Dr Andrew Murrison, MP for West Wiltshire - Don’t expect a loosening of the purse strings (From Wiltshire Times)

Dr Andrew Murrison, MP for West Wiltshire - Don’t expect a loosening of the purse strings

3:00pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

Limbering up to the Budget, it is important to keep in mind the deficit we’re still shouldering and the increase in it implied by the alternative fiscally more relaxed agenda now being pushed by the Opposition.

You can’t spend what you don’t have so we should not expect much loosening of the purse strings when George Osborne gets to his feet.

l This week’s announcement for the Army based in Germany is welcome; 15,000 servicemen are still in Germany, a residue of the Cold War.

The plan is to bring them back home and in the process save money, provide substantially upgraded accommodation and offer the prospect of greater family stability in the UK.

It’s good for our area too as Salisbury Plain is designated as one of the locations for returning troops. They will be most welcome.

l I am becoming increasingly concerned about energy availability and prices.

The previous government delayed creating an energy policy, meaning we’re behind the curve.

We must not become over-reliant on imported gas as our oil reserves decline.

New nuclear without delay is looking increasingly necessary to contain prices, reduce carbon emissions and improve national security in an uncertain world.

* On the face of it capping bankers’ bonuses seems the right thing to do but we should be careful since the proposition is being fronted by the EU.

Why? Well, a cynic would say because it’s London that will pay the price. Like it or not, the Square Mile accounts for a massive slice of the tax take on which we all depend.

The governor or the Bank of England is right to sound a cautionary note.