UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has turned his fire on his own side, criticizing Labour colleagues who blame the civil service for blocking reforms. In a sharp rebuke to the "excuses culture," Streeting warned that passing the buck to Whitehall bureaucrats is a sign of political weakness.

The rift exposes tensions within the ruling party as it grapples with the slow pace of delivering its manifesto promises. Streeting’s comments come as some Labour ministers express frustration with the "machinery of government," claiming civil servants are stifling innovation. Streeting, however, isn't buying it.

"Own Your Failures"

"We cannot just say 'the computer says no'," Streeting told a political gathering in London. He argued that ministers must take responsibility for driving change rather than hiding behind the convenient shield of bureaucratic inertia. His comments align with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who also noted that blaming the system is often a cover for poor policy.

• The Issue: Ministers claiming "Whitehall" is blocking key reforms in health and education.
• The Rebuttal: Streeting insists effective leaders find a way to make the system work.
• The Bigger Picture: The debate touches on the NHS crisis, with Davey pointing out that Labour achieved 4-hour A&E wait times in the past, proving the system can work with the right leadership.

Lessons for Kenya?

The friction in Westminster mirrors Nairobi’s own struggles, where "cartels" and "deep state" are often blamed for service delivery failures. Streeting’s message is universal: political will, not bureaucratic excuses, is what moves the needle.