Darling's budget seeks to tame debt

Britain's Labour government unveiled its budget yesterday, seeking to tame soaring public debt and shore up support with a general election just weeks away.

Finance minister Alistair Darling delivered what could be his last budget, stating that the government planned a one-off "growth package" worth £2.5 billion (Dh13.7bn). Darling told parliament that the package would "help small business, promote innovation, invest in national infrastructure".

The Labour government is fighting to stay in power, with polls showing the opposition Conservatives could win a slender victory in the national polls expected on May 6. Prime Minister Gordon Brown's handling of the economy has become a central issue for voters amid fears of a "double dip" recession.