UK opposition accuses Brown of 'economic crimes'

Britain's plan to spend record sums to overcome the global recession is an "economic crime" that could make the downturn even longer and deeper, the opposition Conservatives said.

Speaking after the latest poll cut his party's lead over the ruling Labour Party, Conservative leader David Cameron said higher government borrowing and spending could damage the economy and delay any recovery.

The Conservative Party, which has been out of power since 1997, saw its lead over Labour cut to just four points in a Populus survey in the Times yesterday. Before the financial crisis escalated, the gap had been above 20 points.

With an election due by 2010, surveys suggest voters think Mr Brown, a former finance minister, is better placed to handle the worst economic turmoil in 70 years.