Re-writing the pre-budget report

Paul Kingsnorth

7th December, 2006

The Chancellor's pre-budget report on Wednesday 6th December was a green-washed shambles. Paul Kingsnorth gives Gordon a helping hand with the re-write

Mr Speaker – This is my tenth pre-budget report, and under this government the tenth consecutive year of growth. I can report not only the longest period of sustained growth in our history, but of all the major economies – America, France, Germany, Japan – Britain has enjoyed the longest post war period of continuous growth.

Ten years ago Britain was 7th in the G7, bottom of the league for national income per head. In the last two years Britain has been second only to the USA. In no other decade has Britain's personal wealth - up 60 per cent - grown so fast.

I therefore conclude that we are, as a nation, one of the best-placed on Earth to respond to the serious environmental challenges that face our world.

Mr Speaker, it is not unusual for Pre-Budget Reports to receive media attention before they are announced in this house. I was amused to read reports of what I intend to say today in this morning’s press.

It was suggested that I intend to announce £1 billion-worth of green taxes. It was suggested that I intend to raise petrol duty by 1.25% and double air passenger duty – finally bringing it back to the level it was at when this government took...

 

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