Cameron believes government has a plan to confront economic issues

Prime Minister David Cameron announced today that the government’s economic policies were working and that to change course now would signal disaster for Britain’s growing economy.

Responding to Liberal Democrat Vince Cable’s calls to move away from deficit reduction tactics, Cameron announced his decision to stick to current policy.

Whilst some have suggested that Cameron is merely being stubborn at a time when a move to policies aimed at promoting growth could boost Britain’s struggling economy, the prime minister maintained that he had the nation’s best interests in mind.

Responding to criticisms of narrow-mindedness and stubbornness, Cameron stated: “My motives, my beliefs, my passion for sticking to the plan are exactly about doing the right thing to help families and to help businesses up and down the country.”

Writing for the New Statesmen, Vince Cable’s comments suggest that all is not well in the coalition government. Indeed, whilst Cameron spoke of evidence of tangible economic growth, Cable seemingly contradicted the prime minister by suggesting otherwise. 

“The British economy is still operating at levels around or below those before the 2008 financial crisis. There was next to no growth during 2012 and the prospect for 2013 is of very modest recovery,” he said.

Reports of tensions in the coalition government continue to dog Cameron and Clegg, and Cable’s comments will have done them no favours.

Indeed, James Kirkup of The Telegraph stated: “Until now, British politics has operated under a simple truth: when the coalition talks about the deficit it wins”.

Cable’s comments, however, suggest that with apparent divisions within government regarding economic policy, this may no longer be the case.

For the time being, Cameron is holding strong and there is no indication that the government will explore any alternative economic policies.

The prime minister said: “There are some people who think we don’t have to take all these tough decisions to deal with our debts. It’s as if they think there’s some magic money tree. Well, let me tell you a plain truth: there isn’t.”

Sarah Aston