In Birmingham this week all the talk is of two dates. There’s 2015 of course, but also 5 December this year, because that is when George Osborne will have to spell out (in the autumn statement) how the coalition is planning to respond to our continuing lack of growth.
Since Osborne delivered the Budget in March, Britain has slipped back into recession and the Conservatives have undergone their most difficult period in government, and this has only added to the importance of the autumn statement.

Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it
TRY A MONTH FREE
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Try a month of Britain’s best writing, absolutely free.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate, free for a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first month free.
UNLOCK ACCESS Try a month freeAlready a subscriber? Log in