“British workers lack skill and commitment”

The most promising candidate to succeed outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, has come under fire for an earlier comment on Britain's work ethic. In a recording leaked to the Guardian newspaper, the current Foreign Secretary can be heard attributing the comparatively low productivity in Great Britain to the supposedly poor work ethic of her compatriots.

"There is a fundamental problem with British work culture," Truss said in an interview with government officials. "British workers" lack "skill and commitment", especially outside of London. "Mentality and attitude" of British workers are partly responsible for the country's relatively low productivity.

British workers would have to “work harder”. "If you go to China, it's quite different, I can guarantee that." The "Guardian" left open exactly when the recording came from. However, it is likely to have been created between mid-2017 and mid-2019.

The Labor opposition called the comments "grossly offensive". After the sound recording was published, people close to Truss said the comments were “half a decade old” and that “context” was missing. But there is no question that Britain needs to improve its productivity.

The foreign minister is considered the favorite in a duel with ex-finance minister Rishi Sunak. Conservative Party members have until September 5 to decide which of the two Johnsons will take office.

The statement isn't the only verbal misstep from the past that has now caught up with Truss. At the beginning of her career, she advocated the abolition of the royal family.