Brown hints at 'green' Budget

8th April 2009

Gordon Brown has hinted that the Budget will contain a strong emphasis on the "green recovery" to help the ailing British economy.

In an interview with the Independent, the prime minister also called for Britain to become a "world leader" in the production of electric cars and hybrid vehicles.

Brown confirmed that the chancellor will be using the Budget to announce pilots for electric cars in two or three cities beginning next year.

Alistair Darling will also use his statement on April 22 to create a target of 400,000 jobs in green industries within five years.

Brown told the Independent: "It is not just what we do to give real help now, but about setting a path for the future as well. We always take into account what we need and what is the best future for the fiscal position."

And the premier denied that he had been disappointed that he could not secure a second fiscal stimulus at the G20 summit last week.

"The world is changing very fast," he stated.

"We have got to make sure that Britain – which I believe in passionately – is equipped for these challenges in the future. That is my main point of action and concern.

"This is going to be a progressive decade. I think people do understand that some of the problems we had can only be solved, first of all, by governments working together with other governments, nations cooperating with nations.

He added: "There is a new internationalism, a new strategic role for countries working together to solve common problems."

Brown also admitted that "broad public support" must be won on MPs' expenses.

"This can't be sorted out by one or two MPs talking to themselves," the prime minister said.

"It has got to command broad public support. The rules have got to be sufficiently clear for everything that happens to be acceptable to the public. MPs have a duty to satisfy the public that public money is being spent well. I don't shirk from that responsibility."

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