upbeat: Cameron in drive for growth as motorists offered new hope on petrol prices

PRIME Minister David Cameron has promised the most “pro-growth” Budget in a generation later this month as he insisted the Government has the “right” plan for the economy.

Addressing the Tory spring conference in Cardiff, Mr Cameron admitted “the road ahead would be hard” but dismissed opponents of cuts as being “cowardly” and “irresponsible”.

“What we’re doing might not be popular – but it is the only way,” he said in a speech which pitched the Tories as the party of enterprise and aimed to tackle criticism that the Government is so focused on cutting spending it lacks a plan for economic growth.

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He vowed to take on “the enemies of enterprise” and said he would personally lead a drive to sell Britain to the world.

Amid the gloom surrounding much of the debate over cuts, Mr Cameron sought to strike an upbeat note, saying: “I believe in this country’s future. I’m so confident about what lies ahead.”

The Government has been criticised by political opponents and Labour for lacking a plan for economic growth, and the Budget on March 23 will outline plans for 10 enterprise zones, where businesses will get tax breaks and planning shortcuts. Chancellor George Osborne also gave his strongest hint yet this weekend that he will offer motorists some relief against soaring petrol prices, possibly by cancelling or postponing the next planned fuel duty increase due to come into force on April 1.

Today Mr Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will address board members from the region’s three new Local Enterprise Partnerships, which are replacing development agency Yorkshire Forward, at a summit in the Midlands. Labour Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls accused Mr Cameron of offering “empty words but precious little action”.