Darling raises National Insurance in pre-Budget report

In his final pre-Budget report before a general election, the chancellor also announced a bank bonus tax and a home boiler scrappage scheme.

He said he wanted to promote growth without "wrecking" recovery.

But the Tories accused him of having "ducked" crucial decisions to get public finances back on track.

Mr Darling said "fairness" was the cornerstone of his plans, telling MPs: "Those on modest incomes are protected. Those on middle incomes will pay more depending on their earnings. The biggest burden will fall on those with the broadest shoulders."

And in a foretaste of the looming general election battle, he said the choice was between going for growth or putting the recovery at risk - a choice between "two competing visions".