There will be no change in our policy on Europe

Comment by Glenn on October 3, 2009 at 12:14 pm

will you be talking about the fact that on a census planned for 2011 there is a denial of rights for English participants,

Comment by Plato on October 3, 2009 at 12:29 pm

Excellent news and looking forward to hearing what you’ve got planned.

Comment by leslie holt on October 3, 2009 at 12:29 pm

Day by day the labour party demonstate that they are morally unfit to govern, they clearly think we are all fools, and I believe that on voting day will learn we are not as stupid as they think we are

Comment by Dave Robinson on October 3, 2009 at 12:31 pm

This is the most important Conservative conference in recent times. Please don`t go “popularist” on us.

The electorate are smart enough to digest the realities of the EU, Broken Britain and the outrageous nonsense Labour are peddling about social care.

Every Quango, cash sucking body or daft initiative you propose to abolish will be help win seats!!

Please, please don`t blow it with gimmicks and half baked sound bites.

Comment by Christine on October 3, 2009 at 12:31 pm

Whatever happens the people of this country should decide on Europe, whatever or however other nations vote. Europe massively impacts on all of our lives, it is vital that we decide.

Comment by Philip Peters on October 3, 2009 at 12:31 pm

You must not let Mr Blair become a UNELECTED president of the E.U. we live in a democracy one vote per person not a dictatorship so people who are not voted for can run our affairs and life’s that what we fought wars for freedom, the right to vote, you must stand up for the freedom of all and keep this country run by a demarcated elected goverment by the voters not by non elected people

Comment by Jonathan Polin on October 3, 2009 at 12:32 pm

Excellent intro to the conference, David, key is not to be sidelined second guessing about Europe, but core to the conference must be the demonstration to the country of the Government in waiting. A Government in waiting that articulates distinctly what the polices are to put the economy, and our society, back on track no matter how unpalatable those remedies may be. A government in waiting that treats the public as intelligent and realistic individuals who understand the depths of our position, a government that will promote commerce and individual success whilst protecting the less fortunate. A government that will cut away bureaucracy and over bearing regulation, and political correctness; whilst standing up for minority groups and weaker individuals. Good luck this week you all deserve it.

Comment by Stephen Mulliner on October 3, 2009 at 12:33 pm

I fear that the “we will not let matters rest” approach if Lisbon is ratified before the General Election will be mercilessly pilloried by commentators unless our spokesmen are prepared to explain what it will actually mean in practice. If they refuse to, it will be taken to mean that they don’t know. It will not sound very impressive if we give the impression that we are incapable of foreseeing an event (i.e. Lisbon ratification) and working out in advance what we will do about it.

I suggest that the most grown up approach is to state that we respect the operation of law and ratification will not be capable of being undone. However, the lack of a UK referendum, despite the Labour promise, will justify a Conservative Government in taking a very cautious approach to implementation of Lisbon.

Comment by Elaine Lunt on October 3, 2009 at 12:33 pm

It must be understood in the run-up to the Referendum on Europe that the ‘blue-rinse brigade’ must not be offensive to our European partners with their ‘Little Englander’ attitudes – which are now abhorant. If we are to play our natural role as a bridge between Europe and America – we must be at the heart of one while in the heart of the other.

Comment by Stephen on October 3, 2009 at 12:37 pm

A very clever and well written post DC, I have just received my copy be email and thought you deserved a response.

I think you have made the Conservative Policy very clear, currently you will hold a referendum as the treaty is not ratified by all member states.

If that changes you will notify us all of your new policy, I do so hope you don’t have to go down this route as we deserve the referendum we were promised by our current Government.

Sadly I am unable to join you at this years conference but I wish you all well and shall be closely following on the media.

Comment by colin on October 3, 2009 at 12:38 pm

I hope the subject of immigration is brought up, this is a great concern of the british people, and is on everybody’s lips at the moment. Most party’s shy away from these issues, but it must be brought to the forefront and have open debate and policies made to tackle this problem.

Comment by Roger Wood on October 3, 2009 at 12:38 pm

David Cameron’s words are good but without details are fairly meaningless. We must wait until conference to see what policies the Conservatives have to stop the decline in UK. I hope he is bold, I hope he reduces the size of the government machine, I hope he reduces hand-outs and allows the population to understand that not working will lead to hardship. Why should the working population pay for those who do not want to work? Why are those with supposed ailments treated more favourably than those who want to work but are unable to secure employment. A period of austerity would be good for UK. Reduce spending, reduce borrowing, reduce political correctness and all that flows from it. The Conservatives have a real opportunity to win the next election by a landslide majority and I only hope David Cameron is strong and radical.

Comment by John Glendinning on October 3, 2009 at 12:39 pm

If a referendum on the Lisbon treaty is not promised at the election then I’m afraid 10s of thousands will vote UKIP.

You said at the last election ‘vote Blair get Brown’ This time it will be ‘Vote Cameron get Blair’ Who will be back driving British politics without a single vote from the British people.

Comment by Dave Mackenzie on October 3, 2009 at 12:43 pm

Dear David, I know I am not alone, but I am fed up with so called New labour. I just want to say ‘for the record’ as it were that my hope is that you WILL be the new PM, and if so that you and you colleagues will do all in their power to heal Britain on amny fronts. Thank-you sir.

Comment by Roy Harris on October 3, 2009 at 12:44 pm

Please can we stop talking about a Comman Market, this is what I voted for. Now we have group of elected people (by who) and telling our country what we should do! I am proud to be British not a follower of Brussels.

Comment by John W. on October 3, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Hands up who actually wants to be in Europe, I certainly don’t that’s for sure. Don’t get me wrong I love Europeans but hate the “European Superstate” which I might add has been planned for the last 60 years, using the “Totalitarian Tip-Toe Method”. Ireland said “NO” the first time round and apparently it was the wrong answer and they were asked again and surprise surprise they said “YES” – What is the point in voting for something if there is only one acceptable outcome to those in power. It makes a mockery of voting at all really. So Ireland now losing more of its rights and laws to Europe. I guess we are next then !

Comment by Alec Innes on October 3, 2009 at 12:46 pm

Dear Mr. Cameron.
I understand your position on this and the compromise it represents. However, the only appropriate position on this EU constitution is to give the people a say in the balance of powers between a Westminster and Brussels. Therefore I urge you to commit to holding a referendum regardless. Let the people decide and then stick by it. No more “re-think and re-vote please” if Brussels doesn’t like the result.
Best Regards
Alec Innes.

Comment by Keith on October 3, 2009 at 12:46 pm

Boy do we need a change of government, and bad. Have a great conference and let it be a confident springboard to winning the confidence of the people and therefore government.

Comment by the leveller on October 3, 2009 at 12:46 pm

“Our” government is leading us into civil disobedience. The British people will not take much more, I can assure everyone. If this treaty is forced in, this may be one level of forced bureaucracy too many. You may have a lot to do, Mr Cameron.

Comment by Steve Chambers on October 3, 2009 at 12:47 pm

This is a policy for ‘Common Sense Government’ Anyone rocking our ‘Journey to Government’ next week needs to be cut adrift.
There are so many other serious issues to be adressed and we simply do not know what is going to happen with the treaty.Bring on Manchester!

Comment by Kevin Lohse on October 3, 2009 at 12:47 pm

Dear David. The people who supported you in your bid to be Leader of the Party have made it perfectly clear in poll after poll that they are unhappy with the idea of more integration within Europe. i respectfully suggest that there are too many weasel words in your statements over ever-closer union. Why you must retain some freedom of action to manoevre within, you are arousing a distrust within a public that is broadly eurosceptic. If you do not remove doubt as to your strategic policy, you will not only lose the support of more of the faithful, but also lose many of those we wish to win over.

I would also remind you that in 1931, we faced an economic slump which a left-wing coalition had failed to cope with. The left have once again failed to provide economic security for the British people, who are in no mood to forgive. This recurrence of a cyclical event opens the door for a long period of Conservative administration which will be necessary to clear up the mess left by the Left (again). I would also remind you that you , by convention, are not bound by any action of Brown’s government with which the party profoundly disagrees. A national referendum upon Lisbon separate to the GE, would allow people who would not normally vote for the party to vote honestly over Lisbon, and should produce the thumping majority which will make it easy for you to renegotiate.
From personal observation. I can vouch for the fact that the electorate are approaching the prospect of a Tory govt. with resignation rather than enthusiasm, a bit like taking a much-needed visit to the dentist. You have 5 years to turn resignation into enthusiasm to get the 2nd and 3rd terms the country needs. A show of honesty and decisiveness at the Conference will not go amiss.

Comment by Duyfken on October 3, 2009 at 12:47 pm

“If the Treaty is ratified and in force in all Member States, we have repeatedly said we would not let matters rest there. But we have one policy at a time, and we will set out how we would proceed in those circumstances if, and only if, they happen.”

One policy at a time, fair enough, but what are your contingent plans for how to deal with that situation? That is what I believe most of us are looking for from you. Please tell us now.

Comment by Glen Handley on October 3, 2009 at 12:47 pm

The UK must have a Referendum !! Labours refusal to let the people of this country have their say, must not be repeated by the Conservatives !!

Comment by Tony Maund on October 3, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Good luck David and break a leg. Get the party ready for government

Comment by Simon Smalley on October 3, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Say no to lisbon treaty no to tony blair as eu president and Yes to David Cameron and the Conservatives.Dont shift to the left dont let us down!

Comment by Lady Sabina Olivia Heywood on October 3, 2009 at 12:53 pm

They have my vote as not only have the ‘New’ Labour party completely ruined my sons life: but mine also and that of many others. The Labour MP I confered with, Linda Waltho actually got involved in my case (it took her nearly a year) and she just pushed me onto the Childrens Minister who pushed me back to the Social Services. The result then became persecution of an innocent mother, namely myself and a son who SHOULD NOT be in care. Thi is all due to Labours policy of state intervention of their army of Social Workers whereby there is no accountability which is a breeding ground for their corruption and incompetence. Roll on General Election and bring back the party of the FAMILY! No to EU as well! Cameron definately gets my vote!!

Comment by alan on October 3, 2009 at 12:56 pm

Sensible, but worth noting that the UKIP vote would be severely dented if you made crystal clear at the Conference what you WILL DO, and what our legal options are, if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified before the General Electon and if we form the next Government. Procrastination loses votes!!

Comment by John on October 3, 2009 at 12:56 pm

just what exactly does “not let matters rest there” mean? The people of Britain overwhelmingly want a referendum. Conservative policy should be to hold a referendum come what may.

Comment by Ray Veysey on October 3, 2009 at 12:57 pm

your policy announced this morning about 65 year olds paying £8000 up front for an insurance against the requirement for residential care is excellent. Would it not also be a good idea to allow people to contribute for or save for the £8k in advance of that date. Some form of ISA dedicated to the premium etc. Also, if someone at the retirement age wants to join but cannot afford the premium in one lump, what about one of OUR banks lending them the money on a fixed rate / payback period so they pay the ppremium up front and then spread the cost at a reasonable interest.

Comment by John Kirkham on October 3, 2009 at 1:01 pm

There is a clear policy that the aid budget will continue as is. Yet the existing programme includes aid to India which has it’s own space programme and is a nuclear power. That’s ludicrous.

Comment by Chris Hughes on October 3, 2009 at 1:02 pm

At last hope of some firm promises! I trust they are real policies – not PR flim flam!
As a country we will not like them but the majority know it must be done. The sooner the better to stop the rot quicker!

Comment by Donald on October 3, 2009 at 1:05 pm

1. Rally the ‘Old & Bold’ by starting Conference with a minute’s silence for those who gave their lives in Iraq & Afghanistan.
2. Do not get bogged down with ‘tit-for-tat’ with the Labour Government; just tell us, honestly, what will you do to rectify all that has gone wrong over the last 12yrs.
Good Luck !

Comment by Coops on October 3, 2009 at 1:08 pm

I just hope they get us the hell out of europe and out of there control. This country needs to be governed by the elected government of this country. The UK seems to be forever getting the raw end of the deal from Europe

Comment by lewis beattie on October 3, 2009 at 1:11 pm

please mention Europe during the conference,it will remove the accusation that you are ducking the issue.
The Irish vote will be in everyones thoughts so if you do not comment the pundits etc will have a field day and your own supporters will be unable to deal with the issue on the door step.

Comment by Brian on October 3, 2009 at 1:12 pm

Does not the fact that the “UK” ratified the treaty only through the deceit of the electorate and the breaking of promises not have any significance

Comment by PeteFergie on October 3, 2009 at 1:14 pm

“If the Treaty is ratified and in force in all Member States, we have repeatedly said we would not let matters rest there”

Dave, this is not good enough, we want to know exactly what you will do if the Treaty is ratified and in force. By not telling us it appears you are the one that is now dithering.

Comment by ian mcnaughton on October 3, 2009 at 1:14 pm

ok. sounds fair. but what people want to hear now is how we will regain our streets from ferral yobs. we need real punishments. victims are being punished not the villains. this country wastes money that could be put to good use (quangos/expenses etc) in care of OUR elderly.

Comment by Alan Shepherd on October 3, 2009 at 1:14 pm

It’s nice to know that you are sticking to your promise of a referendum, we might even finish up with some control over our own destiny if it comes to legislation that big brother europe decides to force on us that we know to be inappropriate and not in the interests of this nation.

Comment by Bill Gibson on October 3, 2009 at 1:16 pm

Will you repeal the juvenile laws and subsequent regulations created by this juvenile debating society?

Comment by Beverley L Rees on October 3, 2009 at 1:20 pm

I live in hope and am counting down the days, when we see this country of ours restored back to Great Britain, and that David Cameron and his team become the shinning lights that lead the way for us all.
I live in utter dismay at the moment, and with heavy heart, to see what a sad and lost nation we are, we need hope, at the moment we have none, perhaps next year the hope will be renewed, we need to make a start now.
Young and Old side by side, the generation gap closed, law and order returned, the sick disabled, elderly treated with respect, education back to the three RRRs, and hope we can go about our daily business wihtout fear of attack.
Good luck at the conference, I will be watching I know with tears in my eyes, and a happy heart dreaming of what we will have when the Conservatives win Victoriously next year!

Comment by Beverly Martin on October 3, 2009 at 1:21 pm

Thank you DC for email to everyone. We are all supporting you to the hilt, I know. Please, please can we spearhead a Referendum whatever the outcome in Ireland this weekend. We are living under what feels at times like a totalitarian state. 4,000 new laws (we did not vote for them); an unelected PM and an unelected Business Secretary; top-heavy propaganda, quangos, civil service, loss of pensions, heavy council tax; stealth taxes. And Mr. Brown has the bare faced audacity to talk of supporting middle Britain. I could hardly bare to watch his speech. I felt such a mixture of utter outrage, betrayal and also deep sadness. What delusions have we come to. This is the man who has saved the world? I could weep. Just go to it DC, and go to it for the sake of our country, our children, our businesses, our future. We’re right with you. Cut the propaganda advertising; cut the nanny state; cut the puerile ‘health’ advertising for our own good. (And bring back some smoking areas too while we are at it. Save our remaining pubs to boot.) Let’s have a full-on, full-throttled new beginning.
How we have waited for it. Blessings.

Comment by Ernie Ormes on October 3, 2009 at 1:22 pm

Good luck David and to your team. I am fed up to the hilt with the way things have deteriorated in this Country over the last 10 years in particular. I am strongly considering leaving for Spain unless there is hope and a change in direction. Look after the old who have supported this country all of their life, take care of the elderly.
MAKE the young WORK, only pay benefits if there is a real need.
Bring public sector pensions in line with the private sector as we pay for our own AND theirs but their benefits are usually greater.
If Scotland etc really want to go it alone then let them but then give us an English Parliament devoid of Scottish MP’s. I did not want to see a break up of the UK but Blair caused it and i do not think it can be stopped. The people of Scotland Ireland and Wales have shown that they give no support to the Conservative Pary and its agenda so it would be an advantage for you to remove them.
I follow you on Europe, too costly, too interfering, a gravy train, no accountability.
Do your utmost to avoid infighting at the conference as there are still those in your party who might self destruct. It is just what labour and the press will be looking for.
If they cannot follow the party line and help you to get back into power, deselect them. Show who is the leader.

