PM sets out 'moral framework'

2:41pm Saturday 17th May 2008

The Prime Minister criticised an uncaring and "unnatural" military dictatorship in Burma as he set out the moral framework that drive his politics.

Gordon Brown told the Church of Scotland how he sought to improve people's lives and the values which guided him.

The criticism of the Burmese regime came when Mr Brown, speaking at the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, reflected on how people-power and the internet could transform the world.

"Some dismiss the internet as a shouting match without a referee, but let us remember its power for change," said Mr Brown.

"The monks of Burma with only a begging bowl and their blogs persuaded the world to bear witness to their fight against oppression - and now tell us of their struggle to survive in the face not only of natural disaster but an unnatural dictatorship that care more about its survival than theirs."

Mr Brown was speaking at the general assembly of the Church of Scotland where Margaret Thatcher set out her political philosophy 20 years ago almost to the day, on May 21 1988.

Her "Sermon on the Mound", which focused on personal responsibility, was attacked by her critics. But Mr Brown, whose father was a Church of Scotland minister, had a warm reception and was loudly applauded.

After he set out his views, the Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt Rev David Lunan, told him: "You share our vision of a better world for all." And the churchman went on: "We would distance ourselves from the personal and sometimes distasteful tone of recent comment on the Government which has been unworthy of our political process."

Mr Brown had earlier told the gathering: "Amid all the challenges and headlines of recent months, I have learned what really matters.

"That for me, a life is best measured not by what office or title you hold but by what difference you can make by seeking to do what you judge the right thing, however difficult, and by the causes to which you dedicate your efforts."

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