Budget 2008
Wednesday, 12 Mar 2008 15:00
Reaction is pouring in following Alistair Darling's Budget statement to a packed Commons.
As expected the environment was high up on its agenda, with large-scale changes constrained by the difficult wider economic situation. Whether the postponed fuel duty increase, the possibility of legislation to cut carrier bag use and punishing hikes for high-emission vehicles are enough is up for debate.
Mr Darling made clear the government remains committed to helping alleviate child poverty, claiming measures announced this year will help another 250,000 children. Child benefits are to be increased and £765 million is to be invested towards cutting poverty next year; campaigners are worried the government still looks like missing its 2010 target.
A commitment to economic stability and resilience was also repeatedly underlined. Mr Darling insisted the golden rules would still be met, but some have raised eyebrows at this stance.
His economic claims have maintained stability also inevitably widened debate about the extent to which the government's economic policies are responsible for the present downturn.
politics.co.uk brings you all the key quotes and reaction.