British Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gordon Brown has ruled out "irresponsible" tax cuts or pay rises before next year's expected election and says world economic recovery remains patchy.
Mr Brown told the Labour party's annual conference today that with oil prices having doubled, it would be political folly to takes risks with the economy in a vain attempt to win votes.
British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Gordon Brown
But he added that economic prosperity remained the key to a third election victory for Mr Tony Blair, placing himself at the centre of the party's drive to retain power.
He also expressed admiration for the United States' enterprise culture but not its record on social justice and said the reverse was true in Europe.
Ahead of Britain's presidency of the European Union, in the second half of 2005, Mr Brown demanded economic fundamental reform that has been slow to materialise - hinting that if it happened British euroscepticism may be overcome.
"The test that the British people will apply to Europe is that it embraces reform, resists federal fiscal policies, rejects tax harmonisation and tackles, root and branch, the waste and excesses of the Common Agricultural Policy," he said.
After a coded attack on Mr Blair at last year's party conference, Mr Brown's speech was under close scrutiny for any signs of barbs against his leader. Little leapt out, although speculation about poor relations remains rife.
Mr Brown's message that the economy overrides all else showed his determination to remain at the heart of election planning. "We must show at all times we have the discipline and strength to take the tough, long-term fiscal and monetary decisions for Britain," he said.
And his sweeping speech - covering subjects from pension provision to African poverty - saw him lay claim to whole swathes of government policy, whatever position he holds.