Good luck and i will be watching all week as will the rest of the country (at least those that care).

Ernie Ormes

Comment by gamal on October 3, 2009 at 1:23 pm

VIVA DAVID CAMERON

Comment by J Britton on October 3, 2009 at 1:27 pm

The Lisbon Treaty.
A referendum will be held if the treaty has not been ratified-good.
The chances are that it will have been ratified-what I want to know is what will happen then.
Mr Cameron you must what your options are if the treaty has been ratified and you should tell us what they are.
As a life long Conservitive voter my next vote depends on your answer.
J Britton

Comment by Thomas Reece on October 3, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Dear Mr Cameron
I do hope you can put Labour in its place at your party conference, all the lies that Gordon Brown said. I think did not ring true yet Mandy was herd saying on Breakfast news that the comment he had told a news tabloid was untrue saying”I would serve another government if need be” and when the elections do come. I do want to say this where I live which is Peterlee in County Durham every time we get flyers through our front door saying Support your local council and vote for Labour. I always think “Why” the only time they want your vote is when the re-election is due and what makes my blood boil is when you put that tick in the box you always find the person who is up for election say to you “If you vote for me I’ll make sure that we get the best for this area and one other thing why are some companys going elsewhere because this Labour government does not wish to see jobs in the North East but abroad thank goodness their is a party that will listern to the public and not the other way round.

Comment by Helen on October 3, 2009 at 1:30 pm

Gordon Brown promised a referendum and quickly broke his promise as he has done so many times. Completely reprenhesable.!! A LIAR. I believe 100% that David Cameron will keep his promis.

Comment by Mark Burton on October 3, 2009 at 1:42 pm

I, like many others are deeply worried at the prospect of the Irish voting ‘Yes’ in their referendum. It cannot be right that this small country should be forced to vote again, just because they delivered the ‘wrong’ verdict last time. NO means NO!.
Personally I would like us out of the EU, it’s not the ‘Common market’ that we originally signed up for. The British public in the 1970′s would have gone ballistic if they had known what was really going on in Europe – make no mistake, we have been conned. Of course, we are a different nation these days, younger people seem to accept the EU and all that it stands for, older people remember a different country – much safer and affordable for most. I know which one I prefer!.

Comment by john barnard on October 3, 2009 at 1:44 pm

i wholeheartedly agree with what you say re the tories in power but one reservation ihave concerns grant shapps article in the sun tuesday april 7 re tenants right to move i rent a property out and i am concerned for my property

Comment by William Hanson on October 3, 2009 at 1:45 pm

Great news, but I have not heard a squeak about Immigration lately, this is still on most peoples minds and this alone could win you or loose you my vote, You have have just said every vote counts.Also if you have to make cuts, cut one penny from the defence budget and you have also lost it with me.Good luck with the conference.I shall be listening to every word and PROMISE.

Comment by Crime Analyst on October 3, 2009 at 1:47 pm

Well said DC.

This country needs a courageous and ruthless approach and quickly. Many of the policies you may need to implement will make you unpopular with some, but there are those of us who appreciate that tough measures are required to get the country out of the hole that Labour have buried us in these last twelve years.

The action you take will speak louder than any words you may utter. We’ve had twelve years of words with nothing to show for it.

In particular I will be keen to see the views of Chris Grayling and yourself for the dramatic changes required for the criminal justice system. The decline in the social fabric among the underclasses needs a firm back to basics approach. If you click the link to our site above you will see the articles we are posting in support of your efforts and those of the frontline police officers who have wrongly become the first line whipping boys for the wrongs in society (Chris Grayling has e mailed us to say he is keenly following our not-for-profit site, all visitors welcome.

Not sure if a hyperlink will work here but I’ll type it anyway http://thinbluelineuk.blogspot.com

Anyone can visit and post a comment to any of the articles. There’s plenty of contraversial stuff on there!

Max Hastings wrote a good piece asking if you are ruthless enough for the job ahead. I hope so David, I hope so.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1217787/MAX-HASTINGS-So-David-Cameron-ruthless-save-Britain.html

Best Of Luck DC
You carry the hopes of the country with you.

Comment by Michael Tubb on October 3, 2009 at 1:53 pm

I agree that the next election is not a foregone conclusion as Labour seems to be suggesting that the Conservatives are claiming. With all the Labour lies and propoganda who knows what the electors will believe. It is up to you David and the rest of the shadow cabinet to set out the future plans clearly and concisely. Explain where the coutry is to find the money that Labour has wasted henceforth we have got ourselves into an unbelievable mess. Shoot down this myth that Brown was a good chancellor. Many of today’s problems arise from his decisions then.
Good luck with the conference and the future.

Comment by Barry on October 3, 2009 at 1:58 pm

But don’t blow it Dave. Knowing that LieBore are hiding the bad news, don’t scare voters away from you by raming the hardship down everyone’s necks too much. Be honest with us, but don’t over do it.

Comment by Sally Barnes on October 3, 2009 at 1:59 pm

I think David Cameron is great and has the experience and integrity to listen to the people he serves and bring about the changes this country desperately needs.outsiders look back at England with awe and admiration, but the reality of life here under a Labout government, has brought about the biggest switch off and loss of confidence I have ever known in my lifetime.We need David Cameron to lead us back to be the great nation we once were, with an excellent health service,an education system the envy of the world and bring back a pride and faith in tried and tested systems that have worked for us before, dicipline in schools, Matrons in hopitals who oversee that all is well, a policeforce who do not ignore a vulnerable persons cries for help, I could go on and on but we definately need someone to clean up our act a put the pride back into the people of this amazing country that is respected around the world. we are crying out for change and to get our faith back in the people elected to serve us, if you back us we will back you.
GOOD LUCK at theconference and. its far better to get back with clear policies that the people want and need than by default cos the other lot are so awful.

Comment by Bernard Hunt on October 3, 2009 at 1:59 pm

At the conference PLEASE make it very clear how a conservative government will overhaul the expenses, allowances and free foreign travel fiasco plus the other undisclosed perks enjoyed by MPs. and Lords

BEING AN MP IS NOT A TICKET TO A MAD CRAZY LIFESTYLE.

After all MPs are servants of the people, NOT A LAW UNTO THEMSELVES.

This issue is still simmering under the surface and voters will never forgive a government that does not have a root and branch SORT OUT of this cozy gentleman’s club

Comment by Adrian on October 3, 2009 at 2:01 pm

I want to make this country Great Britain again!! I recently went to New York and was amazed to see so many American Flags on side of buildings, offices, hotels etc, I felt a sense of pride the Americans felt for the country they were in. I am sick of people coming to the UK and changing the way we live our lives, saying we must not show the Red Cross or the Union Jack or celebrate various things incase we offend others! I want my country back and I want a decent way of life, I want this conservative party to bring the good times back to the UK and I want to be part of it..Come on David Cameron, you can do this!!

Comment by Chrissie LeFranc on October 3, 2009 at 2:09 pm

On the Lisbon Treaty I have some concerns, David Cameron seems to be saying that if it is ratified the electorate will not have a vote on it. I believe the electorate should have a vote on it whether it is ratified or not- this is democratic and undemocratic not to give the people a vote. More importantly, the people should have a vote as to whether they want to stay in the EU as the people did not say yes to the EU in the first place but yes to the Common Market which is totally different to what we now have and which is turning out to be a Federalist State of Europe run by unelected European Bureaucrats with only their own interest’s at heart.

Comment by Aquilla on October 3, 2009 at 2:10 pm

Good luck David. Sorry i can not be there I am in university. Iwill be watching x

Comment by Clive Bailey on October 3, 2009 at 2:13 pm

o, every vote will be important. Good. My wife and I pain but as I understand it, we can coninue to vote for a number of years in the UK. Will somebody tell me how please?

Comment by clive halsey on October 3, 2009 at 2:23 pm

Dear Mr Cameron, After the rather wet Irish have succumbed to bribery it appears very likely that the treaty will be ratified. Is there not a case when you take control,to proclaim our part in this as illegal as a promised referendum was not forthcoming. Therefore our ratificationwas without the public’s acceptance. A refendum for continued membership could then be held enbling us to escape the EU altogether as it will surely break up anyway, it is so bizaar and corrupt
Regards
Clive

Comment by Debbi McCauley on October 3, 2009 at 2:28 pm

David Cameron has a mammoth task ahead of him in every area of British life. “New” Labour have ruined this country beyond recognition. We need to take this country forwards by going backwards – to the days of the 50′s, when there were bobbies on the beat, tough punishments for crimes, discipline in schools and people respected each other. Thanks to the cranks of Labour we now have a very real, terrifying and feral “Underclass” who have never worked, don’t intend to, can barely read or write and give not a damn for anything but getting blasted on cheap booze.

Immigration is also a major issue – there is simply no more room in this country! We cannot be expected to feed, clothe and house the world.

Most of all we need politicians drawn from the ranks of people who have lived, worked, been ailing or disabled, grown old and struggled to survive in this country. We currently have far too many MP’s who have no idea of what the world is like outside Westminster.

Also we need a referendum, whether this Lisbon Treaty is ratified or not! We are losing our precious country to Brussels and it has got to be stopped!

David Cameron will need to be all kinds of a miracle worker to make something constructive of the mess Gormless Brown & Bliar have left, and he needs more than good wishes. He needs a hell of a lot of strength, plenty of common sense and a cabinet genuinely caring about making Britain Great again. I love my country and have such loathing for Blair and Brown (not to mention the M-word) that I cannot decently express myself.

Good luck Mr Cameron!

Comment by Jonathan Ward on October 3, 2009 at 2:38 pm

We need firm policies from David Cameron and a say on Lisbon whatever the circumstances at the general election

Comment by Malcolm Moss-Ward on October 3, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Consistency, Consistency, Conservatism. Have a great conference David and then lets get on with the job of returning a Conservative government and restoring our country’s fortunes.

Comment by Eric Beer on October 3, 2009 at 2:41 pm

I am certain that the firm promise to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty will be a definite winner in the General Election. It is something that the majority wanted but on which Labour reneged, in their usual fashion.
I have observed their mis-government since they were first elected after the second world war.
They are totally irresponsible..

Comment by Gill Monk on October 3, 2009 at 2:42 pm

At last – a firm committment to the British people that is is they who will decide whether we stay in the EU or not. Democratic Governments are Servants of the people and must NEVER forget that. The downfall of Labour is because they treat the People as some sort of subserviant body of muppets reporting to them – not the other way around! The Tories must have respect for the voters and carry out the wishes of the majority for the greater good. Be Brave. See you at Conference.

Comment by Osming on October 3, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Of all my friends, relations, colleagues and acquaintances only one, just one, is in favour of the EU (as opposed to the Common Market). The lies and lack of democracy, not to mention the cost are too oppressive to put up with any longer.The French and Germans threaten to create a two speed Union but this is instead the opportunity for the English to shake off the sclerotic bureaucratic mega-state that Greater German will inevitably become. Freedom is what we want.

Comment by paul on October 3, 2009 at 2:55 pm

go go go let get it right

Comment by Richard Blaber on October 3, 2009 at 2:58 pm

The formulae ‘there will be no change in our policy’ and ‘we will not let matters rest there’ will simply not do. In fact, they’re pathetic, not to put too fine a point on it.
A Conservative Government can accept a ratified Lisbon Treaty, as is, without a referendum, or it can reject it, and announce to the other EU member states that the UK intends to withdraw from the EU.
There are no other alternatives; there are no other legal options. If David Cameron wants the UK to stay in the EU, and the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified by the time of the next General Election, then he will just have to grin and bear it. Staying in, and not having Lisbon, will not be an option.

Comment by Carol Tapp on October 3, 2009 at 3:04 pm

Unless immigration and integration is addressed then the infrastructure will collapse. Children born in this country to foreign parents arrive, aged 4, at school not speaking a word of English. Borders et cetera need to be tightened. If this doesn’t happen, our traditions and our character will be lost for ever

Comment by jon riley on October 3, 2009 at 3:07 pm

I don’t think you will read this yourself. Labour has Always come in to power with ‘money in the bank’, and always ‘Left’ with a deficeit. This time worse than ever!!
1. Tell me Gordan (chancellor at the time) Didn’t KNOW or have an inclin the banks were going into meltdown???
2. M.P’s and councellors have been screwing the system for years.
3. I live in Manchester. I have nearly always voted tory. But this is personally applic. under a tory council for Manchester, who’s planning committee seem to give the GO AHEAD to a certain informace firm. (peel holdings) to build anything, anywhere.
4. Can we stop President Blair from obtaining this job ‘Once again thro the back door’??
5. Finally, what will be the clampdown on immigration.Abollition of political correctness.And cut at least half the common sense Useless Heath and Saftey rules??

Comment by Dougie on October 3, 2009 at 3:10 pm

David, democracy is very important to myself and many of my friends. Until the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by a referendum of the British peoples, as promised by all the major parties. We are all agreed that our vote will go to UKIP unless we are guaranteed a referendum.

Comment by Monica on October 3, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Goodness, all these comments from people who know what to do. I don’t. And I don’t expect David to tell us in detail next week and deliver himself into the hands of the Labour machine, dying maybe but possibly still lethal (and capable of nicking potentially vote-winning strategies).

Most people who will win (or lose) the next election for the Conservatives are floating voters – who are not highly enamoured of David really, but are sick to death of Labour. But that’s OK. Change-of-government elections are lost rather than won, and anyway, the last thing a new leader wants is ludicrous expectations of a quick fix.

Personally, as a ‘grey’, I just want my life back really. I’m sick of being urged to be liberal in my attitudes to others, and then subjected to draconian – almost Stalinist – measures to curtail my freedom. I already know my savings will allow me to live only about another 10 years, at 0.5% interest – well, that’s life. The problem is, what seems ‘nice’ simply doesn’t work. I don’t want to be horrible to the less fortunate in society, but leaving them on benefits and worrying about their human rights just hasn’t worked. Might keep them relatively quiet in despair except for some ghastly high-profile cases, but it just doesn’t help much. They have no future. And, as a result, are very menacing to the rest of us.

It’s not as though we haven’t been here before. The Victorians had far worse social problems, but had more robust solutions, though they couldn’t help everyone of course.

And I, personally, don’t want to sign the pledge. But nor do I want the young burning out their brains every weekend and causing trouble on the streets. Leave that to us despairing oldies, sitting peacefully on our sofas and watching TV. You lot are the future.

I can take the economy (though I blame Brown largely); I can take the EU (it’ll collapse anyway in time because it will never be federated successfully because it’s too big); I can even re-cycle madly even though I know it’s going to China. But what I can’t take is idiotic home government. A government which puts any grandstanding in the international arena ahead of our welfare as a nation.

I don’t want to be a nuclear power granted special status in the UN. I just want electricity And don’t we all? Just think what effect power cuts will have on your life, both personal and business.?

I don’t want to pretend we have a vastly expensive ‘independent deterrent’ when we all know America holds the keys. I don’t want to be in a country which enacts EU legislation to the letter, when others don’t; I just want us to sort our domestic problems out a bit better. I don’t want stupid educational or policing targets; I just want them to produce children who can read and write and do sums (not maths) competently at age 11 and have a future. And have law-enforcers who can realise that their job is actually law and order. And not to be sent on futile MBA courses,which I used to teach, populated by nurses and policemen and other public servants, to my considerable bewilderment.
“Why are you here?”
“Because I was sent.”
“Oh. Right.”

Is this too much to ask?

