No more Boot Sales

Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable has this week voiced clear opposition to Prime Minister Gordon Brown's proposal to sell off what is left of the family silver.

It will clearly not solve the long term problem of Britain's structural deficit.

Vince Cable has referred to the proposals as a car boot sale, doubting that the hoped for necessary revenue of 16bn will be raised.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This asset sale is not a prudent idea when markets are depressed

The Government acknowledged just 12 months ago that market conditions were not right for the sale of the Tote. The concern must be raised that this dramatic turn around is due to political rather financial considerations.

At the same time selling off part of the motorway system is tantamount to selling off a revenue stream. Liberal Democrat proposals for a road toll scheme need to be explored.

It seems to me that this proposed sell off is another ill thought out scheme which the current Government thinks will help them gain votes. The only ones to gain from this sell off, as with previous utility and transport sales, will be the shareholders.