Labour's Budget Preparations Fuel Fears of Economic Reckoning The UK's economic woes have been a persistent problem for policymakers, but recent statements from Labour ministers have heightened concerns that the government is preparing to impose harsh austerity measures on an already beleaguered public.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's admission that this month's Budget will be "challenging" has sparked criticism from SNP leaders, who warn that the UK is heading towards another brutal budget with cuts and tax rises.
Labour's phrase "softening people up" for the impending austerity measures can be seen as a euphemism for preparing the public for inevitable pain.