Let Greece be a lesson - Vote Tory! says George Osborne
Chancellor raises spectre of a vote for Labour being tantamount to backing Syriza’s ‘false hope’
George Osborne says the Greek election of a left-wing anti-austerity government should be seen as a warning to British voters thinking of backing Ed Miliband in the UK general election because it could lead to economic chaos.
It might be stretching credulity to breaking point, but the Chancellor told Radio 4’s Today programme that there was a lesson to be learned from the Greek elections for voters in the British elections - to stick with the current Tory/Lib Dem Coalition economic policies.
Osborne said higher public spending like the new Greek Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras (and Miliband) is promising was "a panacea, it is false hope".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He dismissed the idea that the Greek elections showed that people are sick of austerity. “I think people get tired of economic failure,” said Osborne. “They get tired of rising unemployment and in the UK, returning to economic chaos would see higher unemployment. The lesson for us is to continue to work through the plan that is working.”
Osborne also heavily criticised the eurozone for failing to implement the structural reforms (such as making Europe more competitive, ie cutting workers' rights) that he reckons have helped to bring growth to the UK economy.
He also warned that Britain needs stability in Europe for its own exports to the EU and urged both sides to "show responsibility" in dealing with the Greeks.
Osborne is in Cornwall today banging the drum for the economy which David Cameron is hoping will give him victory on the central message - don't let Labour wreck it again.
It takes a general election for the Chancellor to get down and gritty with a crab fisherman. He tweeted this morning: "Started day in Newquay with Cornish fisherman Phil who's been crab fishing here for 40 years."
Cameron is also due today to commit the Tories to further tax cuts if they are re-elected. The Guardian reports that he will say the general election represents a great "tax moment” and that he is "passionate" about tax cuts because "it's your money" and "a reward for years of sacrifice" under the Tories' austerity measures.
Ed Balls, the Labour shadow chancellor, and Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem leader, both say phooey - it is irresponsible to be offering tax cuts while the British economy is still in the mire and we’re struggling to deal with rising youth unemployment, the embattled NHS and the growing burden of the increasingly elderly population.
Cameron, however, is clearly focusing on the middle-class Tories who are threatening to vote Ukip. Tax cuts worked under Thatcher and the Tories are counting on it working again. There could not be a starker contrast with what is on offer in Athens.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Death Cafe: where people talk mortality over tea and cake
Why everyone's talking about The meet-ups are intended to offer a judgement-free and respectful space to discuss the end of life
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Another day of chaos in DC'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Is David Cameron overshadowing Rishi Sunak?
Talking Point Current PM faces 'thorny dilemma' as predecessor enjoys return to world stage
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Can Cameron put the Falklands sovereignty dispute to bed?
Today's Big Question Foreign secretary says issue 'not up for discussion' ahead of visit amid renewed push from Argentina
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will America recognize a Palestinian state?
Today's Big Question Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the move. Some see it as the only route to peace.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Fasting to burger buffets: the weird and wonderful diets of politicians
Why Everyone's Talking About Rishi Sunak reportedly starts his week with a 36-hour fast
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Why your local council may be going bust
The Explainer Across England, local councils are suffering from grave financial problems
By The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak and the right-wing press: heading for divorce?
Talking Point The Telegraph launches 'assault' on PM just as many Tory MPs are contemplating losing their seats
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet, The Week UK Published