Comment by brianearnold on October 3, 2009 at 3:19 pm

you can definitely count on my support, the referendum on the lisbon treaty/european union is a promise made and no u-turn will be accepted by me or the supporters at large.
Very best wishes
brian

Comment by Pat from Billericay on October 3, 2009 at 3:26 pm

I’d like to see UK in the inner group with France and Germany, and the Euro as the currency. Since G20 the world has changed, and being a ‘fringe’ power on its own seems highly unattractive.

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Comment by Tom I Balmain on October 3, 2009 at 3:32 pm

I do hope that the Party sticks to its line that there will be a vote given to electorate on the EU. I do not want to give any more powers to the unelected commissioners. If fact we should bring back 90% and lets us govern ourselves

Comment by Andrew Donnelly on October 3, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Dear Mr. Cameron
I have just heard that the Irish people have voted Yes to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, when do we the british people get to have OUR say. We had a referendum in 1973 to become a trading partner within the EEC,(which we agreed to), but not to be governed by them. Please, I urge you to try to force the current government to give US a say in the future of OUR country. Men like my father fought in Europe so that we could have the freedom to chose who governs us. I would prefer to be governed by people we elect to our parliament and not by the faceless people in Europe.
WILL YOU GIVE US THE CHANCE TO DECIDE?
Andrew Donnelly. Northallerton. North Yorks

Comment by We Must Be Heard on October 3, 2009 at 3:40 pm

Your So Spot On when you say Labour only spoke to themselves and not the Country.
Good Luck at your Conference.

Comment by Monica on October 3, 2009 at 3:44 pm

I have to say, I have no real idea what either brianearnold of Pat from Billercay are really saying here.

Comment by David on October 3, 2009 at 3:45 pm

One of the main problems we have with political parties is most MP’s have little if any real life experiences.
Gone are the days of business men and women, gone are the days of workers as MP’s. Now its graduates, barristers and nothing else.
If we want success we need to get people who know what it is like to work, who know what it is like to work your way up from tea boy or girl.

Comment by Bernard Donaldson on October 3, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Dear David,
Could you expain, if the euro constitution can be ratified without the UK vote, what’s the point of having a referendum?
Also as I retire next year could you explain your plans for the pension.
Good luck
Bernie

Comment by Gordon Merrett on October 3, 2009 at 3:52 pm

If you do not make it clear that the (hopefully) incoming Conservative Government will not consider itself bound by the undemocratic agreement of the current government to ratify the Lisbon Treaty before it comes into force, you will not have a legal basis to negotiate a different outcome.

Comment by Al Thompson on October 3, 2009 at 3:56 pm

I think it will be the last time I will be able to call myself a Irishman after the despicable rail road of democracy by the Irish government and the main opposition parties allied to the EU business both local and foreign with the support of the political elites in the various countries by massive support for the yes campaign and no discussion or real debate on the merits of the treaty was dismissed by curbing equal time to both sides in the debate was used the national broadcasting station persuade a yes to permanently circumvent the will of the Irish and also the will of the european european peoples decisions in both france,holland and now Ireland with the scare tactics used in the Irish context of high unemployment in Ireland as the message we will be put out of europe and we will suffer if we dont vote yes to a treaty which will slowly kill all democratc freedoms that were so strongly fought for in europes long and bloody history.charles de gaulle remarked that europe is france and germany every other country attached to the eu are just a side dressing.dont become the dressing like Iireland and rest of the eu if this treaty is passed the uk will also become a slave to a united states of europe.we only have to look at america and the massive differences in standards of living with little or no real social health care or proper state supports is abscent and whereby after 9 months no support from the state to support low income citizens & households are cast adrift like beggers from a charles dickens novel.the removal of all nation state symbols with a flag which i cant stand and a so called anthem ode to joy is yes for the eu elite to dicate its policies like a remnants of the 1930′s hitler mussolini and franco come to mind.eu leader barrosso who comes from a country which had military dictatorship sees himself as the new combination of these 3 indoviduals wih sarkozy not far behnd with berliscone another individual who belives all europes people should become a new european sweat shop for there grand designs.a bad day for democracy the day we all returned to be serfs in our own countires.

Comment by Siggi Jokumsen on October 3, 2009 at 3:57 pm

Dear David,
Sorry I will not be at the meeting but good luck and God be with you – just go for it, you can do it.
all the best regard
Siggi Thame Conservatiive

Comment by David Wray on October 3, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Dear Mr. Cameron,
Thanks for you blog.
BUT, make no mistake, if your supporters smell a rate over the C’s policy towards the Lisbon Treaty / the EU they will vote otherwise than for your Party or they will abstain thereby scuppering your chances.
My Son, a Chartered Engineer tells us just today that so many of his Professional colleagues, acquaintances, friends are becoming concerned over your ‘real’ intentions on this particular matter. These are the QUALIFIED, THINKING, members of our population – just that section of it that you make certain comprehends you exactly and completely !!
Of course, your General Election victory would land you with other immense problems as New Labour have done a wonderful job of ruining these isles. All the more reason for making sure that you intentions are clear, unambiguous and in the long-term interests of us all in the UK. I.e. GET OUT OF THE CURRENTLY PROPOSED EU !!
Show the rest of the world, the Commonwealth, our North American friends, etc., that the UK stands separate from the undemocratic, bullying, corrupt, unelected almost soviet-like bureaucracy that is the EU.
Bearing that description in mind, it is interesting that the biggest conman Prime Minister ever the UK has had to endure (Mr. Tony Blair) wishes to become ‘President’ of the EU. If he is so eager to associate himself with that pariah of a federalism, then it is all the more easy to judge his distasteful, self-interested, personality. A self-respecting individual would not wish to be tarred with the same brush and YOU TOO SHOULD REMEMBER THAT for all our sakes !!
Have a really wonderful Conference – show us all how strong and firm you can be and that you have the ‘real’ interest of the UK as a great priority.
Sincerely,
David M Wray

Comment by Adam on October 3, 2009 at 4:04 pm

Not good enough.
I’m a Conservative through and through. Not because I have some doe-eyed loyalty to the Conservative Party or because I’d rather emmigrate than see another Labour Government, but because I believe in the underlying principles of Conservatism. The manner in which the Eurocrats are ramming their idea of Europe down our throats until we roll over and play ball like the Irish is utterly contemptible. The only way ‘it’, be it ‘treaty’ or ‘constitution’, can have any legitimacy in this country is if we, the people who live here, are allowed to vote on it, regardless of where other countries are in the process. Having one policy is fine, but not having a policy for a very probable future scenario or simply refusing to disseminate it is respectively stupid and gutless. Like the majority of your natural supporters, I want you to promise a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty for the British People regardless of how many European countries have already been denied their democratic right.
Stick to the principles that your party is founded upon and you will stroll through the next election. Continue to irritate true, modern conservatives by failing to identify, communicate and support the principles which most Britons hold dear, and you will condemn this country to another decade of this catastrophic government.
Sometimes I really wonder about you, Mr Cameron.

Comment by John Holliday on October 3, 2009 at 4:08 pm

The Conservatives have been burying their heads in the sand for too long about Europe. Yes the party is split on the subject but that is no excuse to not discuss it. Whenever I try to speak to our local would-be Tory MP or Association top brass about Europe the reaction is a contemptous wave of the hand and a muttered comment about ‘obsession with Europe’.
As a former tory councillor I am still uncertain who to vote for at the election when it comes. I am pleased to see we are beginning to get serious policy statements from the leadership, even if Labour instantly grab them as their own. The public isn’t daft. People know what is happening and will vote for the party which addresses their concerns rather than produce waffle and denial of the obvious as Labour is doing.

Comment by Gordon Merrett on October 3, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Reference Pat from Billericay’s comments on the euro, I have to declare an interest. I live in France and have suffered from the lose of the Franc! Yes, the French would dearly love to have their Franc back. The changeover led to massive inflation, and please don’t say that the published figures don’t show this! The French Government have always published the figurs they want to show!
So the UK is a “fringe” Nation. As the ? 6th largest economy in the world, and on a population and land area basis probably the number One I think not!!!
I am suffering from the exchange rate at present to the tune of about 30% off my pension, but I am sure that the rate will balance in the long term. If the UK were to join the euro at these rates, our exports might gain for a short time, but our imports would for ever be expensive. And it would lead to massive inflation as it did in euro land. No, stick it out. The sun will shine again.

Comment by Jane Atkinson on October 3, 2009 at 4:13 pm

Go for it Conservatives ! You are Britains only hope.

Comment by Heather Buckle on October 3, 2009 at 4:15 pm

Many of the policy concerns have already been addressed here but I have one real concern to voice regarding the conference itself – please don’t let the speakers resort to the silly, childish, name calling that we heard from Labour this week – Harman, Milliband, Mandelson et al – I can’t believe that it resonates with the voters and in my opinion it made them appear desperate, insecure and very unprofessional.

Comment by Wendy on October 3, 2009 at 4:21 pm

Fine but WE WANT a vote on the Europe no matter whether or not the Lisbon Treaty is ratified. No-one is listening to this simple message yet.

Comment by Paul on October 3, 2009 at 4:36 pm

Sorry Dave I’ve been here before. If you haven’t got the leadership nous to enequivially state now that there will be a referendum.

Then sorry I don’t trust you and I’m not voting for you

Comment by Alex Litchfield on October 3, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Sorry David. You do not address the biggest issue. The EU is without doubt the biggest cash sponge on this plant. It interferes with our freedoms to make our own decisions and no matter who wins the 2010 General Election, Europe will not release its grasp.
Apart from that what honest manwants the Mafia searching his pockets?

Comment by McGregor Gordon on October 3, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Well Mr Cameron, I am disappointed in your stance on the referendum, Mr brown does not have a mandate to commit the British people to become one of the united states of Europe,we value our democracy and want the right to kick out of office people who are no longer fit to govern (IE the labour party) its no good electing a conservative government only to be governed by Brussels and their bureaucratic overpaid officials and then be told by you that we are part of Europe and must do as they bid. I think your trying to pull the wool over our eyes in trying to feed us that even if the constitution is in force that you wont leave matters there.the public have been fed to much hogwash in the past in what our politicians would do only to find the EU had had there way and passed it under health and safety or some other dubious blind. please Mr Cameron don’t take the British for fools because where not. Mr Brown is trying to bounce us further into this mess that is called the EU and the largest majority of the British public don’t want to know about further integration into this abominable mess-and paying even larger sums of money in supporting this undemocratic union. So Mr Cameron come off the fence and tell us what you are going to do .(If anything)

Comment by Barry Gibbs on October 3, 2009 at 4:42 pm

I hope that one of the messages that comes across this coming week, is that the Consevatives stand for simplified government.As a District councillor, I see daily the effects of the massive complexity that Labour imposes on education, health, the police , planning, benefits – in fact everything. If there is a priority in the programme of change , it is this.Please make this clear.

Comment by Jamie T on October 3, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Dear Mr Cameron,

I’m pleased to hear there will be no change in your policy on Europe. When do you plan on telling us what it is? As I’d like to know before I vote for you.

BOO

Comment by Sally Roberts on October 3, 2009 at 4:47 pm

David, you have explained the situation simply and clearly and I have absolutely no doubt that you and your team are working hard to find the best and most pragmatic solution to a challenging problem. Our next task is to defeat this discredited Labour Government so that you can bring your chosen solution into being!

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 3, 2009 at 4:49 pm

We need assurances that we will be gauranteed a referendum on Europe, whether the Lisbon treaty is ratified or not if you get into power. It is something that has been denied by the treacherous government. The British people will demand nothing less. Or will a new Conservative Government be as spineless and craven as the current bunch. Without this assurance I will be voting for the UK independence party come the election.
There are many thousands like me will become former Conservatives.

Richard Waddington

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 3, 2009 at 4:51 pm

Many wavering Conservatives need to know whether we will get the referendum on Europe prior to and not after the General Election
Richard Waddington

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 3, 2009 at 4:57 pm

Re last comment. That is that we get the promise of a European referendum from David Cameron prior to the General Election.
Richard Waddington

Comment by Alan Beverley on October 3, 2009 at 4:59 pm

Dear Mr Camerron,
The EU is a critical issue with the majority of people in this country. You should hold a referendum irrespective of whether the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified, or not, because we were always promised one. We have been lead by the nose into the EU on a basis of lies and deceipt. Initially by Ted Heath and more recently by Blair and Brown. Do not add your name to this list. It is my understanding from newspaper articles and certain politicians statements that the EU exists because of politicians duplicity across all the national boundaries, where the majority of the population of most nations do not want a Federal State of Europe but want their one nation. So be strong on this issue. We have avoided losing our independence on a number of occasions over the past five hundred years, and Europe has always been a safer place because we have maintained our independent nation state. I see no difference now, in the current political climate within the EU, than what has been the historical situation where two states in particular, France and Germany, are bullying there way about on the continent. The difference being that instead of bullets and bombs it is now trade, commerce, fiscal and political forces with which we are being threatened; but they are still dire threats if we do not do as those two nations, through the EU, wish us to do. We are a world trading nation so, whilst we trade heavily with Europe, ensure global trade is developed even further than present. EU countries will always want to trade with our country and they will not do anything to raise barriers to our trade with them. We are to big and important a market for that. We can stand apart from the EU, so promise to call a referendum under any circumstances. Not some halfway promise that sounds half hearted. As for your other policies, always trust the people. Tell the truth and be open about issues and do not try to be too slick, smart, superior, or in any way condescending. We are sick of those attributes.

Comment by Richard on October 3, 2009 at 5:01 pm

Assuming the Treaty is ratified, can we please have a concerted effort to stop Blair getting the presidency, for the sake of Europe and all its people.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 3, 2009 at 5:02 pm

For anyone suggesting we get rid of the pound in favour of any other currency should make his or her way through traitors gate at the Tower of London. Alongside the current treacherous and spineless government
Richard Waddington

Comment by D Lee on October 3, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Dear Mr .Cameron.

On Europe its simple.

Referendum,Referendum,Referendum.

Comment by Tony on October 3, 2009 at 5:10 pm

If the report in today’s issue of the Daily Telegraph is right, certain members, Kenneth Clarke in particular, do not want the hot issue of Europe discussed at all! They/he wants the whole matter swept under the carpet. Forget that we were promised a referendum by both Blair and Cameron, keep the general public out of the discussion and ignore any commitments made is the past.

Clarke really is an old dynosaur who obviously thinks he knows best, and will ride roughshod over the promises made to the people of this country.

It will be a DISGRACE if the committment made in the past, i.e. a full referendum on the Lisbon Constitution (Sorry, treaty) is not repeated at the conference. It it is not, then the Tories will once again be shooting themselves in the foot. Showing that they are arrogant enough to follow Kenneth Clarke’s line of “we know what is good for you, now sit down and shut up!”

You never know, he may even simulate the faux par committed by Labour and have those in disagreement with his views ejected from the conference as potentail terrorists!

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 3, 2009 at 5:12 pm

What on earth does that mean? …if the Lisbon treaty is ratified we will not let matters rest. Please dont say you will be another Brown with his red lines on a piece of paper. The last person seen waving a piece of paper was Chamberlain……. Peace in our time. …and we all know what that let to.

Comment by PATRICIA GREEN on October 3, 2009 at 5:14 pm

COMETH THE HOUR, COMETH THE MAN.
In my view, real Leadership would be in announcing at the Conference that the Conservative Govt’s First Act would be a Refendum on E.U. membership. That the British are not sheep, dependent on others ratifying or not ratifying. WE MAKE UP OUR OWN MINDS.
It is cowardice to avoid this issue at this time. Be brave, Take a stand. This country has been centuries in the making. Do not let it be subsumed by a corrupt political class.
Are you listening, Mr Cameron?

