JPR media coverage archive
Archbishop of York blames labour government for selfish society

Thursday 5 Jun 2008

Dr John Sentamu claimed the obligation to do the right thing is being replaced by the urge to buy the right thing, driven by a "rapacious consumerist appetite".

He said Labour had come to power in 1997 promising rights and responsibilities but that this had led to individuals being granted limitless rights without any obligations.

Dr Sentamu, who is second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the hierarchy of the Church of England, added that the Government's talk of social justice rings hollow now that it has abandoned its commitment to community well-being and made the market our moral guardian.