Mending our Broken Society
Our party has always been called upon, time and time again to mend our country’s broken economy.
This time, we also have a challenge to mend our broken politics and our broken society.
Conference today, we live in a country which under Labour has become less at ease with itself…
For too many… it has become a country which is unclear about its values
Led by a Government which is too timid to talk about where we come from…
And unsure about where we are going
The country faces a clear choice at the election…
A Labour Government that is committed to the politics of division
or a Conservative Government with a clear strategy for national integration.
A framework… to bring our nation together.
To build… a stronger and more united society.
One that is optimistic, and aspirational…
And one that trusts people, trusts families and trusts communities.
This strategy would mean that all those that choose to make Britain their home will make an economic… social… and political contribution to our society.
An approach that will tear down the barriers of state-driven multiculturalism… that under Labour, has emphasised those things that divide us rather than unite us.
An Integration Strategy that we can all sign up to… giving us a common purpose…, driving towards a shared future…
And this will mean that the ‘rights agenda’ which has ballooned under Labour…, will at last be rebalanced with a focus on ‘responsibilities’.
Where social action becomes as part of our country’s DNA… like as it has become part of our party’s.
Where ‘social entrepreneurs’ are set free…, ‘communities activists’ are supported and ‘active citizens doing their bit’… becomes the norm.
An approach that means… that our children will be taught British history in our schools.
A strategy that recognises that the English language is the bedrock of our national identity. And that anybody coming to live in our country must be proficient in English.
And a strategy that does not forget those already here who will finally be given the tools to learn English and become full members of our society.
An approach that means that faith communities will no longer be discriminated against… simply because of their faith.
And recognises and accepts that God plays an important role in their lives, motivating them to do the good work that they do.
Our approach will significantly reduce immigration, and it will demand that those that join us here, also join our laws, our principles, and our values.
Conference these may seem like tough demands, and I make no excuse for that…
Because only by doing this can we open those doors which for too long have been closed to real equality.
Where politicians… in the name of cultural sensitivities… have for too long remained silent and in doing so, let down communities.
We will ensure that all in our country have the opportunity to realise their full potential.
We will reward responsibility and back those that do the right thing…
Together, we can mend our broken society…
Conference, under David Cameron…
Our Party has changed…
Our policies are responding to the challenges facing today’s Britain.
Our candidates and activists… people from all races, all faiths and all walks of life… come from today’s Britain.
Conference we must now take this message to England, to Northern Ireland, to Scotland and to Wales…
That this is the opportunity…
That this is your opportunity to…
To vote for change…
(Check against delivery)
(March 30th 2010)