Cameron accuses PM of stealing BNP slogan

Nov 7 2007 by Rob Merrick, Liverpool Daily Post

Cautious first step in repairing the damage of election own-goal

WITH yesterday’s Queen’s Speech, Gordon Brown succeeded with his first task – to show Labour has not run out of steam after the slog of more than a decade in power.

The Prime Minister will be accused of not setting out his “vision” – but that seemed like a conscious decision in a programme without surprises.

Mr Brown appears to be trying to return to cautious, competent governing.

However, he still has a long way to go to turn around Labour’s fortunes after the disastrous own-goal of the aborted election.

The 30-Bill programme, including seven in draft, will allow him to argue he is simply getting on with the job. From education (keeping young people in training until 18) to the NHS (powers to fine dirty hospitals and shut down wards) to transport (new local council powers over buses and road pricing) the agenda is full.

Mr Brown is also steaming ahead on perhaps the most neglected policy under Tony Blair – housing – with his vow to build 3m new homes by 2020.

The pensions shake-up, introducing compulsory retirement saving for workers without any, is crucial and has largely achieved cross-party consensus already.

And Britain will become the first country in the world to set legally-binding targets to combat climate change – although without explaining how they will be achieved.

There are also admirable measures on children in care, child maintenance (scrapping the discredited CSA) and on enforcing the minimum wage.

The contrast with Mr Blair’s last Queen’s Speech – depressingly packed with anti-crime Bills and little else – is stark and welcome.

But does it meet the test set three times in the Queen’s Speech (and repeatedly by the Tories) – the “rising aspirations” of voters in the 21st century?

The Tory leader believes the pendulum is finally swinging away from Gordon Brown’s big state, as voters tire of waiting for better schools, hospitals and transport in return for their higher taxes.

The Prime Minister’s search for a vision must look here – to convince voters the Government can still provide the answers.