CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown's Budget has been greeted by a mixed response from the region's MPs.

So was William Hague right in describing the Chancellor as a pickpocket or has he come out as Flash Gordon? Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, said: "I think this is an excellent Budget. I was sat in the Commons where the Tories were looking bewildered and very glum.

"It is going to help so many people and what I am especially pleased about is the commitment we have shown to the support of children, pensioners and the support for business, in particular small businesses."

But Fylde's Conservative MP, Michael Jack, was more cautious about Tuesday's (March 9) news.

He said: "On the face of it, some people will see it as very good news. But in reality, while families with children benefit, just about every other family type will lose out. Many small and medium-sized businesses in the area will see nothing in the Budget to please them. In addition, the abolition or married couple allowance, the removal of MIRAS and higher costs of running your cars will make what seemed like good news on March 10 seem nowhere near as good after."

But Labour MP for Blackpool South, Gordon Marsden, welcomed the Budget with open arms.

He said: "This Budget fulfils Labour's promise to the British people to make work pay, to support families and provide extra money for public services. This is a better deal for Blackpool South and a better deal for the people of Britain."

Sentiments exacted by Lancaster and Wyre's Labour MP, Hilton Dawson, who said: "On the whole I think this is an extremely positive Budget."

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