Debts and Deficits: How much is Labour to blame?

Article

On the basis of this report, Labour's 'fiscal profligacy' just ahead of the recession would seem to have been on a very limited scale, and charges that the Coalition is tackling 'Labour's debt' and 'Labour's deficits', or that Labour let spending run out of control before the recession, do not stack up.

The Coalition government has sought to blame its Labour predecessor for Britain's current fiscal position. There have also been accusations that the deficit was, at least in part, due to excessive spending by the last Labour government even before the recession of 2008 and 2009.

This note looks at the numbers on debt, deficits and spending (relative to GDP) - over time in the UK and comparing the UK with other developed economies.

Related items

  1. A diverse group of neighbours going on a group walk in a residential area, warpped up in warm coats

    From strangers to citizens: Membership and belonging in an age of migration

    Who should become a British citizen in an age of growing mobility and migration?
  2. The Scottish parliament building rises in the backdrop, foregrounded by a pond, trees and a lawn. Blue skies overhead

    Rebuilding Scotland's "New Politics": a constructive parliament to build trust in Scottish politics

    Political disillusionment is growing in Scotland, and policy is not delivering. MSPs who did not stand for re-election this year share how the parliament currently works and could be improved.

  3. Harry Quilter-Pinner discusses rising borrowing costs on BBC News