THERE has been a need for more honesty, transparency and frankness in British politics and David Cameron can hardly be accused of “pussy-footing”

around since he became Prime Minister.

We can agree or disagree with his policies, but there is certainly a sense that he wants to tell it as it is, whether the subject matter is Britain’s economic crisis or foreign policy.

In the main, we applaud that more open kind of approach. People might not always like what he’s saying – and our own concerns about the pace of public sector cuts are on the record – but at least he gives it to them straight.

It is, of course, never quite as straightforward as that. Politics is a highly complex business and Mr Cameron’s stirring of the fragile hornets’ nest in Pakistan is a good example of the balance that has to be struck.

Was his bluntness when speaking about Pakistan’s record on tackling terrorism a deliberate attempt to fuel global debate, or was it a sign of his inexperience on the international stage?

Governments do not like to be lectured and Mr Cameron’s assessment that Pakistan “had made real progress but must do more” smacked of a school report telling a child they must try harder.

He is right, but an acknowledgement that Pakistan had lost thousands of its own people to terrorist attacks would have applied greater diplomatic balance.

Let us not forget that the purpose of the Prime Minister’s trip was to promote trade links and bring jobs to Britain. That is not now what it will be remembered for.