Conservative Leader William Hague flew into Bradford today and attacked the Government for failing to tackle the "scourge" of football violence that had disgraced Britain.

Speaking to an audience of editors and senior executives at the Newsquest Editorial Conference 2000, Mr Hague pledged to back any bid to eradicate the horrendous violence instigated by British fans in Euro 2000.

"The result of this Government's failure to act was a ravished town centre, a humiliating threat of expulsion against our national football team and a Britain disgraced," he said.

"The Government blamed everyone but itself. It is time we had the political will to deal once and for all with these hooligans."

Mr Hague went on to offer full support to legislation that would stop thugs travelling to matches abroad and help England's bid for the 2006 World Cup.

He said: "It is time we won the war against the hooligans who yet again have made Britain a disgrace in the eyes of the international community."

Earlier, talking to the T&A, Mr Hague described Bradford as having "tremendous potential". And he described the district's long-term strategy 20-20 Vision as a good idea. "It does depend on the quality of the plans but it's always good for a council to plan for the future," he said.

"One of the things we have got to do is to back up the great cities in the country and Bradford should be a place we can believe in.

"The Labour Council have let people down and we hope we can continue to improve Conservative strength and bring good leadership to the city." He said a Conservative Government would seek to ensure new cabinet-style committees in local government did not lead to secrecy.

Mr Hague also criticised the Government for attacking the media, blaming them for problems like poor ticket sales at the Millennium Dome.

"I hope local newspapers will not be deterred from your job by the recent attacks by senior members of the Government."