The Budget and the economy
Posted by Stephen Ladyman, MP for South Thanet, at 17:46, Thu 23 April 2009:
I've had some good feedback on planning issues - some in public on the HearFromYourMP web site and some privately through email. All of it has been constructive and of high quality which is very helpful. As feedback is still coming in I want to continue that discussion thread - but I thought some constituents might want to hear my views on the budget and how to find out more information:
When the world economic slow down began, the UK had record levels of employment and less national debt than almost all developed nations. That strength has been a big help to us in facing the storm that followed and now there is light at the end of the tunnel - with the economy forecast to start growing again next year.
The Government's decisive action to help the banks and British businesses means that the recession will not last anywhere near as long as it would have if we had stood aside and done nothing as the Conservatives advised. It also means we have been able to help millions of people who faced unemployment, house repossession or reduced incomes over the last year.
This year's budget is all about building on that decisive action. Providing more help for businesses and more help for families, for unemployed people and for pensioners. I am particularly pleased, for example, that from January everyone under 25 who has been out of work for a year will be guaranteed a job placement or training programme.
But the budget has gone further and set out how we will get the nations 'books' balanced again in the years ahead. In particular, it shows where we will make savings in public spending and ask the wealthy, that is people earning more than £150,000pa, to step up and pay a bit more to help out as the economy recovers.
If you want to know more about how the budget is giving 'real help now' and about Labour's plans for the future then go to http://www.labour.org.uk and you'll find a lot of detailed information about the budget at http://budget.treasury.gov.uk
And last but not least, if you want more information about my work don't forget my website www.stephenladyman.info and I'm even on Facebook these days.
Comments
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Posted by Yvonne Chapman, 20:20, Thu 23 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
It seems to me you all are doing a good job to help people from all walks of life - Keep up the good work
Yvonne
Posted by Colin Goldring, 00:40, Sat 25 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Whilst I feel the steps the goverment have taken are the correct ones - in the sense we that the alternative of letting the banking system go under was not really viable - I do feel that for Gordon Brown to disclaim all blame for the current crisis is risible. He has been chancellor and prime minister for more than a decade, which means he has been ultimately in charge of the entire regulatory framework and has had more control of the the context in which the banks operate in this country than than anyone else.
At the very least I feel it shows moral weakness to try and blame absolve himself completely for the current situation. I am not saying it is all his fault, but it comes across as spineless to so cravenly try to pass the buck - I would think more of him if he would at least admit to having made mistakes.
I'm afraid for me it reinforces the impression of moral cowardice I was left with after the Iraq war, which Gordon Brown bankrolled (at our expense) yet was conspicuously silent when it came to standing up either for it or against it. At least Tony Blair (rightly or wrongly) had the courage of his convictions to stand forsquare the Americans. Ultimately I am looking for leadership in Gordon Brown, which amongst other things means a willingness to carry the burden of responsibility. I don't expect leaders to be perfect, but Gordon Brown strikes me as a man who wants the plaudits but is terrified of being blamed at all if things don't go according to plan.
Posted by Stephen Ladyman, 16:12, Mon 27 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Mr Goldring
I agree - there was little alternative to rescuing the banking system and although the other parties seem to be trying to 'have it both ways' by trying to associate themselves with the effect of the rescue while denying the cost I have heard no-one in a position of real knowledge suggest there was another way.
I understand your point about the PM not acknowledging his role in creating the regulatory framework. In my opinion it is always better to acknowledge your errors and then try to move on - but given the way the media and opposition parties try to exploit every admission of culpability as a sign of weakness rather than a sign of strength, can you really blame him?
For my part, I never backed away from my responsibility and the way I voted in the decisions that were made prior to the invasion of Iraq - so as your local MP I hope you will give me credit for that at least. Of course, as a 'party politician' too I hope you'll forgive me for pointing out that the only complaint the Tories made about the regulatory system was that it was too tight! After Northern Rock had to be rescued Mr Osbourne told the City the problem was 'over regulation'!!! As for Iraq, you would be hard pressed now to remember they supported the war all the way and were given 'privy council' access to all the information Mr Blair had and thought it sufficient at the time.
Posted by Stephen Ladyman, 16:07, Tue 28 April 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Yvonne, Thanks for your encouragement