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02/09/2008
Darling Spins 'Gloom' into 'Optimism', After Sterling Fall
UK Chancellor Alistair Darling has made an apparent 'U-turn' on his previously gloomy predictions for the British economy - insisting he is actually optimistic about overcoming financial difficulties.
And the man holding the Government's purse strings also said that his own job is safe, despite rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Darling's weekend comments are said to have rattled the financial market yesterday, to the extent that the sterling hit a record low against the euro, a downward trend that continued today.
However, the Chancellor has now told the BBC: "As I said at the weekend, we face a unique set of circumstances that we have not seen in generations where you have a credit crunch and you have high oil and food prices.
"But I remain optimistic as I have said on many occasions before, that we can get through and we will get though it and today's measures (to abolish stamp duty on houses costing less than £175,000) to help the housing market are one example of how the Government can help people."
However, Mr Darling's suggestions in a Guardian newspaper article on Saturday have been attributed to Sterling's sharp fall.
Speaking on the matter, the Chancellor said the domestic economy has been depreciating for some time; expressing currencies fluctuate all the time.
Mr Darling said his contribution to Saturday's article was merely a reiteration of previous comments he has made regarding the challenges faced by the economy.
Speaking on Sky News, the Chancellor said he did not expect the Prime Minister to announce a cabinet reshuffle.
Political commentators have speculated whether Gordon Brown may reorganise those at the helm of Ministerial portfolios to appease the electorate.
Meanwhile, an influential Irish construction group has said that a move similar to the UK's stamp duty changes could 'save' Ireland's housing market if implemented in the Irish Republic.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has today claimed the plan to save the housing market in the UK, where the British Government has announced plans to abolish stamp duty on houses costing less than £175,000, should be adopted by the Irish Government too.
See: End Stamp Duties Too: CIF
(PR)
And the man holding the Government's purse strings also said that his own job is safe, despite rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Darling's weekend comments are said to have rattled the financial market yesterday, to the extent that the sterling hit a record low against the euro, a downward trend that continued today.
However, the Chancellor has now told the BBC: "As I said at the weekend, we face a unique set of circumstances that we have not seen in generations where you have a credit crunch and you have high oil and food prices.
"But I remain optimistic as I have said on many occasions before, that we can get through and we will get though it and today's measures (to abolish stamp duty on houses costing less than £175,000) to help the housing market are one example of how the Government can help people."
However, Mr Darling's suggestions in a Guardian newspaper article on Saturday have been attributed to Sterling's sharp fall.
Speaking on the matter, the Chancellor said the domestic economy has been depreciating for some time; expressing currencies fluctuate all the time.
Mr Darling said his contribution to Saturday's article was merely a reiteration of previous comments he has made regarding the challenges faced by the economy.
Speaking on Sky News, the Chancellor said he did not expect the Prime Minister to announce a cabinet reshuffle.
Political commentators have speculated whether Gordon Brown may reorganise those at the helm of Ministerial portfolios to appease the electorate.
Meanwhile, an influential Irish construction group has said that a move similar to the UK's stamp duty changes could 'save' Ireland's housing market if implemented in the Irish Republic.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has today claimed the plan to save the housing market in the UK, where the British Government has announced plans to abolish stamp duty on houses costing less than £175,000, should be adopted by the Irish Government too.
See: End Stamp Duties Too: CIF
(PR)
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24 March 2010
Budget Rounds On Recovery
First time buyers in the UK will be exempt from forking out stamp duty on properties over £250,000, the Chancellor announced today, in what could be the Labour Government's final Budget. The gap left will be filled by those paying for houses valued more than £1m, Alistair Darling said.
Budget Rounds On Recovery
First time buyers in the UK will be exempt from forking out stamp duty on properties over £250,000, the Chancellor announced today, in what could be the Labour Government's final Budget. The gap left will be filled by those paying for houses valued more than £1m, Alistair Darling said.
16 July 2013
Police Extend 'Dangerous' Man Hunt Nationwide
Police have put airports and ports on alert as the hunt for a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old man in Hertfordshire on Saturday. 55-year-old John McLoughlin has been described as "dangerous" and is wanted in connection with the death of Graham Buck, who was killed after he intervened in a robbery at a neighbours house.
Police Extend 'Dangerous' Man Hunt Nationwide
Police have put airports and ports on alert as the hunt for a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 66-year-old man in Hertfordshire on Saturday. 55-year-old John McLoughlin has been described as "dangerous" and is wanted in connection with the death of Graham Buck, who was killed after he intervened in a robbery at a neighbours house.
16 September 2008
Darling Calls For Global Effort, Amid Further Market Turmoil
UK Chancellor Alistair Darling has called for a collaborative global effort to stabilise international markets, amid mounting financial pressures being felt across the world. Mr Darling said governments, regulators and central banks should act jointly to combat the current worldwide market turmoil.
Darling Calls For Global Effort, Amid Further Market Turmoil
UK Chancellor Alistair Darling has called for a collaborative global effort to stabilise international markets, amid mounting financial pressures being felt across the world. Mr Darling said governments, regulators and central banks should act jointly to combat the current worldwide market turmoil.
27 September 2013
PM Rejects TV Debate Offer With Alex Salmond
Prime Minister David Cameron has turned down an offer of a TV debate with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Mr Salmond had invited Mr Cameron to debate Scottish Independence but the PM refused, saying instead that Mr Salmond should debate Alistair Darling, head of the pro-Union campaign group Better Together.
PM Rejects TV Debate Offer With Alex Salmond
Prime Minister David Cameron has turned down an offer of a TV debate with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Mr Salmond had invited Mr Cameron to debate Scottish Independence but the PM refused, saying instead that Mr Salmond should debate Alistair Darling, head of the pro-Union campaign group Better Together.
05 August 2008
Darling Tight Lipped Over Stamp Duty Changes
Chancellor Alistair Darling is shedding no light on whether or not there will be a temporary suspension in stamp duty. Mr Darling said he would not be drawn on newspaper reports that the temporary scrapping of the levy would help people through the 'credit crunch'.
Darling Tight Lipped Over Stamp Duty Changes
Chancellor Alistair Darling is shedding no light on whether or not there will be a temporary suspension in stamp duty. Mr Darling said he would not be drawn on newspaper reports that the temporary scrapping of the levy would help people through the 'credit crunch'.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
