Brown: Time for the centre-left to unite

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

Tomorrow morning, Gordon Brown is to speak to the Policy Network, and will call on the centre-left to unite behind the “threat” of the emergent right wing.

Brown will say:

“All over the world, the new tactic of the right is to present themselves as moderate and mainstream. But when the tough questions are asked of them, the truth is revealed. Instead of helping a recovery, their hatred of government action would risk the recovery. Instead of defending ordinary families, they would kick the ladder of opportunity away from ordinary families. Instead of supporting middle classes, their policies would hurt the middle classes.”

Presenting an alternative vision, the PM will say:

“The creative, digital, scientific and low carbon revolutions are simply too big and too important to the rest of the economy to be left to chance. Up till now, the banks have failed to make the right decisions and finance has not done enough to serve industry. That is why we are creating funds and institutions that take a long term view – helping businesses to access the finance they need to start and grow and supporting the creation of a modern, low carbon infrastructure. And it is why we have decided that as a nation we will: back British scientists; invest in renewable energy; give priority to biotechnology; and encourage digital and creative industries.”