16/03/06 - David Cameron, 100 Days As Conservative Leader

One of the biggest challenges facing all of us in politics today is cynicism. Too many people think there’s no point in voting because you can’t believe a word that politicians say and, if elected, they’ll ignore the wishes of the electorate and do whatever they like.

I want to change that.  But I know that the only way to change the perception is to change the reality first.  Britain can’t afford another government that doesn’t deliver on its promises.  That’s why I’ve been careful, in my first 100 days as Leader of the Opposition, not to promise the earth.

I’m an idealist but I’m also determined that every policy the Conservative Party creates will be hard-headed, practical and durable.  We’re not aiming to win a general election for the sake of grabbing power – we intend to govern well, make Britain a better place and leave office with the reputation of politics and politicians enhanced.

Some Tories are impatient for a comprehensive set of policies.  I understand that.  After all, no one is going to vote for a manifesto consisting of mood music.  However, my aim is to build our platform on solid foundations.  That’s why I’ve set up a series of policy groups to examine the key issues in depth.  The participants are people with real credibility and expertise in their fields and I’m confident that they will deliver ideas we can unite around and be proud of.

We’re working on the details of policy but I’ve already set out a clear direction.  There are a number of ways in which the next Conservative government will be different to – and better than – Labour.

Society will be fairer.  Widening opportunity for those who need it most is a vital part of my Conservatism.  Gordon Brown thinks it’s enough to keep the disadvantaged on a drip feed of handouts.  I don’t.  Of course those in poverty must have financial help but they deserve much more.  Under Labour, social mobility has actually decreased.  Our policies will be aimed at the least well off and will address the need to support vulnerable families, provide proper education, tackle the epidemic of debt, fight crime and drug abuse and give people a decent environment to live in.

Britain will be safer. Our security requires strong armed forces with high morale and a relentless determination to beat terrorism.  We need practical steps - like proper border controls - to combat terror, rather than expensive and ineffective measures like ID cards. And so that’s why we will be hard-nosed defenders of freedom and security. Crime must also be tackled.  Labour’s proposals to cut sentences for serious offences like rape will be rejected and reversed.

The environment will be greener.  Climate change is the single biggest challenge facing our planet.  As Britain’s prime minister, I will work ceaselessly to gain international support to tackle it.  On a smaller scale our policies will be directed at energy saving, locally produced food, better air quality and conserving our landscape.

Power will be closer to the people.  I’m determined to bring decision making nearer to the people.  That means reversing Labour’s centralising, big government approach and an end to regionalisation by the back door and no EU constitution.

The economy will be richer.  Britain’s competitiveness has declined since 1997.  As other countries have woken up to the need to win business, our companies are burdened by a growing mountain of red tape and regulation.  Conservatives are proud to be the party of enterprise.  And we won’t put that at risk – which is why we’ve pledged to put stability before tax cuts.

People will be healthier.  The National Health Service is underperforming under Labour.  A wall of bureaucracy stands between patients and the treatment they need.  We want our health service to be run by doctors, nurses and other professionals.  Alongside this, a Tory government will promote a much greater awareness of the importance of good diet and exercise.  We’ll encourage but we won’t nanny.

And all of this will be underpinned by my core belief of trusting people.  If you trust people, then you also empower them and their communities. I know that I don’t have all the answers – nobody can say that. I realise that we’re all in this together – government, business, the voluntary sector, families and individuals. And by realising that we have a shared responsibility for our future then we can be much more positive about the challenges that we face.

Conservatism is not, and never has been, a dogma.  Our values are enduring but our party has thrived for 200 years because we always evolve to meet the challenges of each new era.  There’s a new mood of confidence and optimism around and, when the moment comes, we’ll be ready.