'rabble-rousing' words fail to stir excitement

Vince Cable's attack on capitalism and "murky" corporate activities brought lukewarm praise from union leaders and baffled business leaders.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Sep 2010, 17:21 BST
Updated 23rd Sep 2010, 01:24 BST

The speech caused a stir even before Mr Cable took to the stage, with extracts sparking consternation from industry.

CBI director-general Richard Lambert said it was “odd that he thinks it sensible to use such emotional language”.

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Former Trade Minister in the last government and ex-CBI chief Lord Digby Jones said he was behaving like a “Liberal rabble-rouser” rather than a Business Secretary.

Unite assistant general secretary Len McCluskey said: “Vince Cable states what every UK worker knows – neo-liberal policies are bad for Britain."

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “Vince Cable is reflecting the widespread concern that not enough has been done to wean the City off its addiction to the high-risk, high bonus practices that caused the Great Crash of 2008.”

Shadow business secretary Pat McFadden said Mr Cable‘s attempt at being in Opposition and in the government at the same time could not go on forever.

“As he bashes banks and capitalism, the real test will be whether growth returns and business gets the support it needs from the finance sector.”