Menu
15/09/2009
Brown Discusses Spending 'Cuts'
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told union leaders government spending 'cuts' are necessary.
Until now Labour ministers have stopped short of outlining 'cuts', as part of a wider drive to reduce public expenditure, and bolster the indebted state purse.
However, today Mr Brown told TUC delegates that steps will be taken to "cut unnecessary spending on low priorities".
There is no indication as to where cutbacks will be made, however, the PM said Labour would not "support cuts in the vital front line services on which people depend".
"We are doing the right thing to make sure that for the future as we move into a full recovery we will invest and grow within sustainable public finances," said Mr Brown.
Conservatives have attacked the Prime Minister, accusing him of a "full retreat" on spending. Mr Brown has already suggested a Tory alternative would mean "savage" cuts to front line services.
"We faced the Conservative position down and we have been shown to do the right thing by British families and British people," he said.
Earlier this afternoon, he told union bosses government spending will be maintained in the short term to stave off the recession and provide a basis for recovery.
However, the PM conceded it will be necessary to "cut costs, where we can, ensuring efficiency where it's needed, agreeing realistic public sector pay settlements throughout, selling off the unproductive assets we don't need to pay for the services we do need."
Shadow chancellor George Osborne, speaking ahead of Mr Brown's address, said: "We endured months of Labour ministers and Gordon Brown in the House of Commons saying we were bonkers we got it wrong and the like, and look, lo and behold, they have completely collapsed and are in full retreat."
A poll in today's Times newspaper claimed 44% of people trust the Tories to manage budget cuts, compared to 35% support for Labour's handling.
Mr Brown will address the TUC conference after 2.30pm.
(PR/BMcC)
Until now Labour ministers have stopped short of outlining 'cuts', as part of a wider drive to reduce public expenditure, and bolster the indebted state purse.
However, today Mr Brown told TUC delegates that steps will be taken to "cut unnecessary spending on low priorities".
There is no indication as to where cutbacks will be made, however, the PM said Labour would not "support cuts in the vital front line services on which people depend".
"We are doing the right thing to make sure that for the future as we move into a full recovery we will invest and grow within sustainable public finances," said Mr Brown.
Conservatives have attacked the Prime Minister, accusing him of a "full retreat" on spending. Mr Brown has already suggested a Tory alternative would mean "savage" cuts to front line services.
"We faced the Conservative position down and we have been shown to do the right thing by British families and British people," he said.
Earlier this afternoon, he told union bosses government spending will be maintained in the short term to stave off the recession and provide a basis for recovery.
However, the PM conceded it will be necessary to "cut costs, where we can, ensuring efficiency where it's needed, agreeing realistic public sector pay settlements throughout, selling off the unproductive assets we don't need to pay for the services we do need."
Shadow chancellor George Osborne, speaking ahead of Mr Brown's address, said: "We endured months of Labour ministers and Gordon Brown in the House of Commons saying we were bonkers we got it wrong and the like, and look, lo and behold, they have completely collapsed and are in full retreat."
A poll in today's Times newspaper claimed 44% of people trust the Tories to manage budget cuts, compared to 35% support for Labour's handling.
Mr Brown will address the TUC conference after 2.30pm.
(PR/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2012
Senior Civil Servant Says Spending Cuts Could Last A Decade
Britain's most senior civil servant has warned that public spending cuts could last for up to a decade. Sir Jeremy Heywood, appointed as cabinet secretary by David Cameron last year, said the government was only a quarter of the way through its fiscal consolidation.
Senior Civil Servant Says Spending Cuts Could Last A Decade
Britain's most senior civil servant has warned that public spending cuts could last for up to a decade. Sir Jeremy Heywood, appointed as cabinet secretary by David Cameron last year, said the government was only a quarter of the way through its fiscal consolidation.
13 July 2004
Spending review sees civil service bear cost of public spending rise
In yesterday's spending review, the Chancellor set out government plans for putting extra money into frontline public services - investment that would be freed up from downsizing the civil service. Gordon Brown said that there will be a real terms rise in funding of 4.2% for each of the next three years.
Spending review sees civil service bear cost of public spending rise
In yesterday's spending review, the Chancellor set out government plans for putting extra money into frontline public services - investment that would be freed up from downsizing the civil service. Gordon Brown said that there will be a real terms rise in funding of 4.2% for each of the next three years.
02 July 2010
Slower Pace As Construction Grows
The pace of growth in the UK's construction sector is slowing down - but more positively - is still rising overall. June's Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index for construction showed continued growth, but at a slower pace.
Slower Pace As Construction Grows
The pace of growth in the UK's construction sector is slowing down - but more positively - is still rising overall. June's Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index for construction showed continued growth, but at a slower pace.
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.
11 December 2009
PM 'Not At Odds With Darling'
Gordon Brown has denied he overruled the Chancellor on spending cuts detailed in this week's pre-Budget report. It was claimed the Prime Minister had stepped in to halt more sweeping cut backs in order to protect front-line services. However, Mr Brown has insisted he and his Chancellor work "very closely together and continue to do so".
PM 'Not At Odds With Darling'
Gordon Brown has denied he overruled the Chancellor on spending cuts detailed in this week's pre-Budget report. It was claimed the Prime Minister had stepped in to halt more sweeping cut backs in order to protect front-line services. However, Mr Brown has insisted he and his Chancellor work "very closely together and continue to do so".
-
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.
