… the hardest word said a hell of a lot by Labour ministers at the moment. In reverse chronology as far back as I can be bothered to go:

• Des Browne has just apologised for the failures of the MoD to properly maintain it’s planes, and thus caused the deaths of 14 soldiers [though no apology for just being a part-time Defence Secretary]…

• Peter Hain has apologised for not declaring donations to his failed deputy leadership bid…

• Wendy Alexander [not strictly a minister, I know - but close enough] has said sorry for accepting an illegal donation…

• Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling apologised for the HMRC losing the personal and banking details of 25 million people…

• Jacqui Smith has apologised for misleading the British people over immigration levels…

It seems to be that saying “sorry” is just about all that Labour ministers are good for under Brown. And an apology seems to be enough for them to keep their job – for now at least – rather than actually taking the blame and resigning.

I’m sure there are many more examples of this out there as well. But I think I’ve made my point.