Comment by David Armitage on October 3, 2009 at 5:16 pm

Dear David, Thanks for your e-mail today. I agree with you and like how state it; decisively and that you really mean what you say. I wish you and your colleagues all the very best for the Conference week, probably one of the most important weeks of your careers. The future of Britain depends on you. If Labour are re-elected then, within a generation, Britain WILL be reduced to a 3rd world country. So much in this country is becoming unsustainable, especially the lavish welfare dependency culture. Go out there and be bold. New Labour are driving us into the ground. We’re all routing for you and we’re all behind you. Best wishes, David.

Comment by David John on October 3, 2009 at 5:19 pm

I’ve made up my mind – have a referendum or my vote (always Conservative) will go to UKIP. The mask has slipped – EU federation is here. Gordon Brown was right – “the next 6 months will be the most difficult” : he wasn’t talking about labour election but the final stages of the destruction of nation-states and the unveiling of the first stages of global central control. G20 has succeeded in its instructions the the ‘leaders’. Shocking.

Comment by Matt Wright on October 3, 2009 at 5:42 pm

David Cameron I like your letter written today Oct 3rd. This is CRUCIAL that you get this conference right! We are all behind you. From cab drivers, neighbours, window cleaners, to financial directors, M.D’s and CEO’s…everyone I talk to is sick to death of this hateful Labour government. We all saw them at their conference last week in chaotic, farcical, imploding self destruct scenes. Quite pitiful to watch.

You are right to state in your email that they ‘spoke only to themselves – not the country.” I wish you all the best for showing Britain and the world that you and your party is different. Very different, to that idiot clown Gordon Brown and his ridiculous p.c obsessed useless oafs that no-one believes or trusts anymore.

Everyone I talk to is very concerned about rising crime and ‘attitude’ of people. This is because no-one respects the law because no-one fears the law. Labour has put the rights of criminals before the rights of decent law abiding people for 12 painful years. If the Conservatives are the next government, you MUST get tough on crime otherwise this country is soon going to become a very nasty place to live.

I used to live in America where people treat their neighbours with respect and police vans don’t have to park up in lines outside nightclubs at midnight every weekend in every city where they do here.

American citizens have more respect for themselves as a nation and they have a heathy respect for the police and the law at large. That’s because the police don’t mess about if you are up to no good and law actually punishes criminals! Gosh! Fancy that! They actually punish criminals! Imagine!

Nothing makes people lose faith in ruling powers more than the following 3 things and Labour can confidently tick all 3 boxes (they do love to tick boxes on their target sheets after all); lies, corruption and allowing the ‘mainstream majority’ (that would be law abiding, hard working, tax paying people, take note Brown you big dunce) to be ignored, even ridiculed while the rule book of fairness and decency is torn up by those who are supposed to uphold and enforce it, thus allowing and actually actively encouraging people to break the law without any fear of consequences for their actions.

That is when society breaks down and you start heading down the road of all out anarchy. David Cameron, I hope you restore Britain’s pride and dignity on the world stage once more when you become Prime Minister next year.

I wish you all the best at next week’s conference.

Matt Wright.

Comment by Ann on October 3, 2009 at 5:46 pm

Why can’t you just say that you will hold a referendum, under all circumstances……… and stop qualifying if or not you will hold it.

Comment by Gloria Serita Sutton on October 3, 2009 at 5:55 pm

I was very pleased to read David Cameron’s comments on the referendum. After reading he was going to renege I had decided to switch my vote. The country needs a party who shows they keep their word. Gordon Browns lies has put me off the Labour Party.

Comment by Jonathan Bushman on October 3, 2009 at 5:58 pm

The conference is a great opportunity to show that the Conservatives are a government in waiting ready to address the issues of the British Public. Let’s make sure we tackle them; the economic recovery, unemployment and how living within our means is key for our country, the war in Afghanistan and public sector reform. These are all things that we should be presenting clear policies on. Glad to see you have drawn a line on the EU debate we have policy, great, let’s move on and focus on issues that really matter to most people. Good Luck, you deserve this week to be a success.

Comment by Kath Cousens on October 3, 2009 at 6:00 pm

We must stand firm and say No to the EU bullies – we must retain our sovereignity at all costs.

Comment by Col Terry Knott MC, Patron on October 3, 2009 at 6:02 pm

Dear David,
I support everything you say, but emphasise your comments on Europe.
We can no longer afford, politically, economically or culturally, to be led by the nose by Europe.
Plese let us step back a bit and reclaim our own destiny. We do not need a Fortress Britain, but neither do we need to bend to an unelected, unaccountable and often self-serving entity.
TK

Comment by Kev Lester on October 3, 2009 at 6:05 pm

Have a great conference, sock it to this USELESS Government and the horribly Labour bias BBC

Comment by Ron Forrest on October 3, 2009 at 6:11 pm

To win the 117 seats you refer to for victory we must take on board those voters who have left us because of their uncertainty about our policy on the EU. We do not want to bang on about Europe but we must make it abundantly clear that not only will there be no further integration WE WILL RECLAIM THE POWERS WE HAVE LOST TO THE EU. This must mean NO to the content of the Treaty of Lisbon whether or not it has been ratified at the time of the general election.

Comment by archer on October 3, 2009 at 6:23 pm

we care more about the present local goverment tactics of inventing jobs and annoying the public with their ceasless fixing repairing mending interferring inventing jobs ect. yes europe is an important item but not as important as getting your own house in order. whats your angle on this.

Comment by phil vaughan on October 3, 2009 at 6:26 pm

The sober tone of this message is good but why no mention of the Great Expenses Scandal? Is it thought that the British people have forgotten the greed demonstrated by all too many MPs [of all parties, and the Lords] just a few months ago. Will the Tories in government clean the Augean stables that Westminster became in recent years?
bster

Comment by gary haran doyle on October 3, 2009 at 6:26 pm

Please please please match your words with some measurable promises, not “we support our troops” but “we’ll buy our troops 50 more chinook helicopters and replace the SA80 with a more advanced and reliable weapon”.

Specifics upon which you can be judged, not populist words…

Comment by Camilla Read on October 3, 2009 at 6:28 pm

I think one of the main reasons for the current stereotype of apathy towards politics in Britain today is Labour’s drive to homogenise, to take a one-size-fits-all attitude to their policy making. This has the effect of making the individual feel increasingly small and powerless on this ‘national’ stage, as their unique, local needs are ignored. To give more policy making powers to a body that covers an even wider demographic – to allow an unelected Tony (god forbid!) to create a ‘Nannied Europe’ – is only going to compound this profound and deeply worrying sense of helplessness.

In true democracy, the people should not feel helpless. The Conservative emphasis on devolving more power to local government is the only way forward. In particular, we must not sign away our democratic rights to these EU ‘higher powers’ – an unelected, unaccountable and frankly unconstitutional body. Go get ‘em guys – I really believe you are fighting for democracy itself.

Comment by JAG on October 3, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Good luck with the conference DC We all need and rely on you to get us out of this mess and make us proud of Great Britain again

Comment by christopher nunn on October 3, 2009 at 6:34 pm

Now we hear some facts about labour party trying to sell this country the same old story at there party conference i can not wait to get election on!!! Brown was never elected and does not have his own party support so be gone with-him!..Mind i will still hold Mr Cameron on his word in europe please dont us down you are now our only hope.good luck with your party conference

Comment by Chris J Chafe on October 3, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Keep up the good work David, your looking good for a landslide victory, can’t wait for the change in 2010.
Best Regards,
Chris.

Comment by David Deeson on October 3, 2009 at 6:52 pm

Sounds great, David. But I am more than old enough to remember all the Conservative promises which have never been fulfilled. Await Manchester with interest. No deliverable guarantees, no vote. And why can’t you say what will happen if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified? Worried that you will lose votes if the truth be known. Get off the fence. Or join Labour.

Comment by sandy thomas on October 3, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Having just heard the the result from Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty I am dismayed and will need reassurance from you that we will have a reforendom on this issue,this is what we were promised by Labour and the conservatives.Labour let us down are you going to? and are you backing Tony Blair as president, I think to do either will most definitely lose you many ,many votes.The voters have had enough of lies and deceit-gravy trains and people taking us for fools.So come on Dave lets have some promises that will be kept

Comment by ashley on October 3, 2009 at 7:07 pm

Hi, i do think that David should comment on
Millibands remarks that conservative MEP’s
have joined some very right wing groups.
Does this mean that there will be a party swing to the right in this country when elected?

Comment by jon on October 3, 2009 at 7:08 pm

this does sound very encouraging,I’ll be more convinced if David doesnt “forget”the expences sleeze,like Brown has,Another item he should concider is the the invasive and legislative infringements on our personal libertys labour has brought about,and some action to repeal them. them.

Comment by Alexandros on October 3, 2009 at 7:15 pm

David, good message- we are up for the fight, to take it to the country, with our values and policies.We dont want to win because people are fed up with Gordon and his government, but because we have positive support and engagement with people and communities.
Fellow Conservatives- dont mkae Europe a focus or even a side show, we have the policy, lets stick to it, no matter how much pressure from media and friends of EU to create divisions.
One thing we need to be is realistic if the treaty is already working, we have to stop Blair from being President, and also build relationships within Europe to have influence and put our case and principles, and practice.

I would also suggest we drop the new Group in European Parliament and get back into the main centre right stream

Comment by charles pugh on October 3, 2009 at 7:23 pm

It is pretty clear that Peter Mandleson stepped in to save Gordon Brown in order to make sure the Lisbon Treaty would be ratified and Blair become President. It is galling ot be outwitted in this way. We see that the Irish referendum was a fix and we now have the yes vote. Against this background I think we now need to hear from DC, do you have a Cunning Plan? or are we simply left with King Lear’s gasp “I will do such things …….”
There is such hatred in this country of the undemocratic nature of the EU, and the unacceptable level of over regulation it has created, that you cannot go into an election without being clear . I fear a hard decison has to be made -and it may well have to lead to us becoming semi-detached members of the EU.

Comment by Guy Fereday on October 3, 2009 at 7:28 pm

Labour has broken Britain again. You must take the fight to them and question everything they claim to have achieved. Show them for what they are and convince the British public that they should never be allowed to govern again.

Comment by Reg Stafford-Smith on October 3, 2009 at 7:29 pm

The most important thing to say is that I hope this conference is the best ever as we need to come out of it thoroughly united. However there is one point that needs to be understood as soon as possible. The British people have never been allowed to have our say in whether we wish to join the EU or not. I for one will do any thing to halt this process that just steamrollers on lead by the nits of Europe. As a life long Conservative, this is now over 80 years, I am becoming interested in the UKIP mob as the only way to stand up for my beloved old country. A number of my Conservative friends are also of the same frame of mind as we appear quite helpless to the fact that we are slowly being drawn into loosing our Nation Identity.

Comment by A F Rhodes on October 3, 2009 at 7:34 pm

That is a good blog, but please let us make the conference a sensible one with no messy intros like the one by Sarah for Gordon Brown and that the Conservatives genuinely intend that this should be a government “by the people, for the people”.

Comment by Mike Ellis on October 3, 2009 at 7:42 pm

David given that both you and my local MP Geoffrey Cox refuse to engage in a subject the like of which without genuine policy and reform of a family law system the like of which since labour came to office in 1997 have at the stroke of a judges pen removed upwards of a million wholesome fathers from a child’s life in favour of mothers after separation or divorce, a court system which is totally unwilling to enforce its own contact orders again in favour of acrimonious mothers and yes the same system which not only removes grandparents at well over a million to date but all on the paternal side and its no wonder that we have a broken society in which youngsters turn to gangs for a sense of belonging. Reform in family law is a must yet your office and ministers refuse to address this matter with any real commitment or substance nor indeed will you engage with those of us who for the past 10 years have been on the frontline both as a grieving father and founder of the charity “National Society for Children and Family Contact” (NSCFC). How therefore can we as victims of an unjust and most destructive family law system be expected to recommend to the tens of thousands of grieving fathers and grandparents that in your party they can put their trust, that family life might not be undermined to the point of no return?

Comment by Stephen Dawson on October 3, 2009 at 7:43 pm

Concerned £8,000 pensioner insurance-policy to cover 40-years care is a non-starter; obviously insurers will ‘walk-away’ faced with huge-losses

State-control critical to address minimum-wage staff & £1,000pw ‘operating-costs’; TAXPAYER struggling, publish-accounts to reveal true operating-costs [esp' mortgage-payments, directors-remuneration].

Comment by Stephen Dawson on October 3, 2009 at 7:54 pm

One of the ‘better’ EU policies [experienced Belgium 1989] is tiered-taxation on property [up-to 17.5%].

Today in the UK, ‘kids’… are encouraged to emigrate taking their potential & future-taxes with them; renting or buying superior homes for less-money.

TAXPAYERs need protection from banks bad-loan ‘assets’ & unfunded welfare-provision [Welfare Bucket].

Comment by G DENNIS on October 3, 2009 at 8:01 pm

Commit to a referendum on ‘Lisbon Treaty’ and you will guarantee my vote @ Gen Election. Come on, be brave please!

Comment by John Blinman on October 3, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Come on David, Pull Finger. It DOES NOT matter if other countries vote for the ‘Constitution’, and it DOES NOT matter if the B Liar gets his wish to become President of Europe, because the UK should NO LONGER BE MEMBERS OF THE EU.
It is costing us £40 Million a day to remain in the Money Drain (makes the MP’s expenses look puny doesn’t it?), And please don’t try to say that it would cost the UK to pull out, as there at least two countries that are NOT in the EU that have better trade arrangements than we have; and well over 50% of our trade is outside the EU anyway.
I am 72, and have until the last few years been a staunch supporter of the Conservative Party, but I am proud to say that I now support UKIP and will continue to do so until we are out of the EU and can again make our own laws and put the UK Farmers and Fisheries back producing for us (amongst other things).
I am disgusted to have to admit that if UKIP had not come into prominent existence I would have had to support BNP, though I abhore much of their Policies and posturing.
As I said, Pull Finger and make it part of your Manifesto that the UK will have a Referendum on Membership of the EU, not just the ‘Constitution’
I WANT to come back to the Conservatives, but not with your current policy on Europe.

Comment by Stuart Booth on October 3, 2009 at 8:13 pm

Ive supported the Tories ever since I was allowed to vote, 16 years ago… but if I dont get a chance to show disillusionment with the EU treaty then Im afraid its going elsewhere… such a pity as I beleive in all other polices but feel so strongly on this. We are supposed to have democratic rights..aren’t we?

Comment by Barbara on October 3, 2009 at 8:15 pm

Here, here

Comment by Peter on October 3, 2009 at 8:19 pm

Until Cameron states his policy on what happens regarding the Lisbon treaty if it is ratified before a Conservative win, then I cannot & will not give him my vote. He urges the British to vote no & I would normally assume this means he is against the treaty. If so why not state that a Conservative government would not abide by the treaty. Cameron cannot accuse Brown & Labour of being evasive or dishonest whilst he maintains his current position for he is being as evasive & dishonest as they are.

Comment by Sue Soar on October 3, 2009 at 8:36 pm

Thank you for your email. I do not think that I will be able to make the conference meeting but wish you the best. Can you spare a thought for the Depositors of The Derbyshire Building scoiety IoM, who were sold out to an Icelandic Bank, the failed KSF bank IoM. Although we are British citizens and Tax payers. We have been abandonded by our own Government. We were given a 100% British Guarantee on the British Isles from a wholly owned British Mutual Building Society. We did not want to risk our hard earned savings we did not buy stocks and shares. We were assured by The Derbyshire Building Society that our monies were “safe”. And in our case they took our deposit 3 days after agreeing to sell out but failed to disclose that. Gordon Brown said in his party political speech this week, that no British saver had lost a penny in this finacial tsunami, NOT TRUE GORDON. We are British, like many more of the 10,000 depositors in this banking fiasco. The Labour party has just abandoned us, I hope the conservatives have more loyalty to it’s BRITISH CITIZENS. We have been reduced to poverty by this banking crisis through no fault of our own. Take a look at http://www.ksfiomdag.com or http://www.kaupthingiom-dag.co.uk

Comment by S. Berater on October 3, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Someone said to me that they heard a rumour that the post of president of the Lisbon treaty Europe was offered by some Euro-bosses to the British goverment in exchange for the support of the Lisbon treaty while Blair was still PM. Is there any truth in that does anyone know? Would that be a reason for having no referendum in GB on this? Personally I think this is just another conspiracy theory, but one believes that all angles here should be looked at to explain the inexplicable. Who actually proposed Blair anyway?

