Alister Darling gives Bank of England a new remit....

[tortoiseSHELL]

...they are now responsible for Britain's financial stability

Um, I thought that was his job. But is there any reason other than wanting someone else to blame in a year's time when the economy is even more shot to pieces than it is atm?

You surely can't just hand over an integral part of your job when it starts getting tough!

Ah yes... the slippery slope that is the shoulders of Leaving Labour.

Quite - Darling contracts out his job!

do you want darling looking after our economy?

Plus is it me or darling missing the point that whatever bofe does the current economic problems are a little more complex to solve than some badger in a suit tweeking the interest rates.

what is going on with his eyebrows?

To be fair, I'm not sure I think it's a bad idea for the BoE to look after the finances. But, the timing of this announcement is obviously to head off having to bail out any more Nothern Rocks. What this means of course is that they will not be bailed out... which, in my opinion, is what should have been the fate of Northern Rock.

Now that he is not responsible for them, he let them go down with a clear concience.

Come on... everyone together now... 1... 2... 3... "CRASH!"

It will be interesting to see what kind of panic this move creates.

He is passing the buck so that labour won't be held responsoble for what is about to unfold.Last month there were a gew on the BofE committee who wanted to raise rates but didn't but todays consumer figures coupled with this news means rate rises for sure

I think it's hilarious that they don't see how transparent they all are.

[ironic laughter]