Alexander: Lib Dem policies not Tory key to infrastructure investment

Continued focus on creating a “strong stable economy” across the UK will enable government to continue its programme of investment in infrastructure, according to Government Treasury chief secretary Danny Alexander.

Antony Oliver
06 October 2014

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Speaking at Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow this week, Danny Alexander outlined three key fiscal rules that, he said, built on work by the Coalition over the last four years to bring down the deficit, protect infrastructure investment plans and so drive job creation and economic recovery. 

“Liberal Democrats want the state to be able to invest in economic infrastructure and high quality public services,” he said highlighting the second of his three fiscal rules.

“Investment in infrastructure – including pushing for upgrades to the A1 and A303. Not a Conservative idea, a Liberal Democrat idea. Record investment in renewable energy - not a Conservative idea - a Liberal Democrat idea.”

“Our second fiscal rule will require a balanced budget, but allow for additional investment in productive economic infrastructure – roads, railways, broadband, housing – as long as the overall debt is falling as a share of the economy.”

Alexander robustly defended the Lib Dem’s record in the Coalition government since 2010 pointing out to party activists that it was their policies rather than those of their Conservative partners that had “rescued the British economy”.

“There is still a lot more to be done to fully repair the economy. But we have made progress,” he said, claiming that Britain was now the best place in the world to invest and grow a business. 

“We wrote the recovery plan,” he added. “Investment in infrastructure – including pushing for upgrades to the A1 and A303. Not a Conservative idea, a Liberal Democrat idea. Record investment in renewable energy - not a Conservative idea - a Liberal Democrat idea.”

Interview with Danny Alexander - click here