The Conservatives have said not to do so would be irresponsible and would set back efforts to cut the multi-billion pound deficit.

BBC: Darling urges Labour caution over spending debate

In doing so, the court set back efforts to import U.S.-style mass litigation, despite the fond reception it would receive from some U.K. regulators.

FORBES: U.K. Holds Off Class-Action Tide, For Now

But senior ministers know it has set back their efforts to shake off the charge that they are a party of out-of-touch toffs.

BBC: UK Politics

"There's a process we're engaged in to evaluate the efforts made by Greece in recent months, which we know was set back by elections, " European Affairs Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on France's Europe 1 radio.

BBC: Antonis Samaras