Pre-election Budget set for 24 March

The Prime Minister will place his handling of the economy at the heart of the Government's election drive.  This year's Budget is being seen by many in Westminster as Labour's economic election manifesto. Despite overseeing one of the longest recessions in history, Brown will argue a vote for Labour will help secure the recovery whereas the Conservatives will only jeopardise it.  Figures released yesterday showed Britain's trade deficit widened in January, with exports plunging at their fastest pace for more than three years. There have been growing demands for the Chancellor to de...