CONSERVATIVE MP Bernard Jenkin has launched a stinging attack on his own Government.
The Commons Public Administration Committee, of which Mr Jenkin is chairman, yesterday released a scathing report, accusing the Government of not having a clear national objective.
Mr Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, said it had “apple pie” strategies which were unrealistic and unsustainable.
The report said the Government needed to develop a strategy with long-term objectives which would not be derailed by short-term political considerations.
Mr Jenkin said the report had been compiled by the all-party committee after a series of interviews with ex-civil servants and academics and visits to the United States and Canada.
He added: “Very few of our witnesses believe the British government has a clear strategy.
“The Government needs to set out a list of strategies which demonstrates an understanding of what the public wants from us.
“The Government has strategies which I would describe as motherhood and apple pie, such as saying it wants a fair and democratic society and a sustainable and growing economy.
“These are so general as to be meaningless.
“The assessment is not just of this Government, but those of Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.
“The Government needs a clear national strategy and it needs to be long-term, so it is not put off by cross-party fighting and short-term political considerations.”
Mr Jenkin said the fact there was a coalition Government was no excuse for not having a clear direction.
He said: “Just because life is complicated by being in a coalition does not mean there should not be a strategy. On the contrary.”
The report listed a series of policy “errors” resulting from a lack of coherent and relevant strategic aims.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “The truth is the Government has a very clear objective to bring down the deficit and get the economy growing again, creating jobs and opportunities for people across the county, while ensuring the protection and security of all our interests and citizens.
“In parallel with that, we are taking forward an ambitious programme of radical reform in education, welfare, health and local government, which will give power and choice to individuals and their communities.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here