In Full: Tory aims and values [New UK Conservative Leader Cameron's Statement

In Full: Tory aims and values Here is the full text of the statement of Conservative aims and values that party members are to be asked to vote on:

To improve the quality of life for everyone through: A dynamic economy, where thriving businesses create jobs, wealth and opportunity. A strong society, where our families, our communities and our nation create secure foundations on which people can build their lives. A sustainable environment, where we enhance the beauty of our surroundings and protect the future of the planet.

The more we trust people, the stronger they and society become. We're all in this together - government, business, the voluntary sector, families and individuals. We have a shared responsibility for our shared future.

We are an open and inclusive Party. We will act to ensure that our Party, at every level, is representative of modern Britain.

1. A successful Britain must be able to compete with the world. We will put economic stability and fiscal responsibility first. They must come before tax cuts. Over time, we will share the proceeds of growth between public services and lower taxes - instead of letting government spend an ever-increasing share of national income.

2. There is such a thing as society, it's just not the same thing as the state. The right test for our policies is how they help the most disadvantaged in society, not the rich. We will stand up for the victims of state failure and ensure that social justice and equal opportunity are achieved by empowering people and communities - instead of thinking that only the state can guarantee fairness.

3. The quality of life matters, as well as the quantity of money. We will enhance our environment by seeking a long-term cross-party consensus on sustainable development and climate change - instead of short-term thinking and surrender to vested interests. We will support the choices that women make about their work and home lives, not impose choices on them.

4. Public services for everyone must be guaranteed by the state, not necessarily run by the state. We will improve the NHS and schools for everyone, not help a few to opt out. But public services paid for by the state don't have to be run by the state. We will trust professionals and share responsibility - instead of controlling professionals in state monopolies.

5. It is our moral obligation to make poverty history. We will fight for free and fair trade, increase international aid, and press for further debt relief. But this is not enough. We will also take action to build those institutions - like the rule of law and property rights - that support development.

6. Security and freedom must go hand in hand. In fighting crime and terrorism, we will be hard-nosed defenders of freedom and security. We will ensure strong defence and the effective enforcement of laws that balance liberty and safety - instead of ineffective authoritarianism which puts both freedom and security at risk.

7. We understand the limitations of government, but are not limited in our aspirations for government. We believe in the role of government as a force for good. It can and should support aspirations such as home ownership, saving for a pension, and starting a business. It should support families and marriage, and those who care for others. And it should support the shared experiences that bring us together - such as sport, the arts and culture.

8. We believe that government should be closer to the people, not further away. We want to see more local democracy, instead of more centralisation - whether to Brussels, Whitehall or unwanted regional assemblies - and we want to make the devolved institutions in Scotland and Wales work. Communities should have more say over their own futures. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk_politics/4757766.stm

The above is the 'mini-Manifesto' Cameron's team have produced, and which is now being circulated to the wider party. I supported Mr. Cameron in the leadership contest, though I have had quite a few doubts since (many of his pronouncements have been extremely 'wet'). Blair, a socialist, is sometimes more open about acknowledging the progress we made during Margaret Thatcher's premiership than some recent Tory leaders! But I am trying to keep an open mind -- and I pray for the end of the socialists in government, we have been in opposition too long. Views of other FR folk (UK or otherwise) would be of interest

As a long-standing tory and Thatcherite, I understand that things have changed. We no-longer have clear left and right divides between labour and the conservatives. In many ways the current govt is less socialist than some tory govts, though in other areas they remain socialist, but hide their aims and taxes beneath spin and bluster.

In order to combat this and achieve power, Cameron needs to ignore right-wing dogma and do whatever is necessary to get elected, just as labour did in 1997. Only then can changes be made.

Excellent news!

I so hope Cameron will be succesful. Interesting to see that the Tories are going for the same strategy as the Swedish Conservatives!

Will 2006 be the turning point?

It doesn't sound very conservative to me. When they figute out who they are, they can give British voters a ring. The Cameron Manifesto sounds like watered down me too Labour socialism lite to this American.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

From an American who was stationed at RAF Lakenheath for 3 years and loves Britain: Most of these things seem good and noble but I do have some problems with some of them.

The right test for our policies is how they help the most disadvantaged in society, not the rich.

A policy to confiscate money and property from the "makers" and give it to the "takers" would easily under this "right test" and I have a problem with this.

It is our moral obligation to make poverty history.

No. It is our moral obligation to have policies under which people of normal intelligence who put forth a sincere effort will not live in poverty-and that's already been achieved.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.