Clegg talks tax
Peter Hoskin 8:57am
Nick Clegg's giving a speech at Policy Exchange this morning, in which he'll announce his intention to cut taxes for low and middle income earners.
In many respects, it's a landmark moment for the Lib Dems (although Clegg's political invisibility will probably negate any positive effects), and it's certainly good for the Tories. When the Lib Dem leader can talk so openly about tax cuts, then you know the New Labour mantra “tax cuts = worse public services” is in its death throes.
The new emphasis is on loosening the fiscal squeeze that people face. Clegg's words will be a few more drops in the tidal shift. And will make it so much easier for Cameron to repeat them in future.
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Comments
DW
May 20th, 2008 9:56amI thinkt he Lib dems and the Tories have this carefully planned and timed between them. First Clegg announces that the Tories are the lesser of the two evils, Cameron gives us 'We are at the max tax stage', then Clegg comes out and implies the same with his emphasis on the lower earners. Watch this space.
Gary Monro
May 20th, 2008 10:16amTo the best of my knowledge Mr Clegg hasn't promised to match Labour spending. Mr Cameron has. So Mr Cameron might have to wriggle out of that pledge before he can promise to cut taxes - and, perhaps, jettison this 'sharing the proceeds of growth' stuff too. All good tactical pledges when they were made - Cameron ain't stoopid - but now a bit of a millstone.
quietlycontrarian.blogspot.com
Paul B
May 20th, 2008 10:18amI'm pleased about this, as it will make (I'm loath to use the word, easier) but shall we less hard, for Dave & George (D&G) to make the case that high taxes/spending is morally repugnant and that a Government with a mindset towards low tax and light touch & interference policy, is the way forward both economically and morally. Trouble is , so many in the UK are wedded to the idea of high tax & spend and even if not welfare dependent,they are job dependent on Government spend.
Now is the time though for D&G to start rowing back from the commitment to maintain Labour spending commitments imo. I understand they don`t want to scare people and hand NU Lab a stick with which to beat them, However I judge the mood of people at least I know, not naturally Tory voters, to be ready for this. They are fed up with the daylight robbery that is committed on their wage slips and on every facet of their spending & lifestyles.
Carol-Ann
May 20th, 2008 5:46pmThis is an area where Cameron is vulnerable. Most people think the Tories will only cut tax for the wealthy, they need to show they are on the side of middle and low earners as well. Don't let Clegg steal a march on this.