Budget 2012 – Reaction to the Chancellor’s Speech
‘This Budget supports working families. It unashamedly backs business. And it is on the side of aspiration.’
Chancellor George Osborne
‘Millions will be paying more so that millionaires can pay less.’
Ed Miliband, Labour leader
‘By putting more money in the pockets of ordinary people, the Chancellor has provided a much-needed confidence boost … if businesses were looking for more, it was in the area of deregulation.’
John Cridland, Confederation of British Industry
‘We asked for a Budget with long-term measures to help to instil confidence, rather than a barrage of micro-measures that have a limited impact on the ground.’
John Walker, Federation of Small Businesses