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Finance Bill

If the Conservatives cannot stand the relative heat of being a smaller Opposition than Michael Foot was able to muster, they are obviously not quite the Government in waiting, as they have come to style themselves in recent weeks. Let us go back to 21 March 2007. Labour MPs, who were hugging themselves with joy because their re-election had been confirmed on the backs of more than 5 million people who were losing out, rushed off to the Tea Room to gossip excitedly about what had just been announced. As a matter of courtesy, as well as of self-preservation, they would have been well advised to stay and listen to the leader of the Liberal Democrats. Of course, the London media commentators in the Gallery all rushed off as well, back to their computers. As a result, the warnings that the Liberal Democrats gave on Budget day, within minutes of the Chancellor sitting down, were not heeded by those Labour MPs, media commentators and others. The media continue to describe those who are losing out under the March 2007 proposals, which are just being implemented, as low earners. Low earners are affected, but not just low earners. In many communities around the country and in constituencies such as the one I represent, a salary of up to £18,000 does not constitute low earning, although it may sound like low earning to some in the London media commentating classes. Such wages are typical in places such as Taunton, in Somerset and right across the country. Right across my constituency, people such as farm labourers, hotel receptionists and those who work in service industries are adversely affected by the proposals that are being introduced. People in the House and elsewhere should not delude themselves that we are talking about just a small number of people who are marginally oppressed. We are talking about millions of people who are contributing to the community in every constituency represented here.