The Spectator

Full text of George Osborne’s 2013 Autumn statement

From our UK edition

listen to ‘George Osborne’s Autumn Statement’ on Audioboo Mr Speaker, Britain’s economic plan is working. But the job is not done. We need to secure the economy for the long term. And the biggest risk to that comes from those who would abandon the plan. We seek a responsible recovery. One where we don’t squander

Audio hub: 2013 Autumn Statement

From our UK edition

Throughout the day, we’ll be posting audio highlights from the 2013 Autumn statement — including speeches from George Osborne and Ed Balls. George Osborne’s statement to the House of Commons: listen to ‘George Osborne’s Autumn Statement’ on Audioboo

The 2013 Michael Heath Award for cartooning

From our UK edition

The winner of the first ever Michael Heath award for cartooning is Len Hawkins. One of his drawings appears below. He receives an original drawing by Michael Heath, a bottle of Spectator gin, a year-long contract with The Spectator and a pair of handmade shoes from John Lobb, who kindly sponsored the competition.

Hounddog

From our UK edition

‘So you’re worried that you aint nothin’ but a hounddog, and you keep crying all the time…’

Hound

From our UK edition

‘So you’re worried that you aint nothin’ but a hounddog, and you keep crying all the time…’

Stealing

From our UK edition

‘Stealing from the rich is all very well, Little John, but the bankers, the energy companies, the water companies… I just can’t keep up!’

Hiding

From our UK edition

'Yes all right, sir, you’re Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales, hiding from Cromwell’s Roundheads — now if you don’t mind, we just want to rescue this lady’s cat.’