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Regional Economy (Tackling the Recession)

I recognise that. I know that painful decisions have to be made and that Government have the responsibility to balance the books. I am just a bit worried about the way the debate is going now, because it appears to be driving us all headlong in that direction, when I suspect that some calmer heads are required. The next election will not be a beauty contest between Mr. Cameron and Mr. Brown; it will be about the future of this country. We are at a crossroads. If we go down the road of bold and savage cuts, the future of this country will be determined for some time to come, and eventually, no doubt, some new Labour Government will be elected and will have to clear up the mess all over again. That will be for a new generation of politicians, since I am retiring at the next election, but I hope that we do not go there.