LABOUR MUST MAKE HARD CHOICES ON TAX CUTS - WILLIAMS

9.16.49am GMT Tue 11th Nov 2008

Commenting after the Prime Minister indicated that tax cuts may form part of the Pre-Budget Report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Roger Williams MP said:

"I am pleased that the Prime Minister seems to have recognised that we are right on the need for tax cuts, but they need to be about rebalancing the tax system in favour of those on lower and middle incomes.

"The Liberal Democrats have been arguing for tax cuts at the bottom end for the last couple of years, and even though the Government have been slow to act we would of course welcome the introduction of our policies.

"These cuts must be funded though. Our plans include balancing the cuts by making the super-rich pay more and increasing green taxation, while stopping wasteful government spending.

"It may be hard for Gordon Brown to let go of some his ill thought out pet projects, such as ID cards and the Child Trust Fund, but he can't simply increase borrowing even more.

"The Prime Minister is following the Lib Dems and Obama in acknowledging the need for tax cuts, but he should look at the rest of our plans if he wants a serious proposal. After his 10p tax con, the last thing we need is another short-term bribe that does nothing to help people in the long-term.

"I would advise Labour backbenchers to study the smallprint before they start cheering Brown to the rafters this time."