Politicians don't say "oh fuck, we're in the shit" because they're bullshitters. Hammond can bullshit, but in fairness to him in this case, if he didn't the pound would dive.gilsey wrote:'The uncertainty created by Brexit' is a 'short-term challenge' according to Hammond and 'the economy will start growing properly again' once that's addressed. From Hammond's Today interview.PorFavor wrote:CBI says Hammond's speech offered 'slim pickings' and 'weak on action'
Here is Carolyn Fairbairn, the CBI director general, on Philip Hammond’s speech.
The chancellor has given a passionate defence of free markets and the importance of business and government working to tackle inequality. That is necessary, but not sufficient.
The UK is facing a generation defining-challenge. A potent cocktail of Brexit uncertainty and dogma-driven politics on both left and right threatens jobs, investment and living standards. Now is not the time for half measures.
The speech shows a government strong on diagnosis, but weak on action. Businesses looking for clear vision and urgent delivery have been left with slim pickings. Renewing the UK’s creaking infrastructure will unlock regional growth and living standards, as will improving access to housing. But they are only parts of the puzzle.
It is time for honesty about the challenges we face. Our economy is under threat – it has moved from the top of the G7 to the bottom. Faltering consumer and business confidence risks lowering living standards. Rising inflation is putting pressure on households.
The solution must be for responsible business and government to grow our way out of austerity. But this can only happen with clarity, unity and action. Today’s speech was only one step in that direction.
This must be the most negative comment the CBI has issued about a party conference speech from a Conservative chancellor for years. (Politics Live, Guardian)
Given that he's clearly the most realistic member of the govt, it just points up that the level of delusion of the rest of them is off the scale.
He had a good pop at Johnson, fair play to him. Now he needs to leave a microphone on and call Johnson and Fox "bastards".