Chancellor warns of growth slowdown

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Delivering his first Pre-Budget Report, Mr Darling downgraded the growth forecasts of his predecessor Gordon Brown.

He told MPs growth next year was now forecast at 2% to 2.5% - compared to Mr Brown's prediction of 2.5% to 3%.

However, he said he expected the economy to bounce back strongly in 2009 with growth of 2.5% to 3%.

Mr Darling said he was delivering his report at "a time of increased international economic uncertainty and more fragile global environment, which has already seen turbulence in America, Asia and Europe".

Mr Darling announced the creation of a new single budget for counter-terrorism covering the work of the police and the intelligence services.

He said that spending would rise every year over the next three years to £3.5 billion at the end of the period.

The Armed Forces will receive an additional £400 million to cover the cost of continuing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.