GORDON BROWN has said that more needs to be done to clear up the mess created by the expenses scandal and the ignominious departure of the incompetent, pompous and arrogantly out-of-touch House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin. Those who still defend him on the grounds that he was eased out by the Establishment because of his working-class roots insult the working class.
But the Prime Minister is right. He and Labour’s National Executive Committee have made a good start in setting up the process and framework by which the party can be cleansed of those responsible for the most serious offences – some possibly criminal – against the democratic system. The need to re-establish faith in politics is not confined to cleaning up the Westminster expenses regime. There is an opportunity, indeed an imperative need, for bolder action to rebuild the shattered foundations.
Discussions have been taking place among Mr Brown’s advisors on the possibility of a televised address to the nation (simultaneously posted on YouTube) next week. We have obtained an early draft of what he plans to say.
“Fellow citizens, we are living through extraordinary times in the life of the country and I want to address the nation about the tasks which my Government will carry out before calling the next election.
“Before I set out this programme, let me say that, over the past two decades, I believe that parts of the country have lost the sense of national purpose and collective strength which made us so strong in the past. I am sorry to say that while so many people help others to build strong communities in every village and community, the top layers of our nation both in business and politics are now seen as infected by greed. The scandals of banking bonuses and MPs’ expenses have rightly been met by outrage and anger.
“I want to make Britain a good society again. I want to regain trust for Parliament. And I want to end greed in the banking and financial sectors. Therefore, I will begin work immediately on the following matters.
“First, I have taken steps to reform Parliament. The House of Commons can no longer be a gentlemen’s club and the expenses system will be scrapped. The House of Lords, which is packed out with people appointed by the personal whim of prime ministers and monarchs, will be abolished and an elected second chamber will be installed.
“Second, I will take powers to ensure that Parliament curbs the excesses in the City which have so revolted the majority of right-thinking people.
“Third, while this country is firmly European in character, I accept that there is widespread dissatisfaction with the institutions of the European Union. I have today instructed my Foreign Secretary to begin renegotiating the Treaty of Europe so that the EU works for the people and not simply for huge corporations and their anti-worker employment laws.
“Fourth, I accept that the fiscal situation facing the country is difficult as a result of the economic crisis. I accept also that MPs have damaged public trust in Parliament and that we cannot increase taxation in the immediate future. I will take steps immediately to straighten out the public finances. I am therefore today announcing that I am scrapping the Trident nuclear weapons system and the national identity card proposals, which will save billions of pounds.
“Finally, we remain in a deep economic recession. The Chancellor will tomorrow announce a package of measures, using savings made from Trident and ID cards, which will create new jobs in every part of Britain and focusing on cleaning up our environment in a contribution to the effort to save our precious and fragile planet from the dangers of global warming.
“My friends, Britain remains a wonderful place to live and I have confidence in the British people whose sense of fair play and decency are renowned throughout the world.
“The package of measures which I have announced today will not take many months to initiate. When they are completed, I will call a general election. Thank you for your attention and good evening.”
If only.