Comment by geoff lambert on October 3, 2009 at 9:11 pm

i had hoped that you would entice me back to the conservatives by being bold and in favour of europe. it was a conserviative who took us in. But you have now fallen into hte trapp of a referendum. you are not europe enough for me. i wont be coming back yet

Comment by J.A.W. Koers on October 3, 2009 at 9:25 pm

One short comment from the Netherlands: I ‘ve always been an anglophile, but I sincerely hope the U.K. will leave the EU at the earliest possible opportunity, so that Europe can go forward without the obstructive U.K. tactics. It was a big mistake to allow the U.K. to become a member in the 1970s.

Comment by K Marsden on October 3, 2009 at 9:25 pm

Is immigration a forbidden word. The policy or lack of at present on illegal immigrants and asylum seekers is a disgrace. You will receive far more support if you face up to this serious problem and its financial costs. Considering we have the most detested government in history, the opinion poll lead is not very good. Your party must listen to the decent people of Britain.

Comment by Adrian Wainer on October 3, 2009 at 9:26 pm

Dear Mr Cameron, It is becoming blatantly apparent that what the European Union is attempting to create, is a European Union Single Fascist State EUSFS and it is not as bad as that, it is worse than that. Many of the political and other elites in Europe and the British Isles are in collaboration with Islamonazism and Islamofascism and within the space of thirty years, if the EUSFS project is successful and Britain is a part of it, the indigenous peoples of Britain ,for example Anglo-Saxon Protestants in England, could be a minority in a Muslim majority Britain and suffering the sort of miseries that non-Muslim communities suffer today in Muslim majority countries in the Arab and Islamic World, for example the extremely unpleasant situation of Christians in Pakistan.

Comment by J.A.W. Koers on October 3, 2009 at 9:42 pm

In response to Mr Reg Stafford-Smith’s comment above: in 1975 the British people voted yes (67.2%) in a referendum over whether the U.K. should stay in the European Community or not.

Comment by Philip Begley on October 3, 2009 at 10:12 pm

I want to see a radical shift on crime and broken Britain. You have to show that the victims come first, second and third on your list. Followed up with a new regime for our prisons. Tough on crime, tough on the instigators of crime. This will be welcomed all over our country.

Comment by Berenice on October 3, 2009 at 10:17 pm

It is not enough. The way this country has been changed over the past 20 years is sickening. Christianity has been trashed and Islam has been pushed down our throats, when fanatics living and leeching off us are hell bent on our annihilation. The PC brigade have devastated individuality and rational thought, cloning and brainwashing. The Institutions and Parliament are brainwashed into believing that they are our masters and not our paid servants and that they are answerable to us. Spy cameras everywhere, local government locking themselves in and prying into who you are and why you want that information. No law and order. because the pc impotent police are too busy turning us into a police state. Brainless people who can’t get a thing right, whatever it is you seek to achieve, particularly in government departments. The list is endless and why, the EU. Unless you get us out of it, and bring back the quality of life known only to those of us old enough to have experienced it, then what hope for the future.
You can promise whatever you like, but I do not believe a word that comes from any politicians lips any more. You should all retire in disgrace and let honest, genuine, backbone of this country, people bring sanity back to the madhouse.
I wont be voting for you. Driven as I am to vote for a choice of two, UKIP and the British National Party. If the mention of these two parties makes you recoil, I can tell you here and now, that it will be Conservative voters who will be doing the same. You might not have realised this whilst you have been going hand in hand with Labour. I am completely incredulous that you, like the rest of us, have been sleep walking into a Communist Federal State of Europe with Tony Blair as its puppet President and the rest of the UK Socialists in all the plum jobs. What difference does it make who is in, you can’t influence anything. Unless you are prepared to get us out then NO I wont ever vote for you.

Comment by malcolm chapman on October 3, 2009 at 10:18 pm

I certainly would vote no on the subject. Just following the party’s line is not enough. people can easily look, as the Irish seem to have done, at the apparent improvement in the EU position and deduce that joining is an advantage when comparing with the UK situation.

We must be clear on what we would be giving up if we joined in. It would be wrong to assume everyone understands all about it. It should be handled like one in a group of lessons. It should outline the main points and accept there is much not yet discussed.

Comment by Chris Thomas on October 3, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Please, please, please, please give us a vote on the Lisbon Treaty.

Don’t fall into the same trap as Brown and Bliar – the UK wants a referendum and you are now our only chance.

Comment by Ben Ware on October 3, 2009 at 10:24 pm

Promise the UK a referendum on the Lisbon treaty whether it is ratified or not by other EU countries. Make a point at the conference to tell the people how Labour have lied over this issue!

This conference could win the Conservatives the next general election just by promising the UK a referendum, don’t let us down!

Comment by 2trueblue on October 3, 2009 at 10:35 pm

We need something more on the EU situation, The present reply is just too vague.
We are all desperate for sme clarity in a lot of areas that would not require you to give Labour the missing bitsfor their manifesto.

An apt reply to Mandy saying ‘If I can come back then…., should be repeated in panto mode mentioning that HE IS NOT PART OF OUR CHOICE, HE IS UNELECTED.
I have this theory that he returned (or was returned bythe EU) to prevent the Labour party imploding and an early election, which prevents us getting our promised referendum!

Comment by Anne Palmer on October 3, 2009 at 10:36 pm

Remember “no Parliament may bind” you do not have to be bound by the previous Government. International Law? This has been broken by the EU Commission, see Vienna Convention on the law of Treaties, AND THE MUDDLED (deliberately?) TREATY OF Lisbon.

The Conservatives could win every seat (A wipe out) if they would hold a true and fair referendum referendum on the Treaty. Or, Labour would even get in again if they would withdraw the Treaty NOW and hold a referendum on it.

However, if the Conservatives continue as they are now, people like me that have always voted Conservative in General elections, will vote for UKIP or even the BNP rather than anyone that is still prepared to continue removing British Sovereignty from these shores and the Conservative know exactly that there will be very little left if Lisbon comes into Force.

Please remember, Lord Reese-Mogg was quite honest and correct when he wrote “Britain will not be bound by Treaties to which the British have not given assent”. The Queen may not be able to NOT give Her assent to the treaties Her Governments put before her, but the people can AND WILL.

Comment by Wayne Morris on October 3, 2009 at 10:50 pm

If you want to deny Blair the top job then promise to hold a referendum even if the Treaty is ratified by all the other member states. That would scupper his chances even before he gets himself appointed. Anything else is mere words.

Comment by Karl on October 3, 2009 at 10:58 pm

Simple question Mr Cameron.

Will you and your party hold a referendum for the british people on the EU/Lisbon Treaty?

Comment by Lynne Kendal on October 3, 2009 at 11:16 pm

THANK YOU David. Please stick to what you have proposed.

Comment by Jon on October 4, 2009 at 12:07 am

This really is not good enough. You promised us a referendum. Now you’re saying we can have one if it is still an open issue? I want a referendum like you promised David, if it’s an open issue or not. It if is a “done deal” by the election, I want a referendum on recalling our agreement. I realise it is a more complex proposition but one that we must have. The premise of democracy is that you vote to change things, not things that haven’t happened yet.
If your stance on Lisbon is “no” then how can any policy which may affect the voting in other European countries be a detriment to you stance? If you nail your colours to the mast and say Britains future in Europe will be decided by the people by means of referendum before, during or after such a treaty has been ratified then I will support you 100% in the next election.

Please don’t make me vote UKIP. Other than their stance on Europe they are a bunch of fools.

Thank you

Comment by Carol Beard on October 4, 2009 at 12:17 am

Dear MR Cameron, Good luck with the conference, this sounds promising and exciting times for us.

Comment by Malcolm Cantrill on October 4, 2009 at 12:22 am

Dear David dont you think it is about time we have English running our country instead of europe and scotts. let Scotland look after its self without the hand outs from the british.Send the scottish MP’s home and let british rule England

Comment by Philip S Higginson on October 4, 2009 at 1:00 am

Like Reg Stafford-Smith, I am a lifelong Conservative (but only 66 years). I am the youngest of 9 children, brought up by a mother who lost her husband when I was not 3 years old. Despite deprivation, mum was a staunch Conservative. To her, as to me, the Labour Party was and is wholly undemocratic in it’s governance. Every period of Labour government has resulted in total chaos and every new Conservative Government has faced the task of rescueing the Country from their disastrous ‘policies’. As a result of 12 years of Labour’s eternal policy of borrowing, one size fits all nanny state, kow-towing to Brussels at every turn, robbing pension funds of £5bn a year, allowing council tax to ballooon by over 100%, the list is endless, the Conservatives now have to do it all over again – and how. The problem is, whilst I still believe David can turn it around, I have not yet seen anything to indicate he has formulated any clear policies to do so. I think that the proposal to allow pensioners to pay £8,000 to safeguard their homes is a non-starter & ill thought out, it has the appearance of a gimmick. Get rid of all the quangos, do not give councils extra powers (the powers they have already been given by Labour are being heavily abused). Scrap the ‘tick box’ agenda in all public services, scrap gold-plated public sector pensions & bring them into line with the private (wealth producing) sector, scrap the Human Rights debacle, limit child benefits to single mothers to the first two children only. Halt the provision of ‘social housing’ to single mothers (they can live with their parent(s), regardless of age). Ok, David, you might lose some votes where the feckless are concerned, we are all responsible for our own lives, but that is the point, responsibility – and that also means effecting a ‘citizen’s arrest without fear of being arrested, about telling the truth without fear of being condemned. I see nothing of this in your speeches, but that is what this Country is looking for, let us see & hear this in the coming week in Manchester, then, despite the difficulties which lie ahead, we can be assured that, once again, the Conservatives, will come to the rescue. Finally, do not get into the Labour mindset of throwing out negative propoganda, they have already started. Turn their negatives into your positives. Oh yes, confirm that you WILL go ahead with a Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, whether it is ratified or not.

Comment by Margaret Parrish on October 4, 2009 at 1:46 am

A good blog, but please do not renege on your promise for a referendum, despite the fact that Ireland have now voted yes. It doesn’t matter that Poland and Cheschoslovakia have still to ratify. British people have a right to ujse their votee on this just as every other nation in the EU have been able to vote. (not just by M.P’s.
Also, regarding the forces, For a long tiome it has had to be the practice for serving personnel to buy beter equipment for themselves as the ones provided by MOD are not always suitable. Why should people, especially in Afghanistan, have to buy better and safer equipment, such as Khevlar jackets and decent desert boots, in order to help to save their lives, plus why cancel new helicopters.

Comment by H Wareham on October 4, 2009 at 2:04 am

David
Dear David

Good luck for the week ahead!

Taking a “spot poll” tonight with the 3 families round our table the issues that face us and concern us are below, we hope you raise them over the coming week.

Crime and Justice – with the decay of society why are
there no fitting punishments for criminals these days?
Without consequences the criminals and societys undesireables do not respect the public, their property or rights! Maybe after 3 “major” crimes mandatory 25 year sentences – no parole! Also playstations etc for prisoners……

Immigration – we need to install American style immigration service at airports. in Calais maybe we should have lorry parks where ALL lorries are scanned. Also we must deport all immigrants who are found here illegally working – not release them back into the community. So called asylum seekers are economic migrants, we have been a soft touch for too long – migrants flock to the UK to claim free housing and benefits. True asylum seekers should claim asylum In their country of origin. This is an emotive issue but is
felt throughout the land very strongly – if the Tories show a strong lead on this it will benefit the UK and also cut away the support for the far right fringe such as the BNP.

Armed forces
Give them what they need!

Europe
DC that’s a hard nut to crack! Good luck!

Yours

HW

Comment by Susanna Leoni-Smith on October 4, 2009 at 2:35 am

Dear Mr Cameron

Firstly, I trust the summer’s expenses lessons have been learned by every one of Conservative MPs —  I was so impressed by your leadership during what must have been a horrendous time for you and your family.

This conference and the coming election truly is make or break for this country… the electorate deserves the unvarnished truth. Churchill didn’t get the country behind him by glossing over ‘the Hitler problem’, nor did Margaret Thatcher rescue us from the brink by pretending the power of the unions wasn’t crippling us. Someone (and it looks like being you) must stand up to the EU.

Tell us the truth, inspire us and give us the leadership. We can take it (as our once proud and independent nation used to say).

Comment by Stuart Livett on October 4, 2009 at 3:54 am

Good Luck Mr Cameron! I fully support your position on Europe. We must do everything possible to protect the sovereignty of Great Britain. Tony Blair must be undermined at all costs. I can hardly wait to have my ballot paper in my hand and see you in Downing Street.

Comment by David Cundale on October 4, 2009 at 4:54 am

Keep your promise to have the referendum on Europe (Lisbon Treaty) regardless, and if the result is No, renegotiate the worst aspects away. This can be justified by us to the rest of Europe on the basis that the Liberal Democrat and Labour parties have broken their promise to the electorate and the ratification by the present Government is undemocratic and therefore illegal. This will take the sting out of the iissue and regain the votes of many of the natural conservatives currently voting UKIP.

Comment by Glen on October 4, 2009 at 5:25 am

Please allow the British people to have a chance to vote on the Lisbon Treaty. It is scandalous that the people of the UK were not even consulted on the matter. I guess that is an example of how the EU will “do business” in the future.

Comment by Dewi on October 4, 2009 at 7:36 am

David – I am sorry but saying ‘you wont let it rest there’ is just not good enough – whether the treaty has been ratified or not we want our say on the Lisbon treaty – and Sarkosy and Merkel will push it through as quickly as possible now the Irish have ‘caved in’ so it will be in force before you get elected -

if you were serious about being anti-Lisbon you would state publically now that ratified or not we will have a refrendum and withdraw if it fails – thus there would be no point whatsoever in them bringing it in quickly – the general public hate it and we will not have it forced upon us -

at 60 years old I have voted Conservative all my life but I m seriously considering voting for UKIP or even the BNP – and lots of my workmates feel the same – we all have familly that were lost in the last world war and yet they are achieving now with the pen what they failed to do with the sword – my voice will be heard one way or another

dont forget over 80% of us Brits hate not just the treaty but the way it was rammed through our parliament and then our House of Lords – the Liberals were the ‘rat’ in the ratification proceedure and this has done for the Liberals what Dr Shipman has done for trust in our family doctors

Dont forget you need to gain 117 constituencies and unless we get this promise for a referendum I doubt you will achieve that because UKIP & BNP will rob you of some of those seats – some think they did so well in the euro elections because of the expenses fiasco dont make the same mistake people were just fed up to the back teeth with europe –
dont believe me well at conferance say you were considering a referendum ratified or not and watch your %age of the vote skyrocket

if you read all the comments on this blog Lisbon is the main complaint please do not let us all down and force us to vote for UKIP or the BNP

Comment by barry stoker on October 4, 2009 at 8:09 am

may i congratulate the conservative party on its honesty and frankness with the voters i and many others are fed up with the lies and deceit from the labour party and the ruin of this great country of ours and i sincerely hope that you win the next election so that we all can rest assured that the country will be in good safe hands

Comment by Giuseppe on October 4, 2009 at 8:13 am

With some strong point that only conservative can make, this Country may find the way out of this mess, a mess, may I remind to all, that Labour put us in.
As David once said:”they were the future, once…!”, and they failed to fulfil the expectation of the very core of their supporters: workers and, may I say, “hard workers”. the ones that keep going regardless, the ones that are the backbone of this Country.
Bankers and Fat Cats have been climbing social ladder with none, of little, evidence of expertise, with the results that are evident to all but to blinds and deaf. Conservative, at least, are prepared for the job, are managing economies for much longer than Labourist and possess excellent qualifications to do the job.
Come on, David! United we can win…!!!

