Budget reactions – and Lords block “shares for rights” plan: Media and Blog round-up, March 21st 2013

Budget reactions from Darling, Blanchflower and Balls

“We are now more than halfway through this parliament. Wednesday was not the day to put forward Labour’s plans. But we know that watching a government fail is not enough. The opposition must offer a compelling and credible alternative approach. Three years on this government seems reduced to hoping something will turn up. Government can make a difference. The Bank of England can do its bit. But unless the government uses its spending power, then the chances of us escaping a lost decade are remote.” – Alistair Darling, Guardian

“An increase in capital spending of just £3bn, funded by current spending cuts, is both pitiful and inadequate and will change nothing. The coalition’s Plan B is now in full operation – crossing fingers and toes and wishing for good times. LOL.” – David Blanchflower, New Statesman

“What we needed yesterday was a change of direction, action to kickstart our flatlining economy and real help for people on middle and low incomes.
But what we got was more of the same failing policies and a huge tax cut for millionaires. Britain deserves better than this.” – Ed Balls, Mirror

Lords block “shares for rights” plan

“The House of Lords has blocked a move to allow employees to give up some employment rights in return for shares in the company they work for. Peers from all sides strongly criticised the idea put forward by Chancellor George Osborne at last year’s Conservative conference. Former Tory cabinet minister Lord Forsyth labelled the scheme “ill-thought through, confused and muddled”” – BBC

Other highlights

• Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard continue their quest to put Blair/Brown into perspective – The Times(£)
• The public sector pay squeeze will last FIVE YEARS – Daily Mail
• Salmond to announce referendum date – BBC