Friday, January 19, 2007

British Tories on Way to Laughing Stock   [Iain Murray]

The latest wheeze to emerge from the UK Conservative Party’s policy groups is one nanny would approve of:

Under the plan drawn up by the Working Group on Responsible Business, set up by David Cameron last July, producers would be allocated production limits allowing them to produce a certain quantity of fatty food or alcoholic drink.

Manufacturers wanting to produce more would have to buy credits from companies prepared to produce less. The regime would give a financial incentive for producers to make products containing less fat, sugar, salt and alcohol.

The consultative paper, aimed at making business more responsible, described obesity and excessive drinking as “social pollutants” that might be tackled in the same way that carbon emissions trading schemes reduced environmental damage.

The Times’ Business Editor is uncompromising in his reaction:

This is not only intellectually flimsy, it contradicts Mr Cameron’s core belief in personal responsibility and individual liberty. Indeed, it is an idea that is both meddlesome and crunchy, as if dreamed up by a Norland Nanny in a tie-dyed T-shirt. The Conservative Party may well believe that it can score points in the polls by posing as a party that has shed its cosy relationship with business, but surely it can distinguish between areas of personal responsibility and the realms of corporate obligation…

Mr Cameron is a politician with a compelling skill for communication, an energy that has enthused his party and the rare gift of natural leadership. Sadly, he has not brought those talents to bear when it comes to the future of British business. In fact, this report simply reinforces his image as muddled, opportunistic and faddish. It is a political emission.

Irwin Stelzer mentioned last week that Mr Cameron has lost the confidence of the City of London.  No wonder.As for the other band of jokers, one of Tony Blair’s top aides has been arrested. Where’s that citizenship form…?

01/19 11:15 AMShare