Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes has announced an intention to amend the budget to promote fairness. He told the Guardian today that:
When it comes to the Budget next week, we will vote for the budget. But if there are measures in the Finance Bill where we could improve fairness and make for a fairer Britain, then we will come forward with amendments to do that, because that’s where we make the difference, as we will in the spending review which will follow in the months ahead. This is very welcome, but what should this amendment look like? I have already been thinking about an income tax rise to replace the VAT rise, but what else might the Liberal Democrats propose? Answers in the comments below. It is notable that Simon is leading on this, not just another backbencher - and strikingly, not anyone from the Labour benches. Isn't it time they started making more constructive noises?