The Orwellian newspeak, advanced by the prime minister yesterday, that U-turns are “a sign of strength and confidence” seems to have been embraced with some enthusiasm by William Hague.
Until a few moments ago, the Foreign Office’s official website was running with the headline:
“Massive U-turn on BBC World Service funding”
Foreign office U-turn article (click to enlarge)
Update: Naturally the Foreign Office were happy to accept the extra £2.2m today, but they were careful to point out they thought the original settlement was fine all along, dismissing suggestions of split opinions within the department.
They maintain the headline was an accident, have launched official disciplinary procedures against the junior officer responsible.
A fine example of how not to make a story go away.
One Comment
Someone’s gonna get their collar felt for that one!