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Osborne lays out economic benchmarks

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2nd February 2010

The Conservatives have said they will cut the deficit more swiftly than Labour and aim to help the Bank of England maintain low interest rates.

Shadow chancellor George Osborne outlined eight benchmarks against which success of a Conservative government's economic plans would be judged.

He said the choice for voters at the general election would be "five more years of Gordon Brown or the change to get Britain back on its feet" as he unveiled "a new economic model for growth" under the Tories.

Osborne said a Conservative government would bring in an economy based on long-term saving and investment, supporting a private sector recovery driven by exports and enterprise.

"We will cut government spending to bring the deficit down and restore stability," said Osborne.

He added: "That will enable the independent Bank of England to keep interest rates as low as possible for as long as possible. This combination of tight fiscal policy and active monetary policy is at the heart of our approach."

Proposals include improving the UK's international ranking for tax competitiveness and business regulation, in building a "saving society".

And to create a more balanced economy by increasing exports, business investments and savings as a share of GDP.

Announcing plans for a new Green Investment Bank to coordinate funding, he said high quality jobs in the low carbon industry would be created at the same time as reducing harmful emissions.

Osborne also confirmed plans to abolish the current system of banking regulation where responsibility is divided between the Bank of England, Treasury and the Financial Services Authority.

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