Nations must protect spending on the vulnerable, says IMF chief

Shift in stance comes as more countries raise concerns about inequality - Christine Lagarde

The International Monetary Fund is urging countries to protect spending on health, education and vulnerable groups amid growing concern among its members about excessive levels of inequality, its managing director has said.

Announcing the change of approach in an interview with the Guardian, Christine Lagarde said it was now politically incorrect to argue against the impact of social spending on growth and stability.