Think tank in warning at Tory spend plans as PM ducks debate
BORIS Johnson has defended the Conservatives’ spending plans, despite a leading economic think tank warning that the party was “highly likely” to spend more than its manifesto implied.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warned that a no-deal Brexit under the Tories — if the PM was unable to secure a free trade deal with the EU by the end of 2020 — could lead to a “big downturn” and a return to the politics of austerity.
But Mr Johnson insisted that his party’s plans were “fully costed”, and that the Tories have the “wherewithal” to make commitments on the NHS, education and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the PM was again accused of “running scared” last night when he did not join other party leaders for the Channel 4 News climate change debate.
The broadcaster reacted to the snub by putting an ice sculpture in his place at a podium, even though Michael Gove turned up at the studio offering to represent his party.
The programme’s presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy tweeted: “It was kind of @michaelgove to turn up at @Channel4News tonight offering to come on the #climatedebate but the other party leaders will only debate other party leaders. We look forward to welcoming Mr Gove another time.”
A spokeswoman for Channel 4 News said ahead of the programme that Mr Gove “is not the party leader” when asked if he could replace Mr Johnson.
The Conservative Party has complained to Ofcom’s election committee about the debate, and a party spokesman said it is “deeply disappointed that Channel 4 News has conspired with Jeremy Corbyn to block the Conservatives from making the case for tackling climate change and protecting the environment”.
Rebecca Newsom, head of politics at Greenpeace UK, said that “running scared doesn’t just spark witty hashtags highlighting his cowardice, it demonstrates to voters a serious lack of leadership over a crisis that affects us all”.