Last week, I nearly did a David Coleman and said: It s déjà vu all over again. It happened when the Government announced (as usual via press releases rather than through the House of Commons) that they were going to overhaul the benefits system because

Last week, I nearly did a David Coleman and said: "It's déjà vu all over again."

It happened when the Government announced (as usual via press releases rather than through the House of Commons) that they were going to overhaul the benefits system because too many people live permanently on benefits and make no serious effort to find work.

Am I alone in thinking that we heard all that a few years ago, and that nothing significant happened as a result? Was it not about the time MP Frank Field was told to "think the unthinkable" on that subject, and then fired as soon as he did so. My memory suggests another minister took over from Mr Field and made the sort of announcement we heard last week.

I don't know. Perhaps it is premature senility on my part, or perhaps it's Groundhog Day (but did that not also occur a few weeks ago?) I shall pay more attention this time and await serious follow up action (but without holding my breath.)