Tories have no economic experience or judgment, says Alistair Darling

Alistair Darling warned today that an age of "low growth and austerity" lies ahead if the Conservatives win power.

The Chancellor said David Cameron and George Osborne lacked the experience and judgment necessary to steer the economy back to health.

Mr Darling, who will outline further economic measures in a speech in Edinburgh today, said the Conservative leader and shadow chancellor had "no plan they are willing to share".

He referred to his moves to nationalise Northern Rock and create capital for the nation's banks: "I have had to take the hardest decisions of my political life in the last two years.

"In the last two years, experience and judgment have mattered. David Cameron and George Osborne have shown little evidence of either."

Mr Darling cited the pledge by Philip Hammond, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, to make £1.5 billion of cuts if the party comes to power as proof that the Opposition's figures do not "add up".

He said: "We have a clear plan to halve the deficit in four years. As I speak they appear to have no plan. Or no plan they are willing to share.

"We should know how they intend to reduce the deficit. In how many years? How much would they spend next year to support the economy and have they any plan for growth?"

The Chancellor said of the forthcoming election: "The choice we make will shape this country for the next 20 years and genuine choices between a Labour Government encouraging growth and prosperity, and David Cameron's low ambition, low growth age of austerity."

Mr Darling will announce measures at an economic recovery and growth conference to promote hi-tech business start-ups and stress the need to ensure safe energy supplies, including in renewable and nuclear energy.

A new body, Infrastructure UK, will report to him at the Budget with a strategy for the country's infrastructure.

"To be effective we needed to work closely with other countries and we did," he will say.

"We stabilised the banks to stop the complete collapse of the economy, we helped people get back into work if they lost their jobs, we helped people in difficulty stay in their homes.

"From the Shetlands to Lands End our approach is working. And while there is still much to do, I am confident we will lock in economic recovery."