Downing Street Says » Pre-Budget podcast

A transcript of a podcast recorded by the Prime Minister about this year’s Budget.

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At every point during the recession, Alistair Darling and I have been focused on the decisions you needed us to make to support you; your family; your job; and your home.

These were difficult decisions that tested our resolve and we made them and stuck with them, maintaining a consistent course because we knew that with your resourcefulness we would come through together.

And we are now preparing for one of the most important Budgets for Britain for many years.

We’ve reached a point in our economic recovery where we need decisions that will determine whether it takes root and we can go for growth – creating jobs and prosperity for all – or whether it withers and dies.

And it needs a government taking the tough decisions and not being reckless and I want to be clear – we have a plan and we are sticking to it. A plan:

We know that our approach so far is working – and we are confident that the economy is returning to health. But the recovery is fragile and in its infancy.

So first and foremost you should be confident that this year we will continue with the support we have already in place that is helping to ease the worst effects of the global recession.

This means help to keep your job – or to find a new job – help to stay in your home; and help to keep businesses afloat.

It means not taking away that extra support too soon, which risks setting back the recovery and tipping us back into recession.

Because if we allow unemployment to run riot – as happened in previous recessions – that will cost us more and add to the deficit.

Of course, it’s business and private enterprise which are the engines of economic growth.

But they need conditions in which they can thrive – a government confident to take the big decisions: investing in national infrastructure such as high-speed rail, broadband, airport expansion and supplies of new, clean energy.

And by making sure that as a country we invest in the key sectors – advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, creative industries – that will be the source of high-skilled jobs in the future.

Protecting the recovery goes hand-in-hand with steps to rebuild the public finances.

Our historic contract with the British people to cut the deficit is non-negotiable; it is legally-binding; it is the most ambitious deficit-reduction plan among the world’s biggest economies; and it will reduce borrowing by more than 80 billion.

As always, our approach is driven by fairness and founded on the same principles you employ when you decide your household spending.

And it is through this approach of fair tax rises – where those most able to pay will pay the most – tough measures on efficiency and public sector pay, and cutting back on unnecessary programmes that we can protect funding for schools, the NHS and the police.

So I know that pulling together as a nation – as we did through the recession – we can secure the recovery and build a platform for strong, sustainable growth.

This involves difficult decisions; but we believe that they are right for Britain and they are right for you and your families – and Alistair Darling and I are prepared to make them.

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» Friday, February 21, 0110

Pre-Budget podcast

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