In the red?

Alistair Darling presents his pre-Budget Statement to parliament today. Some of the main points have been heavily trailed already - the intention to increase taxes on the rich (but only after the Election) and the 2.5% VAT cut, but will either move really have the desired effect of kick-starting the economy? It's doubtful.
However I can't help but feel that the government is holding something back - another wee nugget kept secret and launched at the despatch box to wrong-foor the Opposition. My guess - a reduction in National Insurance. That would do more for small businesses than a reduction in VAT and would also help hard-pressed tax payers; it may even get them spending again.
Whatever route the Chancellor takes, we will ultimately all pay for these short-term tax cuts with higher taxes further down the line. The economy is still in dire straits, and our government must share some responsibility for that, but the problem for the Opposition is that they seem unable to pin the blame for the UK's finances squrely on Brown and Darling.
It seems now. though, that clear blue water is opening up between Labour and the Tories over how to handle the economic crisis. Labour's spend now, pay later plans or the Tories' alternative. Ultimately it's the economy that decides how voters will cast their ballot, so it's a question of: who do you believe, who do you trust? Things may become clearer this afternoon - as may the date of the next General Election if Darling's statement is well received.
But taxing the rich? Is it really the end of New Labour and back to socialism. Has Red Alistair returned to his toon cooncil roots? All will be revealed!