Gordon Brown has warned that the economic "storm" of the last 18 months is not over yet in a speech in London.
He said that there are still "substantial risks", and that economic recovery depends on holding to the present course.
"We are weathering the storm; now is no time to turn back... There will be bumps in the road. And I believe the only way to overcome them is by displaying the same strength and resolve as we did during the crisis."
The date for the budget was also announced today by Chancellor Alistair Darling.
The budget, which will be Darling's last financial statement before the general election, will be held on 24 March. The general election is widely expected to be called soon after that, and take place on 6 May.
