We all need to show humility for the economic crisis
Gordon Brown inched nearer yesterday to issuing an apology for the Government's role in the financial crisis.
Pressed on the failure of the regulatory system he set up as Chancellor, the Prime Minister said: 'We took action on the financial sector but I accept that we should have done more.
'The problem is that you are always trying to keep up with sophisticated techniques that are being introduced into the financial system.
'There are certain changes that we are making and will make for the future that will make for a better financial system.'
Mr Brown has appeared increasingly isolated from Cabinet colleagues over his refusal to express any regret for the recession.
Chancellor Alistair Darling this week insisted everyone in Government had to have the 'humility' to admit they got things wrong.
It was the most significant admission of responsibility from a minister since the crisis began.
In the Commons yesterday, Harriet Harman - accused by colleagues of plotting a leadership bid - increased the pressure by admitting four times that there were 'lessons to be learned' for all involved.
Mr Brown is understood to have been angered by ministers' suggestions that he needs to issue a 'mea culpa' in order to reconnect with voters who are deserting Labour in drives.
He believes he has nothing to apologise for and that the credit crisis started in the U.S. mortgage market before infecting Britain.
But cabinet ministers increasingly appear to share the view that with Labour's poll ratings collapsing, a more contrite tone is needed.
A furious Mr Brown told colleagues it would be a political mistake for him to admit responsibility because it would hand the Tories a propaganda victory.
On the second day of his trip to Washington, Mr Brown again ducked calls for an apology - but did accept for the first time that the Government could have better regulated the financial sector.
He told Channel 4 News that he had no difficulty in acknowledging making mistakes - citing his decision to scrap the 10p starting rate of tax.
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