Beliefs

I BELIEVE in freedom for responsible individuals, guaranteed by the rule of law and administered by an independent judiciary. Over the last 13 years, many of our hard won civil liberties have been eroded. As a result, we are not any safer, just less free.

I BELIEVE in free enterprise, fostered by a low tax, low inflation economy – with sterling as our national currency. It is by far the most effective system of wealth creation – the very wealth we need to invest in our schools, hospitals, infrastructure and to help the most vulnerable in our society. The next government must make mending our broken economy a priority. We must act quickly, before we are forced into the hands of the IMF.

I BELIEVE in fostering a strong sense on community, where decisions most directly affecting our lives are made locally and voluntarily. Our nation is no stronger than the numerous little communities of which it is composed. The state has responsibility for helping the poor and vulnerable. Labour’s policies over the last 13-years, good intentions notwithstanding, have only served to worsen the situation of those with no or low incomes. With government spending on welfare, the NHS and education at an all time high, Labour have succeeded in creating the most expensive poverty in history.

I BELIEVE that we should build a world class education system that gives every child the best possible start in life. We need to restore school discipline, adopt a grading system that actually means something, teach our children British history as well as the basics, and rid ourselves of the “everyone must win a prize” culture.

I BELIEVE that we have a duty to look after our sick, and I strongly support the NHS. We should cut NHS bureaucracy, and instead direct more money into frontline patient care, such as maternity services, A&E and cancer treatment.

I BELIEVE that we have a duty to protect our environment. Government has a role to play in helping people live sustainably – but its most powerful function can be to unlock the possibilities for people themselves to take action because they want to, and because it is in their interest to do so.  I want to preserve our greenbelt, open spaces and the character of our historic towns and villages.  I want to see and end to top down planning decisions.

As Britain replaces its old coal fired power stations, I support the increased use of nuclear power and renewable forms of energy production. I also want to see us reduce our dependence on energy imports from unfriendly regimes.

I BELIEVE in a responsible immigration policy. Immigration can be of real benefit to the UK, but only if properly controlled with its impact on the economy, public services and social cohesion taken into account. We should have an annual cap on the number of immigrants based on our need, and adopt a far tougher approach towards illegal immigration. People who settle here should respect the British way of life, culture and traditions, and be required to learn our language. For too long we have championed an ideology of multiculturalism which has created divides rather than broken them down.

I BELIEVE that we are a sovereign nation with a proud history, and that we must fight all attempts to undermine our national independence. I support a free trade relationship with Europe, but I am against the Lisbon Treaty and want to see the return of these powers back to the British people.