Ed Miliband to set out plans for deficit cuts

Labour leader to say he will not match Tory plan, but will reduce spending in most departments year-on-year until current deficit is eliminated

Ed Miliband will seek to capture the middle ground on the deficit on Thursday, saying he will not follow the Tory plan for cutting total public spending to 35% of GDP but will promise to reduce spending in most departments year-on-year until the current deficit is eliminated.

In a speech on Thursday he will claim Labour is engaged in a fight for the soul of Britain, and assert that Tory fiscal plans will mean disintegration of public services.