Meacher in Tory Budget rethink plea

THE Government must look at ways to tackle the deficit other than slashing another £12billion from the wwelfare budget, says Oldham MP Michael Meacher.

Chancellor George Osborne will deliver his first all-Tory Budget next month and set out how benefits will be hit.

But Mr Meacher claims alternatives to welfare cuts are available - if the Government would listen.

“Enforcing £12bn of welfare cuts is draconian and callous and is a means of making the poor subsidise the rich,” he said. “There are other ways to cut back that could make a huge contribution to paying down the deficit.”