Comment by Brian Northall on October 4, 2009 at 8:47 am

I would like to hear far more about positive policing, so far the reteric it is not strong enough from the Conservatives.

Also do away with ASBO’s and impliment IPCO’s (Incompetent Parent Control Orders), not to be confused with the useles parent control orders now in place and impossible to impose. I did petition Brown, but of course no result

Finally, end these useless PCSO’s who are Browns answer to our community safety crisis. Why employ people who have ‘no power of arrest’, crazy.

Comment by Roy Skeates on October 4, 2009 at 8:51 am

David please no gimmicks just honest and healthy topics, Immigration and benefit cheating /abuse is I believe a priority, then get rid of the other leeches (the Quango,s ) that the other party set up.As for the Human rights Act please work towards amending it for the law abiding public.

Comment by Chris on October 4, 2009 at 8:52 am

The Europe lisbon treaty question is a seroius one and we need to do all that is possible to stay in Europe and be involved in its development but we cannot lose control of our democracy and whatever happens in the election this time we could be in the situation where Tony Blair is the EU president making most of our law. If this goes ahead, Labour have won whatever!! They don’t have the same values at heart – look at the unelected Peter Mandleson.
Keep up the good work David and Team and we’ll support you all the way.

Comment by He’s Spartacus on October 4, 2009 at 9:04 am

There must be a referendum on Lisbon, Ratified or not.

Please, David, the nation implores you.

Comment by jackie perkins on October 4, 2009 at 9:28 am

Hold a referendum anyway, it will spike the guns of UKIP. Accept the outcome.

Comment by dave on October 4, 2009 at 9:33 am

must get out of europe the only people that want in,are the people running it.

Comment by Steven, London on October 4, 2009 at 9:45 am

My thanks to Mr. Cameron’s continued lack of clarity on the Andrew Marr show this morning.

As a staunch Tory supporter I will be voting for UKIP until the British people are asked out right and allowed one (no second chances for either side like in Ireland) say on whether or not we wish to continue the farce of the EEC and the loss of British sovereignty.

The Tories need a leader, Mr Cameron has shown that he is not a leader because he can’t lead for Britain – he is too busy about putting the British view into the political spin of the discussions on the Lisbon Constitution.

Is anyone in the Tory party listening to the public ire on this ?

Comment by Barbara Watkins on October 4, 2009 at 10:14 am

we MUST join Europe fully. Otherwise the UK will disappear off the map latogether both economically and politically. Mr. Cameron for Heaven’s sake re-think! We are already sitting on thwe sidelines without any influence whatsoever. Forget the US – we are not an American lapdog, even thought we behave like one.

Comment by jean baldwin on October 4, 2009 at 10:19 am

good luck david have a great conference.i agree with a previous comment made that.you are the countries only hope for a better and exciting future

Comment by Carole Velthaus on October 4, 2009 at 10:27 am

Its nice to see that a political party has put into print a promise on the EU reforendum. Lets hope that they remember it when they get into power. I personally think that the EU has destroyed Britain, taking all our industry abroad and turning us into a dormitory for the rest of the EU.

Comment by john johnstone on October 4, 2009 at 10:42 am

I look forward to your conference and sincerely hope that there will be no infighting and that sensible achievable policies shall be debated.
Also, please tell Lord mandelson that there will be no place in a Conservative Government. Although now that Blair is almost certain to become EU President I am sure Mandelson shall be taken back into the EU fold with considerable destructive influence.

Comment by Krystine on October 4, 2009 at 10:45 am

I totally agree with previous comments and fully support David Cameron on this very serious issue. We all know New Labour’s motives for not giving the U.K. a chance to vote & we DO NOT want the self serving Tony Blair to be President of Europe!

Comment by D Park on October 4, 2009 at 11:00 am

We need a Lisbon Referendum to protect our democracy. Even as a pro European we need to draw a line in the sand that says ‘this far and no further’ (and perhaps back a bit.) The alternative is an unelected Blair/Mandelson clique continuing to intefere in our lives. Ken Clarke needs to accept that this is not an ‘anti Europe’ position.
Be clear this week that it is lying Labour’s fault that we are in this position, so please don’t bottle out otherwise I am off to UKIP.
It is the failure of our politician’s to listen to the people that is driving good folks towards the fring parties, even the likes of the BNP.

Comment by jack nutine on October 4, 2009 at 11:05 am

if David Cameron dosen’t want to be seen as just nother slippery professional politician just out for status for himself he MUST promise a referendum no matter what the raification of Lisbon is

Comment by David Smith on October 4, 2009 at 11:09 am

Speaking of quangos I do hope that a Conservative govt will abolish the network of Ombudsman Services that have corrupted our judicial system. They di not work are completely biased in favour of the industries they represent and hand down decisions that are symptomatic of corruption.
I have plenty of evidence of this and it is shocking that governments have allowed private companies to set up as Ombudsmen on the basis that they take substantial fees from their members and yet adjudicate disputes in which their members are involved. The implications are obvious: they are unlikely to find against their members influenced as they are that an adverse decision could lead to a company cancelling their membership of the Ombudsman scheme in question.
It has to stop and I look forward to a progressive Conservative government that will put people first before instutions for the first time in decades.

Comment by Jackie Davies on October 4, 2009 at 11:11 am

While all these policies seem to be what needs to be done to ratify a lot of what is wrong with this country, where does the policy of immigration and deporting those who should not be here in the first place. This is of great IMPORTANCE to the majority of people of this country.If this complete mess were to be addressed a great improvement would be seen in the NHS, overcrowding in schools, Dr surgeries, and housing. Until a party promises to tackle this issue there will continue to be uncertaincy as to how many of us vote. Yes we are fed-up with the labour party, but who are helping us who live amoungest these people? The right wing seem a little extreme, but what’s the alternative?

Regards

Jackie Davies

Comment by Trev Dee on October 4, 2009 at 11:18 am

Mr Cameron states his wishes to give ‘power back to the people’. If that is the case then he must abide by our wish to conduct a referendum. The EU has become a massive political instrument rather than a trading entity as originally intended. It can’t balance its books, it over-rides the wishes of European residents and is riddled with corruption. It conveys privilege to two main countries – France and Germany. Yet Britain is the second largest contributor to EU funds and is denied a say in European affairs. Why is Cameron so shy of taking on this issue when over 70% of our population is sick and tired of negligence, malpractice and over-endulgency by those who posture on the political platford? Show your mettle Mr Cameron or hand over to someone who will.

Comment by We Must Be Heard on October 4, 2009 at 11:23 am

Heres a new Blog i think your members will find informative as well as a seeker for the truth.
I would like to Wish David Cameron good Luck, his interveiw with Andrew Marr was for me a vote Winner even though Marr was trying to trip you up.

http://toryardvaark.wordpress.com/

Comment by Mr J Wilson on October 4, 2009 at 11:26 am

I think that wether the Lisbon treaty has been ratified or not, the population of this country should be given the vote on europe. That is the only way you will find the true feelings of this great country of ours.

Comment by R Counsell on October 4, 2009 at 11:29 am

Can I really trust you to hold a referendum no matter what the eu has said & done? or will we be fobd of with oh dear its out of our hands now.
This I wish to know before I vote next year. come on give me a true answer David.

Comment by Rob on October 4, 2009 at 11:31 am

To be honest, with Ireland having said yes to the Lisbon Treaty, can we honestly expect not to go into Europe anymore? All I want is for someone to actually start telling us the truth. We’re adults, and can take it. If your not going to give us a vote tell us for god’s sakes. Can’t politicians tell it like it is and be done with it? I so yearn for a leader with the balls to say what he means regardless of the whether its nice or not. We all know tough decisions lie ahead, and some of us will get hurt along the way, that’s just the way its got to be, but I’d rather have a strong, honest, capable leader at the helm going through the storm than this wishy washy nonsense we are getting at the moment. And now I’m told we are heading for another term under Tony Blair! Please no, stop this madness. http://robert-strobel.com

Comment by caroline on October 4, 2009 at 11:38 am

Why is the Conservative Party so against Europe?

I have been out of the UK for 2years now travelling. Before I left the UK I too was skeptical of the EU. But being away has given me the opportunity to read both sides of the argument, without the biased slant our media wishes us to believe.

Under the (too) long and painful years of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown our countries’ econony has grown. But at who’s expense? The UK has the worst home/work life balance of any I have encounted.
I guess this is what becomes of following American style econmics and trying to ‘live the dream.’
We need to turn our backs on America and look to Europe. This is where our future should lie.

Just over the waterin the likes of France and Germany, people are living a much better way of life. Family values still exist, as do Sunday opening hours. We could learn a lot from Europe.

The UK and it’s people are still living on it’s former glory. We need to wake up realise that we are not important in the world anymore. And the only way we are going to be, is united with Europe.

Comment by John on October 4, 2009 at 11:58 am

What precisely does “We would not let matters rest there” mean?

If we are not to be totally subsumed by the EU then withdrawal would be the only option.

Comment by Gerard Berry on October 4, 2009 at 11:59 am

Not impressed by your answers on the Andrew Marr Show. Cannot believe we have to wait for Czech and Polish ratification before we get a chance of a referendum. Who cares whether they are still discussing it. Why can’t we???

Comment by Dave Griffin on October 4, 2009 at 12:01 pm

I do hope that the Irish vote will in fact reinforce a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in the UK, especially as we have been denied this by Labour. This is a sinister and depressing day. There is a danger that we will no longer have a sufficient say in the affairs of our country, and God forbid, Tony Blair as president of Europe! The Tories would be assured a victory on the promise of a referendum alone, as well as dismantling the surveillance state so beloved of European bureaucrats.

Comment by kathy on October 4, 2009 at 12:09 pm

A referendum would be very popular we all should have a say in our future which I hope will be without Gordon Brown and Company

Good luck with the Conference your policies will I hope make a much brighter and saner future.

Comment by Peter Fleet on October 4, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Spot on! Focus on nailing Labour to the mast of their broken Britain. And tell us all how your government would get our Britain working again.

Comment by Anthony JE Pke on October 4, 2009 at 12:16 pm

Please, please do not renege on your promise
to hold a referendum on the EU Lisbon Treaty despite the Irish being bribed into it. The thought of Tony Blair being President of Europe is beyond the pale for most of us. Let’s hope that the Czechs band Poles hold it up as far as possible, however whatever they think we want a referendum on both.

Comment by Marcus Bradley on October 4, 2009 at 12:33 pm

Andrew Marr’s question about Mr Cameron’s private wealth was none of his business and equally out of order as his question to Gordon Brown with regard to his health. He should treat senior politicians with more respect and behave with more dignity himself.

I believe Mr Cameron deserves to win the General Election but feel it important that we have some more clarity on what could possible happen if the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified by all members at that time. As William Hague once said “In Europe but not ruled by Europe”.

Comment by John Palmer on October 4, 2009 at 12:52 pm

You can duck and weave all you like but, if we do not have a clear guarantee from you of a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, before the next election, you will not be getting our vote. I cannot put it more simply than that. It is more important than anything else you may put in your manifesto.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 4, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Andrew Marr’s interview was brilliant. The interview was not a vote winner sadly, as Mr Cameron still evades the question whether we will get a referendum on Europe if the Lisbon treaty is ratified before the General Election. Please do not edit this vital point out as it is an issue of the greatest National importance. A simple yes or no from Mr Cameron is required. YES or NO to a referendum from a Conservative government. If many Conservative voters do not get this assurance they will go to a party that does promise one come the election. COME ON GET A GRIP and show some backbone.

Richard Waddington

Comment by Ian Woolnough on October 4, 2009 at 1:09 pm

Mr Cameron,

The Conservative Party should stop dilly-dallying with the idea of a referendum on the EU. We, Joe Public, want a vote. I do hope the Conservatives win the next General Election which cannot come soon enough.
We want a vote on the EU, no a qualified promise if its not been ratified by this country or that country etc etc. WE WANT AND DEMAND A VOTE. I have voted Conservative all my life and if the Conservative Party cannot/will not guarantee us a referendum on the EU when the next General Election comes round, my vote will be going to those that will give me my democratic right.

Comment by Eric Bashforth on October 4, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Mr Cameron

Firstly, may the Conference go well for you and your colleagues.
However, on the matter of the Lisbon Treaty, your ‘one policy’ can clearly be seen as simply a fudge. What is required is an unambiguous statement that, whether this hated Treaty is ratified or not the British people will be given the right to a referendum on the matter and this should include the question whether we wish to be in the EU at all. Have the courage to adopt this much bolder policy. We have had quite enough of glib speak and spin from this present lot. It does not promise a new start to be hearing the same sort of obfuscation.

Comment by colin syme on October 4, 2009 at 1:35 pm

lf l may add my topence-worth, -l believe that the biggest concern conservative voters have at this stage is that you give us the opportunity, after you get elected is a referendum on Europe! you will never be forgiven if you follow Gordon Brown’s deceit and fudge around this issue until it is too late to do anything about it.

Comment by Brian Drakeford on October 4, 2009 at 1:54 pm

Surely there would still be extensive charges to be met by the UK following any withdrawal from Europe – in order to gain access to the lucrative benefits of the EU’s single market of 450 million people. With an estimated 3.5 million UK jobs, now totally dependent on trade with Europe, isn’t the EU’s single market now vital for British business?
Wouldn’t quitting the EU mean negotiating trade agreements governing goods and services and also the sale of meat, dairy products, fruit and vegetables and, by virtue of size alone, the larger trading bloc would hold the upper negotiating hand.
One diplomat has said: “Would other countries really accept a nation of 60 million on their doorstep, taking part in all the bits of the single market they like, ignoring the rest, and undercutting them in areas like employment and social standards?”
For nations such as Switzerland, Norway or Iceland, agreements with the EU have been developed over the years. Britain however would be renegotiating virtually every aspect of its economic relationship, not just with the other members of the EU, but with other trading blocs also.
Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as members of the European Economic Area (EEA) free trade area, are bound by most of the obligations of EU membership but provided with none of its influence. Together these EEA nations contribute billions of Euros to the EU’s cohesion funds to help Europe’s poorer countries to develop, plus payments to foreign policy spending; they are unable to refuse.
Outside the EU, the UK would certainly remain a nuclear power, with a global reach as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, but excluded from Europe, Britain would be far a less of an important ally for the US and therefore less entitled to commercial special considerations.
Post withdrawal, the UK might indeed become a ‘friendly neighbour’, but a bankrupt one.

Comment by Judy Bowers on October 4, 2009 at 1:54 pm

I would like to know the Concervative stance on people who have been on long term disability benifit. In my experience there seem to be a lot of people who need to have rehabilitation or assement in order to keep the benifits they are on. With support they could return to the work market, Yours sincerely Judy Bowers.

Comment by Elaine Bailey on October 4, 2009 at 2:04 pm

What an opportunity David Cameron has to repair the UK’s broken society. I have read all the articles and visited the thinbluelineuk.blogspot.com/. Very interesting read and show what a massive job DC has to do when coming in to power, I hope he has the guts to tell the whole country the real crime statistics and how the numbers have been constantly manipulated for political gain. He will never have a better chance to sort law and order out, give the police the backing, release the handcuffs from the police, people who care are behind you DC, MAKE IT COUNT!!

Comment by David Forfar on October 4, 2009 at 2:23 pm

I hope that you will win power over this dreadful Government and unelected P.M.
I know it is a hot potatoe but limitng immigration must be one of the policies and stopping all these people getting across on Lorries from Calais.Britain must stop being a soft touch.
I am also in favour of a refendum on the Lisbon treaty.

Comment by United Kingdom, not European Union on October 4, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Give us our referendum, we deserve it, we want it – you are supposed to be a Conservative, stand for the people and let us speak FOR ONCE.

