Chancellor Alistair Darling feels heat as sterling plunges

Business leaders accused Alistair Darling of talking Britain into a recession as the pound fell to a record low yesterday. The Chancellors warning that Britain is facing its biggest economic challenge for 60 years was described as a self-fulfilling prophesy

His words threaten to overshadow the first day of Gordon Browns long-awaited political fightback.

In a further setback for Mr Brown, a Populus poll for The Times suggests that most voters do not believe that his rescue plan can protect them from an economic downturn.

The Prime Minister will announce measures to help first-time buyers and homeowners facing repossession. A second set of initiatives on fuel is expected within a week. The poll shows that a large majority of voters do not believe they will benefit. While most of the expected proposals are popular, few think that they will make a significant difference to their own situations.
The findings deal a serious blow to Mr Brown, who has staked his future on proving to voters he can shield them from the downturn.

The Conservatives, who remain 16 points ahead in polls, are expected to oppose many of todays measures and to accuse Labour of mortgaging Britains long-term future for the sake of Mr Browns political survival.

David Cameron accused Mr Darling of triggering a crisis of confidence with his remark during an interview that Britain was facing the biggest economic challenge in 60 years.

V.S.Achuthanandan in hospital

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 30 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan was admitted to a hospital here following a blood pressure complaint. He was feeling uncomfortable since last evening and his condition worsened today, so he was hospitalised, the chief minister s press secretary K. Balakrishnan said Saturday. He is under observation, he added.All the chief minister s official engagements for the next two days have been cancelled. Lets pray for his speedy recovery and good health.