HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Government committed to delivering prosperity – Gordon Brown [December 2009]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 December 2009.

The Prime Minister has said the best policy for economic recovery in Britain is greater investment in the future.

In his latest podcast, Gordon Brown said the Pre-Budget Report has laid out a plan for encouraging growth and employment in the years ahead, and the Government was prepared to make the “tough choices necessary” to halve the deficit and protect frontline services.

The PM said the Government would focus on greater investment in highly-skilled jobs and infrastructure.

The plans will be put into action in the coming week with the opening of the first high-speed railway line in the UK. And the Government will launch the Back to Work White Paper which aims to create and support “thousands of new jobs and opportunities” for young people.

“We are a Government committed both to growth and jobs and to a better future for you and your family.

“Britain has been through a difficult year, but I am confident that this Pre-Budget Report and the policies we are announcing in the next week mean we are able to look forward to a stronger, more prosperous Britain in the years to come.”

Mr Brown said some people, especially the wealthiest, would be asked to contribute more in the future: “But in return we are able to guarantee a plan for growth that safeguards our schools, our police and our NHS.”