The received wisdom perpetuated by the government is that deep and immediate public spending cuts are necessary and beneficial, says Simon Barrow. But there are strong economic arguments that point towards investment in long-term sustainability rather than hitting the most vulnerable to reduce the deficit.

A reform-oriented "common word on international economic practices" has been issued by Christians and Buddhists meeting in Thailand.

Policy experts and commentators from the churches and Christian organisations have criticised the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government for a budget which hits the most vulnerable hardest.

Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP has challenged the basic logic of the Coalition Government's massive public spending cuts, saying they are both "destructive and unnecessary."