Darling vows to learn lessons

Chancellor Alistair Darling has vowed to learn lessons from the financial turmoil of the last few weeks and promised further protection for savers.

After the Northern Rock debacle, Mr Darling told Labour's conference the last week had been "difficult" for savers.

"There are lessons to be learnt - and I will make the changes we need to ensure stability.

"My job is to protect ordinary savers. So we need to strengthen protection for ordinary savers - to give them confidence, ensuring their savings in a bank or building society are guaranteed," he added.

In his first keynote conference speech since succeeding Gordon Brown as Chancellor, Mr Darling praised the "great achievement" of his predecessor, adding: "The country knows his strength better than ever after just three months as Prime Minister."

He said the Government dealt with "challenges" like the run on Northern Rock "from a position of strength" and promised to continue "with confidence based on competence".

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