But appearing on the same programme, Conservative MP Kwasi Kwarteng accused Labour of "playing parliamentary games" rather than acting out of principle.

BBC: Labour 'repositioning' itself on Europe - David Miliband

"We will lose our jobs next year - this is what takes care of us and our family, " said salesman Albert Kwasi Breku.

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The other contributors to Britannia Unchained are Priti Patel, Chris Skidmore and Kwasi Kwarteng, influential members of the "class of 2010" - MPs elected to Parliament at the last election.

BBC: British workers 'among worst idlers', suggest Tory MPs

Amid suggestions that sterling could be heavily sold when financial markets open on Monday, Conservative MP Kwasi Kwarteng warned against a "kneejerk reaction" and said the downgrade should have already been "priced into" foreign exchange calculations.

BBC: UK Politics