05-11-2007
Tories accuse government on economic leadership
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The government has been accused by the opposition of lacking preparation as fears of an economic slowdown grow around the globe.
George Osborne, the Conservative spokesperson on Treasury affairs, said that chancellor Alistair Darling has neither the vision nor the authority to lead the UK through a "difficult time".
From a business finance point of view, Mr Osborne criticised government plans to increase capital gains tax.
"I think that is crazy given the current economic conditions, that is precisely the kind of thing we should be encouraging - capital gain, risk taking, entrepreneurship during difficult economic times, not penalising it with an 80 per cent tax increase," he told BBC1's Andrew Marr show.
He added: "I think the question for Britain is: Are we well prepared?"
As well as serving as the Conservative shadow chancellor, Mr Osborne is the party's MP for Tatton.