Labour and Tories both confused and contradictory on economy

1.36.21pm GMT Mon 1st Feb 2010

Commenting on the ongoing row between Labour and the Conservatives over how confused the other is on the economy and public spending, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said:

"Labour and the Tories are accusing each other of being confused and contradictory on the economy, and they're both right.

"The fact that they insist on this political bun fight shows they have failed to understand that the British public and the markets want a clear picture of what the next Government will do.

"The Liberal Democrats are the only party that has had a consistent approach.

"We've been very open about the scale of cuts required and setting out where our priorities would be, while recognising that the timing must be decided by the strength of the economy. That is why we have set out five tests for when and how we start to cut."