Protecting the Recovery  

The Government will continue to do “whatever it takes” to protect the recovery of the UK economy, the Prime Minister has said. In a speech from Canary Wharf in London, Gordon Brown said now was not the time to change course from the measures the Government was following. He said there would be a tough approach on spending and public sector pay, and announced a freeze on pay for senior staff in the civil service, senior staff in the military, the judiciary and senior NHS managers. It follows last week’s announcement of a freeze on parliamentary and ministerial salaries of all paid government ministers and controls on pay announced in December. The measures are expected to save more than £3 billion by 2013-14. Mr Brown said the Budget - which he confirmed will be held on 24 March - will focus on protecting and advancing the recovery by ensuring Britain can succeed in new...