I know many votes that will be going to UKIP if you dont give us our promised referendum, so instead of stalling and putting pressure on thr Czech and Polish presidents why dont YOU take some action FOR ONCE.

Comment by vera themistocleous on October 4, 2009 at 2:56 pm

Dear david
Good luck on the forthcoming conference
You can definitely count on our support. The promise to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty will be a clear-cut winner in the General Election. It is something that the majority wanted but on which Labour broke their promise in their usual uproach.
Best wishes

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 4, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Mr Cameron. Will you not give an assurance and an approximate date for a referendum on Europe following your victory at next year’s General Election? Or are we to be betrayed once agian by dishonest politicians? Winston Churchill must be turning in his grave.

Comment by vera themistocleous on October 4, 2009 at 2:59 pm

thank you

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 4, 2009 at 3:01 pm

REFERENDUM! REFERENDUM! REFERENDUM! The British people will never forgive you if we dont get one, nor will the issue ever go away.

Comment by paul phillips on October 4, 2009 at 3:04 pm

I will forgive you anything Mr Cameron if you stop Bliar becoming president. YOu have to pull out all the stops even give in on other areas to stop him!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Phil Hannah on October 4, 2009 at 3:19 pm

BIG mistake David if you are now, as it looks , going to renege on your referendum pledge..
Just look at the times, mail etc today, the anger directed at you..’Just the same as Brown-all mouth and no trousers etc’
HAVE SOME COURAGE FOR GOODNESS SAKE

Comment by Carol Johnson on October 4, 2009 at 3:35 pm

Mr Cameron. We felt sorry for you this a.m. on Andrew Marr. It would have been nice if he’d let you get a word in and finish the points you were trying to make. Good Luck with the conference, can’t wait til the Election which we are convinced you will win. Referendem on europe please.

Comment by Sue Hudson on October 4, 2009 at 4:40 pm

We want a referendum on Europe. The British public are spending billions on Europe and, quite frankly, we are getting nothing back. These wasted billions should be spent British people. It is OUR money!

Comment by Jeff Sheen on October 4, 2009 at 5:02 pm

.Referendum – Decisive comment is required now one way or another – sitting on the fence or ambiguity will only fuel opposition to the conservatives and reduce the poll lead – do not undo the achievements to date. As a person in their late forties’ I have never been given the opportunity to cast my opinion on Europe and I suspect the big majority of voters will be of an age where they want a referendum.

Comment by steve on October 4, 2009 at 5:17 pm

Please hold a refferedum, the majority of the country want one and would most deffinatley vote “no” …..please dont let us down and do a brown on us !!

Comment by malcolm chapman on October 4, 2009 at 5:30 pm

All it needs is a promise that the British people will have a choice by referendum, whatever happens.

If you lose a battle do you give up the war because you can only have one policy at a time? You regroup and change tactics to what had hopefully been prepared as a fall back situation.

Comment by John White on October 4, 2009 at 5:36 pm

The European Union issue will, unless publicly covered early, take all the media’s and therefore the public’s attention away from Conservative plans for government.

This must not be allowed to happen.

David Cameron should make his opening remarks to the Conference and include the promise that whether or not the Lisbon Treaty is ratified there will be a referendum on Europe with three options:
1 The Conservatiove Way: Binding Authority to veto any further moves towards closer union and to negotiate towards national authority over Social and Legal jurisdiction, moving towards a trading association of independent states.

2 Support ever closer union, and be at the centre of this venture.

3 Negotiate to leave the European Union..

Then we’ll see which parties really are split.

Comment by Martin Hetherington on October 4, 2009 at 5:42 pm

If you present your policies to benefit the majority of the people in this country rather than the fat cats in the city, you will win. Silly thing to say really but you will win next year anyway because people will vote against Labour but if you continue with the “Thatcher” party politics I don’t think you will last a second term. Put the honest, hard working people of this country first – tough on crime, cut the quangos, no more banker’s bonuses, continued investment in the NHS BUT take a look at performance improvement – no need to implement massive cuts yet. Get peple back to work, make it worthwhile, referendum on Europe (regardless of what was originally voted for 25 years ago). No more sleaze, lining of your own pockets, u-turns and shying away from the obvious, common sense solutions.

Comment by Sue Sayers on October 4, 2009 at 5:49 pm

Mr. Cameron there were four countries which hadn’t ratified the Treaty, Ireland, Czech Replublic, Poland and UNITED KINGDOM, don’t forget us. Please give us the referendum we were promised by Labour whether or not other countries ratify before the Election. We deserve that much, we are not stupid and we do understand what is going on around us. You will win the hearts and minds and votes of many people by simply allowing us to have what was promised. Good luck.

Comment by Bobbio on October 4, 2009 at 6:05 pm

I agree with Boris, we want a referendum on whether we should stay in the EU or get out. I believe we should get put

Comment by Simon Lingard on October 4, 2009 at 6:26 pm

Mr Cameron
I watched you on Andrew Marr this morning and i have to say that i was very disappointed. The most important item for your conference is not jobs and unemployment it is Europe. After ratification your policies won’t matter as you will only be carrying out europes orders, not really governing the UK. Your reluctance to say what happens if the treaty is ratified before you become PM has confirmed to me that i should change from a life of voting Tory and vote UKIP at the next election. Someone has to stand up and say what we want for the UK and they seem to be the only ones coing so at the moment. Come on Mr Cameron, give the voters what they want and need, a vote on the EU in it’s entirity.

Comment by Josie Bailey on October 4, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Watch this documentary film END OF NATIONS “We set out to make a video about the pros and cons of the Lisbon Treaty and found out to our horror the lies, manipulations and deceit behind the EU. From MEPs, legal experts and EU researches the true nature of the EU unfolded, how it really operates from behind closed doors and away from prying eyes. We discovered the massive power grab away from citizens and nations to the elites that is being proposed in this treaty.

Most shocking of all was how our elected representatives are willingly handing us over to this emerging Totalitarian Superstate by deception , propaganda and outright lies.This video details how the structures of the EU really operate, what the full significance of the Lisbon Treaty is and how it is the end of Nations within in the EU. MEPs describe their experience in Brussels and how they are undermined by the real power of the unelected and unaccountable Eurocrats who run the organization. How the politicians are working together for their own selfish needs while being used for a bigger agenda.” but make sure Mr Cameron that you honour your pledge and if elected, allow the UK a democratic referendum – Margaret Thatcher to give her credit, would never have allowed our country to be usurped by the EU.

Comment by MurrayVonHayek on October 4, 2009 at 6:39 pm

Why is the policy of the Tories to let OTHER European nations decide our constitutional fate?

If the Czechs and Poles are to decide whether we are to have a referendum, then is this not surely a foretaste of what it will be like to be ruled directly from Brussels and Strasbourg?

Come on Cameron, get some chutzpah. Call a referendum regardless of what other European nations have decide.

Or you will yourself in second place to UKIP, or at the very least in coalition talks with them.

The last thing we want is for a vote for the Tories to be, in a effect, a vote for President Blair.

Think about it: voting for ANY of the three mainstream domestic political parties, as it stands, is a vote for the same EU President.

Is that not extraordinarily wrong?

Where is the democracy in that?

Please do something about this, because if you don’t I fear the people will take much more drastic action than merely complaining about Westminster Expenses.

Comment by Derek Buxton on October 4, 2009 at 6:39 pm

Sir,
The Lisbon treaty will go forward by hook or by crook, we all know that. Are you going to stand up for our Country, your latest speeches suggest the answer is NO. You will roll over and do the collegue’s bidding. End of England, RIP

Comment by Robyn Joly on October 4, 2009 at 6:40 pm

I would just like to say that I do hope that whatever happens that Europe and the Lisbon Treaty will be put to a Referendum when you become Prime Minister. I am a loyal party member working at the local March Office with Fold & Stuff. Europe is bad for this country and restricts Free Trade.

Comment by peter on October 4, 2009 at 6:41 pm

great chance missed this morning with AM,say we will have a referendum ASAP and we will be in power with 460+ MPs and cherie/tony will stay away forever . the british people do not want a eoro president or even a euro. tell the public that after listening to all the delegates/shadow cabinet in your closing remarks that unlike the communists ( not given the game away have iSORRY NEW LABOUR) your party care about the kind of society we all live in and the best people to decid our future are OURSELVES

Comment by MurrayVonHayek on October 4, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Or put it another way, Mr Cameron.

What’s the point in wanting to be Prime Minister of a post-Lisbon United Kingdom?

Isn’t that the biggest non-job of all?

Comment by Iain bryans on October 4, 2009 at 6:47 pm

I think its a good time to change , and now is the time need to change britain for the good out with bad labour and in with a good conservative party so lets make the move and get back in the groove !!!

Comment by Marco on October 4, 2009 at 6:54 pm

If you think the Tory party will give us a referendum on Europe then DREAM ON.

You might get a token referendum on how you would like the treaty to look but you will NOT get the choice of weather you want to be in Europe of not.

We keep hearing Cameron saying, “….our policy is quite clear.” Well I’m afraid it isn’t. What it is is nothing short of playing with words and oportioning blame on labour (no surprises there) and the rest of Europe for ratifying it.

Cameron, Clegg & Brown KNOW EXACTLY what the population want and that is a straight YES/NO answer on being in or out of Europe.

And what do the Westminster coalition know about straight answers???

Comment by Yinka Oyesanya on October 4, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Please, do what New Labour couldn’t do. Put the interest of Britain as she is today above self interest for the best for all our futures.

Comment by Chris Roberts on October 4, 2009 at 7:24 pm

Be specific about Lisbon and a referendum. We should not be in hock to the Czechs on this vital matter. You run a serious risk of increasing the UKIP vote by dithering on this matter.

Comment by Peter Jackson on October 4, 2009 at 7:29 pm

If the Conservatives win the coming general election – and they must do – there is a huge amount of work to be done immediately they take office. The new admistration must roll back the ever expanding butreaucracy in the UK, the ‘Big Brother’ intrusion of the state into the life of the individual, and must fight the current tendency to demand political correctness.

We are becoming the most spied upon and regimented spot on earth, with more CCTV cameras per capita than any other nation.

The culture which almost encourages and expects dependence on the state must be banished. I am sure Mr Cameron you will seize these iniatives, and I wish you luck.

Peter M Jackson

Comment by Jeff Cox on October 4, 2009 at 7:34 pm

Nice one Dave just what we need another politician telling us or not what we can and cannot have. its a pity that you don’t listen to the ordinary voter we have had enough of the medacious and corrupt instituition that is known as the EU. Still that won’t worry you the only people this socialist experiment will hit are the people of Europe and lets be honest politicains don’t give a damn about us.
After 44 years of voting Conservative i am seriously thinking about voting elsewhere and I certainly will if you do a Brown and B liar and deny us a vote on what way our Country should be heading.
We want a iron clad commitment from you that a future conservative government will give us our democratic right to determine the fate of our country, otherwise you will be as bad as those mendacious bureaucrats in Brussells,
REFERENDUM NOW

Comment by PATRICIA GREEN on October 4, 2009 at 7:43 pm

REFERENDUM, REFERENDUM, REFERENDUN

Mr Cameron, I feel you Must be UNEQIIVOCAL about this. It’s the issue which can lose you the election. And then where will we end up?

I am that sure you are a gentleman.You would not force me to go to a Tea-party without asking me if I wanted to go.

So should you not ASK ME if I want to be part of a European Superstate which hides it’s account books and shows characteristics which are disturbingly stasi-like??

Are you covertly forcing me into what I consider to be the anti-democratic Union of European Socialist Republics?

Because unless you make your stand right at this moment, I am convinced that you will Miss the Tide……….
And we all know how long we languish in the shallows if we do that, don’t we…?

Please – in all fairness, state the case for the Lisbon Treaty, state the case against – no politician has really done this – and then REFERENDUM, REFEENDUM, REFERENDUM!

I don’t think people will keep asking you if you ignore us. This is too important. So, Sir, if you do not handle this, someone else will, I am sure.

Historically, there is such a thing as saturation point, when tyranny becomes unbearable.

Thank you for your attention.
PS Viva Boris, who spoke out for real British democracy and called for
REFERENDUM, REFENDUM, REFERENDUM!

Byt the way, may I direct you to this link? It demonstrates how we are governed by the EU….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVeMBNB0cII&feature=PlayList&p=CE93E30047AEE9AC&index=10

Comment by Tom I Balmain on October 4, 2009 at 7:54 pm

If the conservative leader goes back on his word on Europe then we will be back to the good old days. Most of the electorate wish to trade with Europe not surrender to it. I do not wish to a President Blair as he did along with Gordon has brought this country to its knees.

Comment by Jeanne on October 4, 2009 at 8:04 pm

Hello

I do not know if this shall be read at all.. but here are my few pennies worth .. what
I think needs to happen in a changing Britain..

My sister in law and i were watching the news , when I turned to her and said
*You know, there is not one politician in the world who has fire in his belly*
my sister in law said that there surely is someone.. finally i had to agree and she
asked me who it was.. I said Nickolas Sarkosy *French PM* and sad to say this
but our very own ministers dont have any *fire in their bellies* they are simply
not hungry enough.

An example of what i mean.. Well in France you can only get work if you have an
ID card , passport etc..and speak French.. but here in the UK.. you dont
need to be able to speak English , its the lowest salaries that count here in the
UK.. England has become just like the USA.. it is chasing after the green buck
or should i say the green note ( sterling ) that is sad as many of our local males
and females are being pushed out of the work place and the jobs given to some
illegal immigrants .

Now.. surely we as tax payers have a right to say what should and should not be
done in this country.. I dont mean just what party to have in power but.. what
about jobs for our own people.. and the chav’s of this world in the uk.. need to be
thrown into jail..instead of some lilly livered snizzling person who says.. oh he is only
13 he just killed a man.. oh how sad.. lets give him 11 years in jail..

To murder and its just that.. they the two men.. one of 13 years of age the other
who is approx 20+ years.. they both need to serve a life time in jail.. they murdered
they did not abuse an asbo.. and asbo is for some naughty child who throws a stone
or something like that in someone’s car window.. but Murder on the other hand is
just that.. throw the little swines in jail and throw away the key.. they deserve to
rot there.. A mother and children have been left to fend for themselves no thanks to
these little thugs.. they are nothing more than chav/thugs.. and need to be dealt with
accordingly..

I am a conservative member and hope to be one for the rest of my life.. but what I
am after now is change.. huge change in the system of this country.. make me feel
proud to be English.. at present.. if i am asked i say something to the effect of..
(I am english but dont hold that against me..) i have no faith in the present system
and cant wait for Labour party to get out.. i want them out now..

True Blue
Jeanne of Cambridge

Comment by Andy Bugden on October 4, 2009 at 8:09 pm

As a new change of government is increasingly likely in the UK, our civil service prepares itself for this. Would it not be prudent therefore, to come off the fence and say come what may the British people as promised by the present government will get a referendum? That way should the Tories win the election, our european partners cannot be surprised by a referendum and criticise us for it. It is important that they also prepare for change in advance. Here in Holland, the natives voted down the constitution and so were denied a vote on the “treaty”. At the very least we should have an opt-out. As we all know that given a vote there is no chance the treaty will be supported by the people, we should signal its death at the earliest opportunity rather than waiting for the Poles and The Czechs

Comment by alan mapp on October 4, 2009 at 8:27 pm

david, good luck with your conference this week. the british public have fallen out of love with labour but as yet we are not all convinced that the conservatives are the answer. convince us this week please.
europe – promise us a referendum and stop our payments untill europe’s accounts are signed off.
welfare state – many are claiming when they should be working – its a discrace – sort it.
waste. labour has spent massivly on education welfare and the NHS – but there is so much waste – its our money.
defence – we are now too small a country to be the police force of the world – our defence spending is well out of proportion with other european countries – we cannot afford it – and to see the injured and dead returning from Afganistan – is horrible and for what – it is an unwinable war – get us out.
finally put the country on CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME – it would save lives – reduce fuel costs and improve our quality of life.
GOOD LUCK AND TRY TO PROVIDE US WITH AN ALTERNATIVE TO THIS DISGRACED WORN OUT GOVERNMENT

regards

Comment by Jim4Justice on October 4, 2009 at 8:29 pm

David — PLEASE please promise to get the Isle of Man government to find its lost moral compass & come to Westminster to sort out the disaster that has struck thousands of British folk who lost their life savings in Kaupthing IoM, a Crown dependency.

