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14/09/2009
Review Of 'All' Government Spending
Labour will "fight back" against the recession, Lord Mandelson said today.
The Business Secretary said the government has the mindset of "insurgents" restless with the status quo, rather than purely "incumbents".
Lord Mandelson said his party is not "oblivious" to the current economic conditions, despite Tory accusations of "reckless" spending plans.
He conceded Labour was now the political "underdog".
Lord Mandelson's comments came the same day he pledged to review all government spending, as part of plans to halve its budget deficit with four years.
This figure will reportedly stand at £175bn by the end of 2009.
Public spending levels now look likely to dominate debates in the run-up to the next general election.
Conservatives have said they plan to cut spending, while Labour has claimed such dramatic action would damage front line services.
Lord Mandelson said the government should be "wise spenders, not big spenders".
"I simply don't accept, as the Tories and some of their friends in the media would have us believe, that the Labour approach to this boils down to the same thing. I believe there's a real choice," he told the BBC.
TUC members, who will hold their annual congress this week, have already warned of a "double-dip recession" and further unemployment.
However, Lord Mandelson has insisted the government's approach will not include "cuts", rather the switching of resource priorities.
"Everything is going to have to be examined," he said.
(PR/BMcC)
The Business Secretary said the government has the mindset of "insurgents" restless with the status quo, rather than purely "incumbents".
Lord Mandelson said his party is not "oblivious" to the current economic conditions, despite Tory accusations of "reckless" spending plans.
He conceded Labour was now the political "underdog".
Lord Mandelson's comments came the same day he pledged to review all government spending, as part of plans to halve its budget deficit with four years.
This figure will reportedly stand at £175bn by the end of 2009.
Public spending levels now look likely to dominate debates in the run-up to the next general election.
Conservatives have said they plan to cut spending, while Labour has claimed such dramatic action would damage front line services.
Lord Mandelson said the government should be "wise spenders, not big spenders".
"I simply don't accept, as the Tories and some of their friends in the media would have us believe, that the Labour approach to this boils down to the same thing. I believe there's a real choice," he told the BBC.
TUC members, who will hold their annual congress this week, have already warned of a "double-dip recession" and further unemployment.
However, Lord Mandelson has insisted the government's approach will not include "cuts", rather the switching of resource priorities.
"Everything is going to have to be examined," he said.
(PR/BMcC)
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01 February 2010
Mandelson Blasts Tory Spending Plans
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has launched a stinging attack on Tory spending proposals, which he claims would "strangle the recovery at birth". The second highest ranking cabinet figure warned a government led by David Cameron would damage the UK economy by £11 billion.
Mandelson Blasts Tory Spending Plans
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has launched a stinging attack on Tory spending proposals, which he claims would "strangle the recovery at birth". The second highest ranking cabinet figure warned a government led by David Cameron would damage the UK economy by £11 billion.
03 February 2010
Mandelson 'Disappointed' In Kraft
Kraft Foods' failure to provide job assurances to Cadbury's UK staff has "disappointed" the Business Secretary. Lord Mandelson said the US company would not commit itself to managing the chocolate brands in Britain. He spoke after holding talks with Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld.
Mandelson 'Disappointed' In Kraft
Kraft Foods' failure to provide job assurances to Cadbury's UK staff has "disappointed" the Business Secretary. Lord Mandelson said the US company would not commit itself to managing the chocolate brands in Britain. He spoke after holding talks with Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld.
05 January 2010
Diamond Jubilee Holiday Plans
The UK will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it was announced today. A "nationwide celebration" will be held to honour the Queen's 60-year reign, Lord Mandelson said.
Diamond Jubilee Holiday Plans
The UK will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it was announced today. A "nationwide celebration" will be held to honour the Queen's 60-year reign, Lord Mandelson said.
14 January 2009
Banking Boss Given Ministerial Post
A former banking boss has been drafted in by Business Secretary Peter Mandelson (pictured) to fill a top ministerial post, in a moved aimed at shoring-up the UK banking sector. Mervyn Davis, lately Chair of Standard Chartered, will be granted a life peerage, which will allow him to join the government.
Banking Boss Given Ministerial Post
A former banking boss has been drafted in by Business Secretary Peter Mandelson (pictured) to fill a top ministerial post, in a moved aimed at shoring-up the UK banking sector. Mervyn Davis, lately Chair of Standard Chartered, will be granted a life peerage, which will allow him to join the government.
09 July 2003
Spending Review will focus on raising skills, says Brown
Raising skills levels will be central to the next Spending Review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said today. Speaking at the launch of today's National Skills Strategy, Gordon Brown said that entrenching stability and tackling excessively high levels of unemployment were the first goals of government.
Spending Review will focus on raising skills, says Brown
Raising skills levels will be central to the next Spending Review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said today. Speaking at the launch of today's National Skills Strategy, Gordon Brown said that entrenching stability and tackling excessively high levels of unemployment were the first goals of government.
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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.
