The buck starts here?

As a clear statement it was as unequivocal as it was welcome...

"The era of the 'something for nothing' culture is over" said the Pensions Minister James Purnell on BBC Breakfast News this morning.

What might have been developed further was what had/has pervaded before until this point, say, for over the last 10 years. And why.

I was also intrigued at his claim that in previous recessions the true numbers were 'hidden'. By whom, again why, or whether indeed this statement was true was something this viewer was not made privy to.

BBC - Benefit claimants 'must do more'

Telegraph - Will Labour deliver on welfare reform this time?

Quote of the day - And they are allowed in power?

Ch4 - FactCheck: temporary 10p tax?

'To say, as the work and pensions secretary did yesterday, that it was always clear this had been a temporary measure is a rewrite of history. Not only was it never clear, it seems fair to say that it wasn't even suggested until very recently.'

This is from a man who is potentially up for the job of future PM.