Real Politics

Reflecting this morning on the momentous task ahead for the Conservative Party, I think it is vital to remember the two following quotes from the great economist Milton Friedman:

‘Many people want the government to protect the consumer. A much more urgent problem is to protect the consumer from the government.’

and

‘I am in favor of cutting taxes under any circumstances and for any excuse, for any reason, whenever it's possible.’

To date Brown has kept very quiet about when he will call the next general election. All we know is that it must be held sometime before June 2010. The current situation, however, pinpoints exactly when the next general election will be held.

Labour realise that for the most part they have lost. All current polls indicate a Conservative majority, though of course a hung-parliament could very well be on the table. Irrespective, the people have lost respect for the current government and want Brown out. Everyone within Labour realise this, from MPs to grassroots, and even Brown himself realises the damage that has been caused.

What is Brown’s response, then? To hold back until the final moment for when an election can be called. The aim? To reduce the damage caused by the current events and any future possible events. Some predicted that Brown will hold a general election on the same day as the European Elections, though my view is that this is now unfeasible if Labour want any fighting chance.

Personally, I’d love it for Labour to hold an election as soon as possible. The reality, though, is that we’ll see one in May 2010 when – as Brown hopes – most of this will have blown over and be forgotten.

In the past nine months, Cameron has made one speech on health and education, whereas he has made no less than 18 on the economy. It is clear why he wishes to shift focus onto the economy, as this is where the Tory party is leading, and also it is something which is directly affecting everyone in the country in a negative way.

The problem with this, however, is that he is failing to point out Labour’s other failures which are just as important and detrimental to the future of this country. In education, as I reported recently, 25pc of primary school children are floundering and there is a black hole worth millions. In health, some 30 000 children have to have their teeth pulled due to the poor quality of NHS dentists or even the lack of NHS dentists in certain areas. In general party politics, Labour is continuously at the forefront for sleaze and misadministration and incompetence.

Above I’ve given three precise examples. There are, however, many more if one wishes to read the papers or do a bit of research. Each and every day there are stories about how Labour is failing Britain today and for future generations. It is true, they are doing so in regards to the economy as well, however, this shouldn’t be the sole point of attack.

The Conservative Party needs to be more vehement in their attacks on Labour and Brown, and also more broad and cover a variety of briefs on a regular basis than focus on one or two areas. Repeating Bill Clinton’s “It's the economy, stupid” mantra won’t work.

In France they have a national motto of ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’. This motto encompasses the whole way of life in France, and everything related to politics there. It is a guiding star, if anything.

In Britain, we need something akin. Indeed, the Conservative Party needs something akin to focus policy. Obviously we’re not going to copy the French motto, as not only would that be theft, but of course, lest we forget that our views on a variety of issues are greatly different.

I propose: Freedom. Enterprise. Choice.

Of the above three words, Margaret Thatcher said: For responsible individuals, guaranteed by the rule of law administered by and independent judiciary and minimal state activity; Fostered by a low tax, low inflation economy - with currency exchange rates determined by the free market; For individuals must be maximised - even if the state accepts responsibility for provision of a safety net.

In essence, the above typifies the Conservative Party in every form possible. It’s about ensuring freedom and liberty, ensuring that people are free from government interference and regulation, allowing us to get on with our lives and making the best possible of what we have; it’s about fostering a sense of community and business spirit within the people, ensuring that we’re all working together and working for our own and our community’s best interests; it’s about ensuring that choice is maximised and that all people in Britain are given the freedom to choose what they want to do, purchase, and have a variety of choice within that freedom.

It is important that David Cameron realises the mess that Labour has left Britain in, and that finances are now worse than ever, and while ‘sharing the proceeds of growth’ may sound trendy, it is far from the most important thing for the average Briton. Indeed, they would rather focus on the above three words to lead Conservative policy in the right direction.

This would ensure lower taxes – giving people the choice to spend their money how they choose; this would ensure less regulation and interference in education and health care – letting doctors, nurses, and teachers get on with their jobs and letting them make the right decisions for their patients/students; this would mean deregulation and increased globalisation to help the poor labourers in foreign markets and give more choice to Britons here for consumption of goods and services.

The Conservative Party has a strong chance of winning the next general election, the best chance since the loss in 1997. The current Shadow Cabinet is one of the strongest (possibly second only to that of Michael Howard) since the loss in 1997. Now, if ever, it is more important for Cameron to realise that focus in policy is vital for victory. If we lack this, we lack victory, leading to Labour for another four miserable years.

I think irrespective of political party or political affiliation, we can all extend our deepest sorrow for David Cameron and his family at this time of hardship. It is difficult for any person or family to lose a loved one, though especially difficult when said loved one is one’s own child.

All our thoughts are with the Cameron family at this moment.