Will we talk about anything else in 2009?

As we move into 2009, it is clear that the recession will dominate political discussions across most policy areas. Apart from debates about how the UK drives forward economic growth, politicians are looking for ideas on how to deliver increased demands on public services at a lower cost, how to deal with the social impact of a recession, and how the downturn will impact on the green agenda.

One of the first tests of the debate will come when the government decides on whether and how to support the UK's car industry. Will it focus on ensuring its survival, look for ways to help drive its growth or just leave the industry to the fate of the market? And if it does pump money into the sector, where will the money come from - borrowing, or money that was previously designated to drive innovation across other sectors of the economy?

Comments

[Kate]

Would it not be better to pump money into a new industry, such as renewable energy and create new jobs that will help the country longer term by solving our energy problem, reducing polution and making us more self sustaining as a nation than we are now.

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The recession really is affecting everyone globally. Everyone should be helping each other to make it through, specially the government...