The head of the FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, has criticized the Prime Minister for his remarks about Whitehall, describing them as "so disappointing", according to the Standard.
On Saturday, the Standard published that during a major speech on Thursday, the Prime Minister suggested that too many in the civil service are "comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline," though he dismissed the notion of a "swamp to be drained." The comments sparked backlash, with Sir Keir Starmer being accused of using "Trumpian" language. Despite this, Starmer has not apologized to civil servants.
The FDA’s leader wrote to the Prime Minister to express dismay at the remarks. When asked during a visit to the North East if he would consider apologizing, the Prime Minister sidestepped the question. Instead, he emphasized the need for innovation, saying, "Many civil servants have told me this is great—we really need to embrace technology, AI, and new ways of not only serving voters but also transforming how the government operates."
“I do intend to drive through this reform to make sure we are delivering better for the country and, as I say, civil servants bring something very special to work, which is that sense of public service.
“It is not just a good job for them, it is also something additional they bring, and I think in that spirit we will show them the leadership to make this change, and those benefiting from this change will be people who are watching who need the services of good government.”
Sir Keir said civil servants “bring a strong sense of public service to everything they do”, but added: “At the same time, I also know that we have got to press through reform, we have got to deliver Government in a better way and actually talking to civil servants, they know that, they want that, they want that change.”
He had earlier been told he must work to “immediately rebuild trust” with the civil service after the remarks.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, FDA general secretary Dave Penman said civil servants had faced a difficult 15 years serving governments through austerity, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
Mr Penman described his language as “so disappointing” and said FDA members are as “impatient for change” as ministers.
The union chief added: “Invoking the Trumpian language of ‘draining the swamp’, qualifying it, but then going on to say that ‘too many people in Whitehall are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline’ is, I fear, far more damaging than you had considered when you chose those words.
“Governing is a joint enterprise between civil servants and ministers. If it is to succeed, then it needs to be a strong partnership based on trust. I would therefore urge you to urgently reflect on the impact your speech yesterday has had on that relationship.
“If you want to successfully deliver your Plan for Change, you must work to immediately rebuild trust with the civil servants who will be tasked with implementing it.”
Fran Heathcote, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services union, said: “One of the reasons trust in politics is so low is because of politicians’ refusal to be accountable for anything. It’s always someone else’s fault.
"Blaming civil servants—who consistently go above and beyond to keep the country running—for a failure to deliver reform is not only inaccurate but also cowardly. It targets people who cannot publicly defend themselves. Our members are dedicated to serving the nation and will continue working tirelessly to deliver the best outcomes for the country."
Earlier, a No. 10 spokesperson declined to label Sir Keir's language as "Trumpian," stating instead:
"The Prime Minister is driving the direction and pace that the British people expect from this Government."
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
