Moral Authority its an absolute prerequisite.

A distinction needs to be made between our initial reaction to the rioting that is taking place in many cities and how to deal with it in the longer term.

In the short term we must crack down hard, and quickly prosecute those responsible.  Robust policing and all night sittings of magistrates courts are excellent examples of this approach. They will hopefully bring this spate of criminality to an end within a few days.

In the long term a more thoughtful analysis is required; and with this in mind I recommend Peter Osbourne's article in today's Daily Telegraph "The moral decay of our society is as bad at the top as the bottom.   Here are three short extract that gives a flavour of his thinking.

" I believe that the criminality in our streets cannot be dissociated from the moral disintegration in the highest ranks of modern British society. The last two decades have seen a terrifying decline in standards among the British governing elite. It has become acceptable for our politicians to lie and to cheat. An almost universal culture of selfishness and greed has grown up."

"The Prime Minister showed no sign that he understood that something stank about yesterday’s Commons debate. He spoke of morality, but only as something which applies to the very poor: “We will restore a stronger sense of morality and responsibility – in every town, in every street and in every estate.” He appeared not to grasp that this should apply to the rich and powerful as well." 

 "Certainly, the so-called feral youth seem oblivious to decency and morality. But so are the venal rich and powerful – too many of our bankers, footballers, wealthy businessmen and politicians."

I have blogged before - see Nadine's attack on scroungers lacks credibility - on the "absolute prerequisite for good governance that our elected representatives are honest."  Nadine Dorries spoke in yesterdays commons debate on rioting and looting.  What can I say, pot, kettle, black; I give up in despair.  Nadine's expenses looting record can be found here.

Politicians can talk about parenting, robust policing, education, unemployment, cuts and any other social or economic ill they and their political perspective deem appropriate to blame for the lack of morality shown by the looters.  It will matter not one iota what they say; until they deal with the unfinished business of MP's expenses they simply do not have the moral authority to govern.  No ifs, no buts; it is an absolute prerequisite for good governance that our elected representatives are honest.

Best Wishes
Will