61.   In fact, though, it has some flexibility, stemming from its gaining operational independence earlier this year from the newly elected Labour government.

62.   Labour Party leader Tony Blair has pledged to implement the assembly in Edinburgh in the first year of a Labour government, should it come to power.

63.   Less likely than a rate increase but more disturbing was the thought of a Labour government with a left wing that wants to spend freely.

64.   Losses for utility stocks were compounded by concern a future Labour government might raise taxes on the industry.

65.   Party leader Tony Blair has already told the conference that a Labour government would not leave the transport system to the free market again.

66.   Speculation a Labour government would increase regulations governing utilities and impose a windfall tax on profits undermined shares in electricity and water companies.

67.   That means there are few opportunities to most people to avoid the higher taxes expected under a Labour government.

68.   The current Labour government pledged not to join without the approval of the British public.

69.   The Financial Times reported two weeks ago that the Labour government is more agreeable than previously thought to joining the European Monetary Union.

70.   The likelihood that the next U.K. government will be a Labour government will prompt potential predators to act quickly, Thompson said.