Investing for stronger future - PM - News in brief

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The Prime Minister branded the Tories' opposition to his fiscal stimulus "socially divisive", as well as "economically mistaken".

Speaking at a summit with business leaders in central London, Mr Brown said the Government would be making a series of announcements on generating thousands of "green jobs", boosting the digital industry and bringing forward investment plans.

Flanked by Chancellor Alistair Darling and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson, Mr Brown said: "The countries, I believe, that continue to invest for the future through the downturn will be the countries that emerge strongest in the future."

Mr Brown listed the £12.5 billion VAT reduction as one of the key planks of his strategy.

And he reiterated his criticism of the Conservatives as the "do nothing" party who would leave people to suffer.

The premier insisted fiscal stimulus was "essential" when monetary policy "comes near to reaching the end of its effectiveness".

Mr Brown said the Government's multi-billion pound action to prevent banks from collapsing had been "stage one" of his plan.

Amid suggestions that the Treasury is considering a scheme to guarantee bank lending for business - similar to plans previously announced by the Tories - the premier said "stage two" would see "further measures to ensure the banking system gives support to businesses large and small".

Mr Brown signalled his determination to press ahead with part-privatisation of the Royal Mail, despite deep disquiet on the Labour backbenches. And he indicated that other Government bodies will also receive the same treatment.