Britain's finance minister has warned the country must continue to prepare for it's future outside the European Union as he laid out the national budget.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond noted that the UK's economic growth forecast has been raised for this year from 1.4 per cent to 2 per cent. However economic growth forecasts have been revised downwards for 2018 to 2020, when Brexit talks for the UK to leave the European Union are expected to be underway.
Despite forecasts for higher growth and lower borrowing, the minister, affectionately called "Spreadsheet Phil" by colleagues warned that the UK's deficit was still high and productivity low.
And he said the government must remain vigilant about the economic challenges ahead.
IN: "There is no room …"
OUT: ……low."
DUR: 25
CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0308Budget-Hammond1.mp3
ALTERNATE LONGER:
IN: "There is no room …"
OUT: ……not done"
DUR: 42secs
CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0308Budget-Hammond1a.mp3
Philip Hammond warned Britain must be well prepared to succeed in a world outside the European Union.
IN: "Our task …"
OUT: ……for everyone"
DUR: 17secs
CLIP: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0308Budget-Hammond2.mp3