Michael Howard, the leader of the Tories, has attacked the culture of "political correctness" that he says is undermining British values. Ordinary people are being "driven crazy" by the Government's PC meddling, Mr Howard told an audience in Stafford. The phenomenon "offends" rather than strengthens the country's tolerance.
His address was pre-empted in part by the Government's call for a return to competitive games in schools. However, Mr Howard said: "In Britain today, political correctness has gone mad. And it is driving people crazy. There are so many examples of political correctness, it's hard to know where to start. In 2000, a Government-backed booklet warned nursery teachers that playing 'musical chairs' encouraged aggressive behaviour. In 2002, the Government advised schools to replace traditional sports days with group 'problem-solving' exercises. Of course everyone should be treated fairly and equally before the law. But a culture which fails to distinguish between right and wrong, in the name of equal 'rights' for all, is a distorted culture. Political correctness is a culture that offends our nation's sense of tolerance, our sense of honesty, our sense of balance. Whenever there is a conflict between political correctness and common sense, let me tell you where I stand. I stand firmly on the side of common sense. Common sense, decency, humanity are qualities which the British people have in abundance. These are the qualities we need to cherish." |