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Harman: Labour focused on economy Harman: Labour focused on economy
(10 minutes later)
Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has denied reports that members of the party are plotting to replace Gordon Brown as leader. Labour is focusing on leading the country, not plotting against Prime Minister Gordon Brown, deputy leader Harriet Harman has insisted.
She told the BBC the party's current problems were the result of an economic, not a political crisis. She told the BBC Labour activists were not "trying to create a political crisis out of an economic problem".
It was the job of politicians to guide the country, not watch their own backs, she added.
Britain was lucky to have Mr Brown at the helm during the present economic difficulties, Ms Harman stressed.Britain was lucky to have Mr Brown at the helm during the present economic difficulties, Ms Harman stressed.
Speaking on the Andrew Marr show, she said she was not aware of any plotting at the Labour policy forum in Coventry. Shadow foreign secretary William Hague meanwhile said Labour had "clearly lost the capacity to govern".
Speaking on the Andrew Marr show, Ms Harman said she was not aware of any plotting at the Labour policy forum in Coventry.
'Phone Gordon'
She said: "At the conference this weekend that we've been having, I have to say that people's focus has not been on trying to create a political crisis out of an economic problem.She said: "At the conference this weekend that we've been having, I have to say that people's focus has not been on trying to create a political crisis out of an economic problem.
"People have been very focused on looking at what the government is doing at the moment in our policies, in terms of employment and public services and also looking to the future.""People have been very focused on looking at what the government is doing at the moment in our policies, in terms of employment and public services and also looking to the future."
"That is absolutely, honestly the situation as I can describe what's been happening this weekend.""That is absolutely, honestly the situation as I can describe what's been happening this weekend."
Gordon Brown's experience at the Treasury meant he was the best person the lead the country through the current economic problems, she added.
"You know, people ring up Gordon Brown to get advice from all around the world on economic circumstances.
"He is well respected, and therefore well placed to take, to precipitate the international action we need, as well as take the action we need here at home."
Mr Hague said Labour was "increasingly losing the authority to govern.
"It's now been defeated in elections in every part of the country and I think they have come to the point where the best thing they could do is call a general election and let a proper government take charge," he added.