Jenkin accuses Labour of being “anti-British”
The Shadow Minister for the Regions, Bernard Jenkin, has launched a stinging attack on Labour’s programme of constitutional reform, accusing the Government of mocking and rubbishing Britain’s history.
In his address to the Conservative Party conference Mr Jenkin said: “The paradox is that this British Government, is profoundly anti-British.
“This Government understands nothing of the separation of powers, of checks and balances, of history, of constitution, of liberty – which previous generations gave so much to establish, and lost so much to preserve.”
In a passionate section, he stated that: “When New Labour scorn the monarch, or royalty, or the symbol of the crown, they scorn the continuity and stability that is the foundation of the world’s oldest democracy.”
Much of Mr Jenkin’s ire was reserved for the EU Constitution, which he claimed would “extinguish our national sovereignty”, but he also attacked Labour record on devolution in Scotland and Wales, claiming it had been carried out “without a thought for the consequences for the governance of England”.
Turning to the proposed regional referendums, Mr Jenkin argued that instead of strengthening democracy they would “take power away from local government, abolishing hundreds of part-time local councillors.”
He further claimed that they would increase bureaucracy and the cost to the taxpayer, saying: “Labour promises democracy, but delivers bureaucracy.” The Conservatives, Mr Jenkin promised, would back all ‘No’ campaigns.
As an alternative, he promised “real decentralisation”, and to give powers back to counties, cities and communities “with a real, historic sense of identity”.
“Every power that Labour gives to regional assemblies, we will give back to local councils,” he promised, listing housing, transport, planning, spatial development, waste management, culture and fire and rescue.”
