn.
According to Chancellor Alistair Darling, a reduction in public funds could harm the UK's economic recovery.
Lib Dems have insisted the freeze on NI contributions for middle earners would result in a VAT "bombshell".
Defending the plans, Mr Cameron said: "We have got some of Britain's biggest and most successful business leaders saying, in terms, that the threat to the recovery is not cost savings and cutting out waste, the threat to the recovery is Labour's jobs tax."
Meanwhile, the Conservative today welcomed a political endorsement from British actor Sir Michael Caine, who helped launch the party's "national citizen service" pledge.
Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy joined his successor Nick Clegg in Glasgow to commence the Scottish leg of their party's election campaign.
Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones also launched his party's campaign in Anglesey, while UUP leader Sir Reg Empey, a Northern Ireland Government Minister, announced his intentions to stand as a joint Tory candidate in South Antrim.
(PR/BmcC)
However, Labour has claimed there are flaws in the tax proposals.
Conservative leader David Cameron said his government would block the 1% rise in NI next April for those earning over £20,000.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown insists this would force the Tories to cut overall spending by £6bn.
According to Chancellor Alistair Darling, a reduction in public funds could harm the UK's economic recovery.
Lib Dems have insisted the freeze on NI contributions for middle earners would result in a VAT "bombshell".
Defending the plans, Mr Cameron said: "We have got some of Britain's biggest and most successful business leaders saying, in terms, that the threat to the recovery is not cost savings and cutting out waste, the threat to the recovery is Labour's jobs tax."
Meanwhile, the Conservative today welcomed a political endorsement from British actor Sir Michael Caine, who helped launch the party's "national citizen service" pledge.
Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy joined his successor Nick Clegg in Glasgow to commence the Scottish leg of their party's election campaign.
Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones also launched his party's campaign in Anglesey, while UUP leader Sir Reg Empey, a Northern Ireland Government Minister, announced his intentions to stand as a joint Tory candidate in South Antrim.
(PR/BmcC)
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Senior Conservatives quit Shadow Cabinet
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Disarray in UUP as three MPs resign party whip
The resignation of three of the Ulster Unionist Party's MPs from the parliamentary whip earlier today was quickly follows by calls for party leader David Trimble to change party policy or resign.
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Cameron Says 'Tough Times Ahead'
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Cameron Says 'Tough Times Ahead'
Conservative Leader David Cameron took centre stage at his party's conference this afternoon, pledging to take the "steep climb ahead". Mr Cameron told Tory delegates he is "ready to be tested" amid "tough" times. The Conservatives currently lead national opinion polls, however the party is not a shoe in at the next general election.
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Cameron denies leadership rift
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Cameron denies leadership rift
Conservative leader David Cameron has attempted to scotch rumours of a leadership rift in the party. Mr Cameron, who is on a trip to Rwanda to set out his approach to global poverty, has sought to dismiss the rumours. The Tory leader said that suggestions that Conservative MPs were seeking a vote of no-confidence was a "non-story.
02 May 2003
Tory leader looks to council election gains
Conservative gains in the elections will bolster the position of Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith following the resignation of frontbench trade spokesperson Crispin Blunt. Prior to the close of the polls on the elections Mr Blunt launched a scathing attack on his party leader.
Tory leader looks to council election gains
Conservative gains in the elections will bolster the position of Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith following the resignation of frontbench trade spokesperson Crispin Blunt. Prior to the close of the polls on the elections Mr Blunt launched a scathing attack on his party leader.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
