Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp has said Britons need “a work ethic” and the UK needs to “up its game” in order to compete in the global market.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, he said the UK “needs everyone to make a contribution” and that there were nine million working age adults not in employment. Philp said these efforts were necessary to keep up with countries like China and India.
He said he had worked hard in his career to set up businesses, adding: “It’s worked for me, it can work for the country as well.” Prior to becoming an MP, he had established businesses in finance and travel.
“I found that working hard brought its own reward and I’ve kept doing that ever since.
“It is something I would like to infuse more into our national culture as well.”
Asked by host Nick Robinson if he thought a belief in hard work was missing in Britain, he replied “I do a bit.”
“There are nine million working age adults who are not working.
“As we compete globally with countries like South Korea, China, India, we need a work ethic, we need everybody to be making a contribution.
“We are in a global race that means we have got be competitive and it means we have got to work hard.
“As a country we need to up our game.”
His comments come after businessman and television star Lord Sugar said yesterday that work from home culture needs to end as he wants “bums back into the office”.
He claimed young people “just want to sit at home” and the only way to learn was in the office.