Labour have certainly come out of the traps snarling and gnashing this morning. For one, they’re making the most of two letters in the FT, signed by 60 economists, which ostensibly support their position on the public finances. And then there’s Gordon Brown’s speech to European leaders, in which he implores them to tackle the “hatred” of “the right”. Naturally, by “the right”, he means “David Cameron”.
It’s those letters which really grab the attention, though. Not really because of what they say, or who has signed them, but because they’re suggestive of how the debate over the public finances is going to go. Yep, the Tories get 20 economists to write a letter in support of their deficit-reduction plans, so Labour respond with 60 economists of their own. Our politicians are playing a game of high-stakes, fiscal Top Trumps.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in