Article by Rt Hon John McFall MP
In the Dumbarton Reporter and the Clydebank Post
In this week's Pre-Budget Report, the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, has set out his plan for Britain's future.
He will take the tough choices necessary to halve the deficit in four years, whilst still securing economic recovery and protecting our vital frontline public services.
He is also going for growth and investing in our future prosperity.
The plan will not be painless, but it will be fair.
The Government will continue support to keep people in work and avoid a new generation of youth unemployment.
Every young person out of work for more than six months will be guaranteed the offer of a job, training or college place.
This is an issue I find particularly concerning - because 1.2 million young people will leave education over the next two years.
The Government's promise to provide investment in training and jobs is very encouraging.
Mr Darling will also extend the help they have given to businesses facing tough times.
The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme will continue to allow firms to get the lending they need and firms will still be able to defer their tax payments until they can afford to pay - a scheme which has already helped 140 businesses in West Dunbartonshire to rearrange over £2m worth of tax payments.
It is increasingly clear that the Government's priority is securing the recovery first before cutting public services. I welcome and value this pledge and fully support it.
Nevertheless, the Government plans to halve the country's budget deficit in four years - this will be a commitment in law.
To pay for it, we must tax fairly.
Under the Government's plans, half of the contribution to this will come from the wealthiest two per cent of people.
The Conservatives have shown that they would put the recovery at risk by cutting back too fast, too soon.
Their plans would end up costing the country more in the long run - by plunging us back into recession and sending unemployment soaring.
The Tories will not say exactly how fast they intend to cut the deficit.
But if the plan is to cut it even one year faster than the Government - in three years not four - they would have to find an extra £26 billion from taxes or spending cuts.
That would be the equivalent of raising VAT to 23 per cent.
In the elections next year, the choice could be between cutting and running and threatening a depression or helping businesses and individuals through this recession and establishing a more stable and secure society.