Your chance to put the questions to George Osborne

Mar 4 2009 Birmingham Post

It’s been 12 months since Northern Rock was nationalised, but the economic crisis has continued to grow.

On Friday, shadow chancellor George Osborne will be talking live to Birmingham Post readers about what the Conservatives would do to get Britain’s banks back on their feet, support industry and protect jobs.

You are invited to take part by putting your questions directly to Mr Osborne through a live chat on our website. Readers can also submit questions in advance, which our reporters will put to Mr Osborne on your behalf.

The shadow chancellor has played a key role rebuilding the Conservative Party as one of David Cameron’s closest allies. But he will face a huge challenge as Chancellor if the Conservatives win the next election.

Conservatives have accused the government of acting too slowly to protect British jobs, particularly in manufacturing. They are calling for a £50billion National Loan Guarantee Scheme to get credit flowing again and underwrite bank lending to businesses.

This would help firms such as Jaguar Land Rover, which has called on the government to provide credit guarantees so it can obtain bank loans, the Tories say.

But Labour has accused the Conservatives of taking a “do nothing” approach to the economy, after they opposed plans to borrow money to cut taxes and maintain public spending.

* Mr Osborne will be taking part in a live chat on Friday from 10.40am here at our live page on the Birmingham Post website. Readers can take part by following simple instructions on-screen on the day. Questions can also be e-mailed in advance here.