Brown says UK to maintain triple credit rating

Setting out his economic plans weeks before an election, Brown said recovery remained fragile and that to change course now would risk plunging the country back into recession.

His message contrasted with that of opposition Conservative leader David Cameron who is campaigning on a "time for change" slogan and wants to make a quicker start on cutting a deficit forecast to exceed 12 percent of GDP this year.

"We face crucial decisions. Cut now at home -- fail to protect our frontline services, fail to invest in the growth sectors of the future -- and we could push our economy back into recession," Brown said in a speech at Thomson Reuters in London.

He said cuts should only come once recovery was assured but added that markets should take note of a government commitment to halve the deficit over four years.

"This four-year deficit reduction plan, legally binding, legislated in parliament, is I think very clear and I think the markets should understand this," he said.

Brown said he believed that the longer maturity of British government debt put it in a better position than other countries with large deficits.

Asked about Britain's triple A credit rating, he said: "I believe we will maintain that credit rating."

PAY FREEZE

Chancellor Alistair Darling will deliver a final budget on March 24 before an election expected on May 6.