BBC asked to 'pack it in'

[matt66]

Do you blame Beckett for the outburst ot Blairs policies in the middleeast that led to Becketts outburst. Why cant a minister come out and say what they really think?. Why are they so gutless. Clare Short you really shone at the time of need......

[keyvan]

No I don't blame her but the end result is the same.
Jack Starw tried to speak his mind and look at what happened to him...
He said what he thought was right but rumours has it that he was side stepped because the american administration didn't like it. The list of cabinet members that spoke their mind and were forced to resign is endless during the Blair's government. Robin Cook, Clare Short, ...

[LazyGun]

To be fair, previous Governments in recent years have insisted on ministers following the party line... John Major had more than his fair share of troubles with Ministers speaking out against his european policies, for instance.

The logic of recent governments regarding everyone singing from the same songsheet seems rooted in the idea that the people dont like bickering within government, as this is seen as weak.

For myself, I would far rather see ministers and politicos of all hues being much more independant and speaking their mind :)

[brachiopod]

Simple politics really, - toe the line or your cabinet career will be remarkably short.....

[El D]

That being 'I will resign' Clare Short? Gutless?

To be fair to those involved, there is a tremendous amount of public pressure, and juggling party, personal and national loyalty against the wish to speak out your own personal opinions can be a tricky one. If every cabinet minister had a different opinion nothing would ever get achieved unless the PM had the authority to override their considerations completely. Besides, bear in mind that speaking your mind on an issue and then towing the party line could well be seen as hypocritical - it certainly raises interesting questions regarding personal/professional actions for cabinet ministers.