IT'S when times are toughest that you see the best of British – and that's what we see all over Britain right now.
Some of the nicest stories over the last few weeks were about neighbours and strangers alike, helping each other as the cold snow set in.
It's that self-same British spirit that is going to make sure our nation comes through these tough financi
al times stronger and more determined to succeed in the years ahead.
A strong country is built on strong communities. And strong communities are built on the very British idea that we don't just play by the rules as a matter of course – we help out our neighbours in times of trouble.
So I'm not surprised to hear stories of charities being inundated with volunteers.
Just last week I met the tea ladies who are doing a fantastic job helping visitors by serving refreshments and manning the shop at our local hospital.
I am determined that our Labour Government continues to do its bit to help charities do even more.
I was astounded to hear three weeks ago, that the Conservatives want to slash the Government's budget for helping charities by £100m.
That would cut aid to thousands of charities – and some 400,000 volunteers.
So much for Mr Cameron's fine words about 'rolling forward society'. In fact, his charities' spokesman said he wanted to 'wean' charities off public help.
I think he is simply wrong, wrong, wrong. We shouldn't be cutting back help for charities. We should be stepping it up.
We're proud that since 1997 we have doubled our spending to £11bn a year on charities, community groups and social enterprises.
Our Government is going further by launching laser-targeted help with tens of millions of pounds extra for charities plus millions of pounds extra to help those out of work start volunteering.
Britain can beat this downturn, this Government will do all it can to ensure this happens. But we will win by pulling together.
