Asquith speaks on the budget

In 1909 a controversial budget proposed a large rise in taxes to pay for a programme of social reform and rearmament. 

Asquith took the lead in what was the first concerted effort in Britain to use commercial sound recordings to win over public opinion.

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Herbert Henry Asquith [1852-1928]
'Speech on the budget'
Date of recording: 20.07.1909
Duration: 3.24

Read the transcript:

'I have gladly accepted the invitation to speak to you in this unusual manner at a time when I am anxious that my words should reach as many of my fellow countrymen as possible.

We are, in the budget of this year, appealing to the patriotism and sense of justice of our countrymen to meet our national necessities. These necessities are not due to financial extravagance; for the LIberal government has in the last four years reduced the national indebtedness by over £40 million, resolutely opposed the creation of new debt, and relieved, in conformity with its principles and its pledges, taxation on the requisites of life.

Our new liabilities arise from the duty of providing adequately for the defence of the Empire, from the grant of pensions, long deserved and long deferred, to the aged, and from our determination to supplement and extend this first installment in a large policy of social reform.

If these exigencies are to be faced with courage and success, all classes in the community must submit, each to its own share, in new burdens of taxation. It is never pleasant to pay taxes, but the tax payer in this instance can derive comfort both from the justice of the new imposition and from the merits of the objects for which they are required.

I claim for the budget that it does not add a penny to the cost of the necessaries of life. But it asks all to contribute to the nations need. But it asks most from those who are most able and least from those who are least able to pay and it provides an expanding revenue to meet expanding liabilities.

I am confident that the people will not grudge money spent on national defence and social development. And that they will repudiate, as emphatically as they did three years ago, the only alternative policy..... which would raise the price of food, restrict our open markets and bring back the evils and injustices of protection. H.H. Asquith.

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