You have to excuse our MPs. Some of them aren't very bright. Like Gerry Sutcliffe, for instance. He who gave an interview to the Morning Advertiser - house journal of the licensing trade - and has since announced that the comments he made "do not reflect my views". Now then, why would you give any views that aren't actually your views ?
It's a pity really, beceause what he said in the paper was easily the greatest thing any Labour minister - he's in charge of licensing - has said since they got elected. Talking about the hikes in alcohol announced by Alistair Darling in the budget, Sutcliffe said "“I think the industry’s right to be upset. We, and I speak as a champion of the pub trade, want the Chancellor to change his mind". He also talked about the pre-Budget report in November being an "opportunity" for persuading the Chancellor to do just that.
Since then, doubtless told to do so by our beloved Scottish Duo, he's back-tracked, saying "My comments do not accurately reflect my views. I fully support the tax measures in the budget, and the chancellor's decisions on tax. Alcohol duty increases will go towards helping some of the poorest members of our society."
Talk about defeat being snatched from the jaws of victory. The one time a Labour minister talks sense, and it turns out he didn't mean it. Hey-ho.
Looking Forward To A Labour Conference
15 years ago
1 comment:
Yes, I watched this with much amusement yesterday.
It seems there was a very firm slap on the wrist there!
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