Darling aims for economic stability

LONDON (Reuters) - Chancellor Alistair Darling's first Budget will maintain economic stability against a backdrop of turmoil, with the United States facing "particular difficulties," the Prime Minister's spokesman said on Wednesday.

"The priorities for the budget were to act responsibly and maintain economic stability, to address the challenge of climate change and to provide targeted support for hard-working families," Darling told fellow cabinet ministers, according to Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman.

"He emphasised that Britain remained well placed to deal with difficult economic circumstances" with low inflation, low public debt and "growth remained resilient," the spokesman said of Darling.

"The U.S. economy was facing particular difficulties," he added.