Britain's economic future

The release of an IMF report, Tony Blair's memoirs and comments made by Alistair Darling have thrust economic policy into the spotlight, as the comprehensive spending review starts to loom large in the agenda of the government.

The IMF has warned Britain to continue a policy of fiscal tightening, and amidst the revelations from Mr Blair's 'A Journey' it was disclosed that the former prime minister held views on deficit reduction not altogether dissimilar to that of the coalition government.

The Conservatives have leapt upon this as a vindication of the government's approach to cutting public spending further and faster than planned for by Labour.

The arguments will likely increase in intensity as the October spending review approaches.