Sir John Major claims political conduct is ‘shredding’ Britain’s global reputation
In a speech to the Institute for Government (IfG) this morning, former prime minister Sir John Major has claimed political conduct in Britain is “shredding” its international reputation.
Sir John, whose own government underwent a serious sleaze scandal, attempted to argue that Boris Johnson’s issues were distinct from those that contributed to his defeat at the 1997 general election.
“The sleaze then was individual backbenchers,” Sir John claimed as he addressed an IfG. “And the occasions when the government was involved it actually related to something that happened in the 1980s but just happened to become public in the 1990s. So if I might make that distinction.
“There was sleaze, cash for questions was awful. And it’s why I helped set up the Nolan Committee. I felt as strongly about that then as many other people. I’m not going to judge what is going to happen now, I’m just not going to do it.
“My focus is on beginning to indicate the dangers there will be in letting go of the traditional ways in which we conduct our politics. I’m not suggesting our system is going to fall to pieces, or anything like that. But I do suggest if you keep nibbling away at something it does damage.”
He also argued that “Trust is being lost and our reputation overseas has fallen because of our conduct. We are weakening our influence in the world. “
“We should be wary. Even a casual glance at overseas comment shows our reputation is being shredded. A nation that loses friends and allies becomes a weaker nation.
He described parliament as “an echo chamber,” adding that: “Lies can become accepted as fact, which – as The Speaker has pointed out – has consequences for policy and for reputation. “
He argued that parliament has a “duty” to correct a diminishing of trust in public life, as: “The lack of trust in the elected portion of our democracy cannot be brushed aside. “
He said that the prime minister and No 10 officials violated lockdown guidelines and misled voters with “brazen excuses” and “unbelievable” claims, but fell short of urging his resignation, unless he has deliberately misled Parliament.
