The Prime Minister has confirmed that the Government will implement a capital investment programme totalling £40 billion across the UK in 2009.
Speaking at the second Regional Economic Council meeting this morning, Mr Brown said the funds would be used for both short-term action to help individuals and businesses cope with the current economic difficulties and also long-term reforms aimed at boosting skills and employment.
The PM highlighted education, transport and housing as key areas that will benefit from the investment. He also spoke of the importance of equipping the economy for the opportunities that will arise through developments in environmental and digital technologies.
The PM said:
“If 2008 was the year we confronted the global downturn, 2009 must be the year that the world comes together to invest and build a prosperous future while giving real help to families and businesses now…
“The countries that continue to invest for the future through the downturn will be the countries that emerge stronger in the future.”
Mr Brown will tour a number of towns and cities later this week and hold a Cabinet meeting and public engagement event in Liverpool on Thursday. Next week he is expected to chair an employment summit in London with leaders of business and industry to discuss ways of tackling the economic downturn.
A transcript of the PM’s words at the Regional Economic Council will be available soon.
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