Looking to the G20
‘In a stark message aimed at Germany and France, which want the G20 leading nations to discuss “exit strategies” from measures to stimulate their economies, Mr Darling insisted that governments must carry on spending to ensure the global economy returns to sustainable growth next year.’ – Andrew Grice, The Independent
‘That’s why September 24, the start of the Pittsburgh summit, has for so long been a red-letter day in the Downing Street diary. It provides an international backdrop for Mr Brown to preview an attack on the Tories that he will repeat at Labour’s conference the following week and continue in the pre-Budget report later in the autumn.’ – Francis Elliott, The Times
SNP outline referendum plan
‘Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has announced an independence referendum bill as the centrepiece of the SNP’s plans for the coming year.’ – BBC
Megrahi controversy continues
‘The campaign to force the Prime Minister to “come clean” on his role in the Lockerbie bomber’s return to Libya is, at best, a farce and, at worst and more likely, hypocritical hokum that has no other purpose than to fill news pages and airtime and to improve Conservative prospects in next year’s general election.’ – Roy Hattersley, The Times
NHS workforce cuts plan rejected
‘The government says it has rejected advice from management consultants to cut the NHS workforce in England by 10% over the next five years.’ – BBC