Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tories say Brown is 'locked in past'

Andy McSmith
Monday 20 February 2006 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tory leaders are determined to frustrate Mr Brown's attempt to project himself as a rounded politician before he takes over party's leadership. Mr Brown has made speeches in the past two weeks on topics ranging from tackling terrorism to what it means to be British, in a drive to broaden his image.

William Hague, who is acting as Tory leader during David Cameron's two-week paternity leave, will target the Chancellor in a speech today to the Policy Exchange - including a swipe at Mr Brown's suggestion that Britons should follow the American example and hoist the Union flag in their front gardens.

Mr Hague will say: "The tragedy of Gordon Brown's attempt to grapple with the question of national identity is that he has failed to recognise the role of common institutions in pulling a diverse society closer. He is a prisoner of the Government's past, unable to admit the damage that has been done by the Government to our institutions ... Vague talk of Britishness and a sudden love of flagpoles is no substitute for renewing faith in Britain's institutions."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in