Brown confirms Budget date

 

The 2010 Budget Report will be delivered ‘in two weeks’ time’, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced.

 

Speaking at Thomson Reuters in Canary Wharf, Brown confirmed that the Budget will take place on 24 March, fuelling speculation that the General Election will be held on 6 May.

 

The Treasury later confirmed the date in a written statement to Parliament.

 

‘We will set out in more detail in the Budget in two weeks’ time how we deliver on our commitment to restore the public finances while protecting the fundamental public services we all depend on,’ said Brown. ‘Our approach is clear and we will not be diverted from it.’

He continued: ‘Although the economy is growing, the recovery is still in its early stages and remains very fragile. The waters are still choppy, there are still real risks to the recovery and we must be alive to them.’

On Sunday Chancellor Alistair Darling said he was ‘absolutely committed’ to reducing the UK’s budget deficit, although ruled out a full spending review.