OFFICIAL government figures show two things that may surprise people. First, economic growth, at 2.5 per cent, is lower under Tony Blair. Under John Major it was 3.1 per cent.
Second, stealth taxes have taken £22 from people's pockets and £8bn from businesses. This is officially the worst tax record for 22 years.
Education spending is a lower proportion of our national wealth under New Labour than under the previous Conservative Government. There are 16,000 fewer nurses than when Labour was elected.
John Major's Conservatives increased the number of doctors in training by 3.5 per cent, Tony Blair by only 2.5 per cent. Spending on transport under New Labour is actually falling, on roads, rail, and local buses. Taxes on motorists have rocketed.
The lesson to be drawn from the Government's own figures is clear. Increasing taxes does not necessarily improve our public services. Clearly the money is not being well spent.
The Liberal Democrats' promise is even higher taxes. We need a government that will tax less and spend better.
FRANCIS LANKESTER,
Worcester.
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