Brown dismisses Tory economy claims

The Prime Minister delivered a strikingly optimistic prediction for strong growth over the next 12 months, saying it was "simply not true" that tough times are ahead.

The comments contrast sharply with David Cameron's sombre speech to the Conservative Party conference.

But Mr Brown argued the action the Government had taken was bringing the economy round.

"If you have a growth policy for Britain, get unemployment down, get the economy moving forward, then Britain can have upgrowth," he said.

"I think people have moved closer to our view that Britain is capable of coming back to growth at a higher rate next year than people were originally assuming, and higher rates in the future.

"We've said that the economy will grow by one-and-a-half per cent next year and more people are moving towards our position as a result of what they've seen in the economy over the last few months."

The premier's remarks will leave him to open Tory accusations that he is not being "honest" with the public. They are also at odds with the predictions of many economists, who believe the recovery will be much slower.

However, Mr Brown insisted Mr Cameron's "austerity" policies were now the major threat to a prosperous future.

In the interview, the PM also gave his first direct reaction to the decision by ex-Army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt to become an adviser to the Conservatives. "People can judge the decision that he's made and judge the statements he's been making for several months on the basis of that," Mr Brown said.