UK unveils pre-election budget

British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling has unveiled his government's budget to lawmakers, with one eye on economic recovery and the other on the upcoming general election.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling offered some voter-friendly measures such as reducing taxes for first-time home buyers.

The budget plan also includes efforts to cut budget deficit as well as a 2.5-billion-pound package to promote economic growth.

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling holds Gladstone's old Budget box for the cameras outside 11 Downing Street, before delivering the annual Budget to the House of Commons in central London March 24, 2010. REUTERS/Kevin Coombs