More than a book
- 24 Jul 07, 11:44 AM
Methodist Central Hall: I am attending a book launch with a difference. Different because the author just happens to be the prime minister. Gordon Brown has written "Everyday Heroes" to tell the stories of ordinary people who have inspired him. It follows the book he recently published on the historical figures whose courage he most admires.
"Everyday Heroes" celebrates people such as Erinma Bell who after witnessing a shooting set up a community group to reclaim the streets of Moss Side in Manchester.
Today, though, is about much more than a book. It is about politics. Days after the closing of the cash-for-honours investigation Brown is announcing his intention to "reform the honours system" to reward community heroes so that a "significant majority" of honours go to people like those celebrated in his book (you may recall John Major promising much the same)
In addition. Brown has pledged more money to support community groups, to back the creation over time of a national youth voulnteering programme and the creation of a Council on Social Action.
Much of this could have been said by David Cameron whose biggest idea to date has been "". That is the untold story of the Brown weeks in office. Much of his success has come from occupying the ground that the Tory leader hoped to make his own. Whether today or with his announcements on , and Brown is heading off the Tories before they can re-connect with those who believe that Labour have created a "".
The political battlegorund in the future will not be about who talks of the value of individual and community action but who can deliver it. The Tories will claim that Brown's belief in the state will crowd out, regulate or nationalise community initiatives. He will reply that the Tories are merely putting a new gloss on laissez faire.
