The Tory Vision from Devizes
David Cameron 'is trashing Thatcher legacy' - Telegraph
Michael Ancram, a former deputy leader of the party, calls for a return to the core values that won four successive elections by championing lower taxes, floating the prospect of withdrawal from the European Union, and for the party leadership to stop "trashing" its Thatcherite past.
."....Freedom comes in many forms: freedom from unnecessary or oppressive regulation, key to the creation of the smaller state well highlighted by John Redwood's report; freedom from fear, the ability to walk our streets without fear of being mugged, shot or even bombed; freedom to control one's own life, requiring an up-front commitment to the principle of lower taxes. I also hope we will look again at selection in education.
I strongly support clear recognition of the value of the family. Along with the importance of the twin concepts of the interdependent community and of "the good neighbour", the family is a crucial key to a more stable society.
The protection of our sovereignty, however, is probably the most important Conservative principle, because, without it, we can never as a nation guarantee to deliver on any other principles and pledges. Sovereignty belongs to the British people, and can be surrendered only with the express consent of the British people. ...
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We must make clear to our European colleagues that "a country called Europe" is incompatible with our sovereignty, and that we cannot remain part of an EU where that is the inevitable and swiftly approaching outcome. Above all we must have a simple creed.
We believe in people, in their individual freedom and right to choose; we believe in promoting aspiration and merit; we believe in the smaller state, in value for taxpayers' money and in being the "good neighbour"; we believe in the family; in protecting and conserving our environment; and above all in the resolute defence of our sovereignty and our realm.
With that creed, and with policies consistent with it, people should have a pretty clear idea what the Conservative Party in the 21st century stands for."
As my MP that is the sort of talk that gets my vote.
