What they said

Budget 2011 – Reaction to the Chancellor’s Speech

‘We have put fuel into the tank of the British economy’
Chancellor George Osborne

‘It’s not the wrong type of snow that’s to blame, it’s the wrong type of Chancellor’
Ed Miliband, Labour leader

‘While they will broadly welcome many of the Chancellor’s announcements, British business owners will be looking for much more in the way of real actions in the weeks, months and years that lie ahead’
Phil Orford, chief executive of the Forum of Private Business

‘The Government has committed to cutting red tape, but we believe new employment laws will still come into force this year, which could hinder businesses from taking on staff’
John Walker, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses

‘It´s the same old Tories. It’s hurting but it isn’t working. Every time he comes to this House his growth forecast is downgraded’
Ed Miliband, Labour leader

‘This Budget will help businesses grow and create jobs. The Chancellor has made clear the UK is open for business’
John Cridland, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry