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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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Diamond Jubilee Holiday Plans
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
