Spending Review: Play George Osborne bingo

The Chancellor will deliver his autumn statement and the results of the comprehensive spending review today. Spot how many of his favourite phrases he can pack in.
George OsborneGeorge Osborne
George Osborne

Northern Powerhouse - Originally George Osborne’s vision to connect northern towns and cities so that together they have the critical mass to compete with major global cities, this phrase is now attached to any initiative north of Birmingham.

Long term economic plan - This mantra was relentlessly trotted out in the run up to and during the General Election campaign. Almost certainly will make an appearance today.

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Fixing the roof while the sun is shining - Started as a way of criticising Labour’s economic record, now used by Mr Osborne to explain the Government’s target to have Government spending in surplus by the end of this parliament.

Those with the broadest shoulders are bearing the burden - Shorthand for ‘we are taxing the rich more’ although critics would argue the point. See also “we are all in this together”.

Global race - Once a regular, this phrase only now enjoys occasional outings when the Chancellor wants to stress the UK’s position compared to other nations.

Moving Britain from a high welfare, high tax economy, to a lower welfare, lower tax society - Expect this one to make an appearance as cuts to the welfare budget are announced.

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We are the builders - Debuted in his Conservative Party conference speech in October. A theme Mr Osborne is likely to return to as he contrasts cuts in day-to-day spending with long term investment in infrastructure.