A cycle in which intended results become reversed has overtaken Britain's political, government and social scene.

All too many bold promises, targets or programs put forward by the government authorities supposedly to improve the lot of the British citizen, however sincere and well intentioned, have not only had minimum impact but have actually produced the very opposite results from those intended. Thus, for example, all bold efforts over the last decade to narrow the gap between the highest and lowest paid have left the gap far wider than ever.

Efforts to spread wealth have concentrated it. Efforts to narrow social divisions have deepened them. Efforts to help the poorest have made them poorer. Efforts to reduce fuel poverty have increased it. Efforts to increase energy security have led to riskier and more unstable supplies. Efforts to ensure better education at all ages, from nursery to university, and increase social inclusion have ended up with more social exclusion, overloaded teachers and closed down university places.