You will be guaranteed thousands of votes if you see that justice a fair play is done in this disaster that has ruined the lives of hard working & retired Tory supporters.
Jim

Comment by Peter Hirsch on October 4, 2009 at 8:43 pm

A brief trawl through the comments indicates that the greatest cause of concern is whether or not the UK gets a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

While there are many other concerns, Lisbon dominates. People feel they signed up to the Common Market and now are being mugged of their democracy. David, ignore that at your peril.

Of course other things are important – particularly finance and debt. But if we cannot rule ourselves, through Parliament, through our accountable representatives, then we feel we ahve little hope of getting out of all the other messes that New Labour – Blair and Brown – have got us into. So the EU aspect is paramount.

Dave, fail to recognise that and you have a hung Parliament or a miniscule majority because people will vote UKIP.

No one in UKIP wants to vote UKIP: they will do so – in hundreds of thousands – out of desperation because they WANT A CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT and a REFERENDUM ON LISBON.

So go no, promise a referendum in all circumstances. Even if the treaty is ratified by all EU states. If it shows the British didn’t want Lisbon, then you are armed and empowered to do something about it. What could you do?

Take Britain out of the EU? Only as a last resort.

Better, much better, force a reform of the EU: make it democratic where it is not, accountable to the voters, unable to proceed without transparency in all things, stopping the gravy train and with a European Parliament that has absolute power, is absolutely accountable, is comprised of directly elected representatives in individual constituencies by singe, transferable votes and can call the government of the EU to account.

And, mot important of all, has no power to interfere in the affairs of member States.

Oh, and by the way, NO BLAIR.

Comment by c smith on October 4, 2009 at 8:45 pm

I was considering changing my vote to the conservatves, a more moderate, intellegent and thoughtful conservative party, led by David Cameron or so I thought.
Today I realised my mistake, blinkered on Europe, a fringe party, I want no part of it.
You have lost my vote. David Cameron has displayed today that he is not the man to lead
Britain.

Comment by nigel long on October 4, 2009 at 8:46 pm

Petty, small-minded xenophobes, the lot of you. Scuttle on back to the home counties and cower beneath your bed-covers.

Comment by lizzie on October 4, 2009 at 8:49 pm

How about helping people who have been unemployed for a long time or on incapacity benefit help out as volunteers in public services to help them get back to work. I tried to volunteer with the hospital but it took such a long time to be checked and trained and then they wanted me to have an occupational health check – I lost interest – and I am quite busy anyway with some charity work as a trustee. At the hospital in Ealing they only people to stand in reception so it did not seem worth doing.. I have a post graduate degree but they were not interested in this. People who have been out of work for a while might not mind helping out if it was made a bit easier. It would give them some skills and help out – I do think libraries and town halls would find it quite easy to involve volunteers more. I think a lot of this sort of volunteering goes on in America and Australia

Comment by Ross Warren on October 4, 2009 at 9:24 pm

Well done David, a sensible sane e-mail. We have one clear duty and that is to become the next governement. Everything else has to be secondary to that national need. Your policy on Libon is spot on, and makes absolute sence to those who are still able to think. Keep it up , I am rooting for you.

Comment by ROGER KEMPSON on October 4, 2009 at 9:36 pm

I hope that you will be putting pressure on the Czech Prime Minister to get their challenge delayed until May 2010. Otherwise, we are never likely to get our say on this important issue. Also, I have sent a complaint to the BBC about Andrew Marr’s interview this morning. I thought he was out of order to ask about your wealth, just like the question about Gordon Brown’s health. Neither of these questions were relevant to the policies we need to know from you.

Comment by leigh sutherland on October 4, 2009 at 9:51 pm

I WILL VOTE FOR THE CONSERVATIVES, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT YOUR THE ONLY PARTY THAT WILL HELP BRITAIN IN THESE TOUGH TIMES. GORDON BROWN STABBED US IN THE BACK WHEN HE DENIED US A REERENDUM ON THE EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION, (OOPS TREATY) IS IT AGAINST BRITISH LAW, OR EUROPEAN LAW, TO DENY THE POPULATION OF A NATION STATE THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE? UNDER OUR OWN LAW, OR DEMOCRACY LAWS, OR THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT, REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT, PARLIAMWNT ACT OR SOMETHING SIMILAR, OR EVEN EUROPEAN LAWS, OR EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS? ITS NOT FAIR THAT WE HAVN’T HAD THE CHANCE TO VOTE ON THIS, I’M TELLING YOU RIGHT NOW THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE REALLY PISSED OFF ABOUT THIS, AND THIS IS BECAUSE WE DONT LIKE BEING LIED TO AND STABBED IN THE BACK AS WHAT GORDON BROWN HAS DONE TO US. WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR LEADERS DEBATE ON T.V. WITH BROWN AND CLEGG, IF YOU CAN EITHER PROMISE US A COURT CASE, (IF NEED BE) ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT WAS ILLEGAL FOR BROWN TO DENY US A REFERNENDUM BEFORE SIGNING A CINTRACT WITH EUROPE, (WHICH COULD MAKE THE CONTRACT VOID ) OR, IF NO COURT CASE IS NECCESSARY, IF YOU SAY THAT YOU WILL GIVE US A REFERENDUM, THEN YOU WILL WIN THE ELECTION BY A LANDSLIDE. PEOPLE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE PARTY TO BE TRUSTED. AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, I WILL VOTE FOR YOU, TAKE HEED THAT I CAN ALSO ABANDON YOU IF I FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN LEID TO.. I WISH YOU THE BEST.

Comment by michael carroll on October 4, 2009 at 10:14 pm

There is a flag flying over europe. It does not represent unity it represents totalitarianism. Save us £40.000.000 a day and pull out NOW. Tories and Labour have secretly sold us down the river and let those that tried for years to take our island by war take it by stealth..The jackboot bof europe is decending upon our necks

Comment by David Lonsdale on October 4, 2009 at 10:27 pm

Mr Cameron. I am prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt re your current position on the EU. Until Lisbon is ratified by all the other states you can call a referendum in the UK. But what if it is ratified by all states before the next General election.
A vote on Lisbon would be a de facto vote on Britains continued membership of the EU, but it is a vote that must be offered. If you do not offer an in/out vote in a referendum, the UKIP vote will deny you a victory at the Gen Election. Don’t be complacent. The British people have had enough of the EU. Offer them the chance to leave and you will walk the next election.

Comment by J Piercy on October 4, 2009 at 10:29 pm

As a lifetime voter for the Conservatives I will only cast my vote for a politcal party that, before the election, commits to the country
(a) A referendum on the Lisbon treaty
(b) A clear commitment to prevent the EU from imposing laws on our nation. Common market is acceptable, EU rule is not and is against the interests of this nation.

Comment by Anne Palmer on October 4, 2009 at 10:30 pm

Andrew Marrs’ interview today was as disastrous as last weeks. I wonder how much longer he will remain in HIS job. I admire Mr Cameron for not losing his temper with him. I nearly slapped the television a couple of times!

I am aware that in International Law, a Treaty that has been ratified by all listed Countries is said to be completed but remember “No Parliament may bind” and there is a case to be challenged that the Treaty does not come up to the standards required by articles in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (If each country had read that convention, none would have ratified it) in that it should be clear and precise and that all should be able to understand it. I even wrote to that Organization and to the United Nations over twelve months ago with a letter of complaint that it does not comply. So, part of the job is already done.

A new Treaty should be drawn up and the people of each separate Country should have a referendum.

The people of this Country will not continue to vote or contribute to a British Government that cannot Govern and only obey EU orders like the rest of us.
Quite simply, the Government has not spoken on behalf of the people of this Country and the PM has put the EU before his allegiance to the British Crown and his own Country.

Comment by Judith George on October 4, 2009 at 10:31 pm

You must address the issue of expenses.A solution is easy. Double the M.Ps. salary and remove the addional second home allowance. I find it deeming that my M.P. is being paid in this manner. Grasping the nettle now would certainly make the electorate know that you are serious about making the changes. A bonus would be to take the focus away from the European issue until we have time to address those issues which need a great deal of thought.

Comment by John Myers on October 4, 2009 at 10:46 pm

David you have a problem. The British people are fedup and angry with being lied to and treated as uneducated fools by poiticians of all partys. You have made a firm binding commitment to give the people a referendum on the EU, IF the treaty has not been ratified and not in force in all member states. Your coments on policy if the treaty IS ratified and in force in all member states is not so clear. The statement. “We would not let matters rest there”, sends shivers up my spine as this sounds like the Brown/Blair lieing combo. You must be clear and concise on this subject or you will lose a great deal of support and strengthen UKIP immeasurably. Your statement must be that you will give the people a REFERENDUM- REGARDLESS of the status of the treaty. nothing less will do. The people are suspicious of all politicians and their trust in you is fragile. Don’t prevaricate, be clear. If this causes a rift within the party then the pro EU mob should be removed at a stroke. You will win if you give the people a Referendum on the EU. Anything less and history will judge you and the party very harshly.

Comment by Shelly on October 4, 2009 at 10:49 pm

Good luck David. We MUST get rid of this dreadful Labour government and their hypocrisy. Control immigration so there are jobs for our own people who are now out of work, and possibly help those would-be immigrants to stay in their own countries instead of overrunning our little island

Comment by P Marshall on October 4, 2009 at 11:24 pm

Gutless.

Everything, yes everything, is overshadowed by the spectre of the EUSSR.

Unless we govern ourselves then the policy on anything else is completely irrelevant.

The core issue is Europe and we need to know how ‘Dave’ is going to address this right now. The ‘old EEC slaves’ such as Ken Clarke count for nothing today – have the courage to stand up to them! The country is now largely so hostile to the EU that you will gain more votes than you will lose by telling it how it is. Otherwise UKIP will take much of our core vote and let Labour back in. I’m a life long Tory voter but UKIP starts to look attractive – there’s really nothing to lose.

Don’t let it happen – show some backbone, cast off the ‘all things to all men’ Blairite ‘ad man’ image and show us some resolve.

Comment by D G Evans on October 4, 2009 at 11:24 pm

I do hope your conference carries us into winning the next election. I do believe the country including me trust all politicians a lot less and their expenses not at all. I am sure being a politician should be more of a calling than a job if people want to whine and whinge about being a member of parliament then they should leave and do something else.

Comment by N Gee on October 5, 2009 at 12:49 am

The people of this country were promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Labour were voted in last time partly as a result of this promise. The Electorate will not make the same mistake twice. If you won’t state publicly that there will be a referendum regardless of what other countries may do, then people will vote for a party that will give this assurance. Previous commentators have talked about UKIP gaining votes but so will the BNP. They may gain so many votes between them that Labour secure another term and you are left yet again as Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition. For goodness sake, state the policy clearly and let’s get on with it. ‘Not let matters rest there’, is meaningless and I for one will not vote for that.

Comment by Lee Wilcox on October 5, 2009 at 1:32 am

David, (and all), I haven’t bothered reading any of the above, I don’t need to, the issue is simple. Before 3 million Irish citizens voted, you were rightly committed to a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. What has changed?? nothing, your commitment to a referendum was to a British electorate, why should the referendum result in another country stop that promise, the same promise that Gordon Brown broke?? It’s a no-brainer, promise the British people a referendum, like you have done, don’t go back on your promise like Gordon did, or risk looking like someone who breaks their promises. It’s democracy at it’s basics. I would go further to the British people, offer them a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. If they vote on the Lisbon treaty, and say no, offer another referendum on whether or not to stay in the E.U., a lot of people like me can not see the advantage of being in a expensive club benefiting everyone else but us. Norway is able to trade with Europe as is Switzerland and Turkey, and they do not pay billions in membership for the privilege, why do we have to pay billions and billions of pounds (which we could better use to pay off our budget defecit or on the army in afghanistan) for the privilege of enagaging with the rest of Europe? Come on Dave, show your strenght!! You promised a referendum, Gordon did and he let us down (again), don’t get tarred with the same brush!! You can not lose, whatever the outcome, it is the British electorate that decides not you, but let them have that vote!!!

Comment by Lee Wilcox on October 5, 2009 at 2:07 am

…P.S. President Blair. That if nothing else, is a reason to offer every voter in the country a vote on a referendum on the Lisbon treaty..I want, and can not see why, we can’t speak for ourselves in the world, let alone even consider the nightmare prospect of having T.B., ghoulish grin and all, as being our leader and spokesperson on everything including what happens to our boys and girls in Afghanistan, to what tax we pay…please stick to your promise..Gordon didn’t…look where he is in the polls..it is simple…PROMISE A REFERENDUM ON THE LISBON TREATY AND ONE ON E.U. MEMBERSHIP IF NECESSARY, LET THE PEOPLE TAKE THE DECISION, THERE ARE MORE PRESSING MATTERS TO SEE TO!!! (budget deficit, under-investment in armed forces, conduct of war inAfghanistan, precedence of the ‘underclass’ under Labour and benefit dependency and abuse, public sector waste and incompetence hampering public sector values and service, human rights act, illegal immigrants and economic migrants, green energy and strategic benefits… you get the picture.. KEEP YOUR PROMISE!!! SAY IT!! YOU WILL GIVE US A REFERENDUM!!

Comment by Simon McDonnell on October 5, 2009 at 7:21 am

Good morning everyone,

I would like to help this party as much as I can. I live in Welwyn Village in Hertfordshire. What can I do to help? If I can help support anyone my email address is sm@skala.co.uk

Regards,

Simon

Comment by Dick Barton on October 5, 2009 at 8:00 am

I’ve told you before that if you don’t give a clear and unambiguous promise of a referendum, I will vote UKIP after a lifetime of voting Conservative. The EU can probably do me no more harm in my lifetime (aged 85) but I fear for our children & grandchildren if this Stalinist undemocratic state goes ahead.

Comment by John on October 5, 2009 at 8:04 am

By his uncertainty regarding the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty David Cameron risks loosing the vote of 85 in every 100 people. Give us a cast iron pledge on this issue or we shall not vote Tory do not underestimate the importance of this to the English people.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 5, 2009 at 8:11 am

No referendum? Will lead to no credibility for Mr Cameron or his Government. Looks like betrayal yet again. Perhaps people too busy again filling in expenses forms. Come on the truth.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 5, 2009 at 8:13 am

Betrayal…. Will lead to no credibility for Mr Cameron or his Government. Looks like betrayal yet again. Perhaps people too busy again filling in expenses forms. Come on the truth.

Comment by Jean Coleman on October 5, 2009 at 8:38 am

I don’t mind if cutbacks in the economy lead to job losses, as long as they are in non-productive and non-utilitarian jobs. Money needs to be diverted from funding quangos, superfluous management and other non-essential state funded jobs to supporting and developing jobs in industry and frontline services,etc, to provide a stable economic base for this country to develop, rather one based on financial services.

Comment by Clive Walter on October 5, 2009 at 9:38 am

I am writing to say that I am appalled, incensed and disgusted by the thoughts of Tony Blair becoming the first (UNELECTED)European President if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified.
The damage that this man has done to the very fabric of our British society should not be rewarded in this manner and he should not be allowed to continue this destruction on a European level.
The Conservative leadership should make their opposition to this proposed move well known, LOUD AND CLEAR.

Comment by Richard on October 5, 2009 at 9:38 am

We must have a referendum whether the renamed EU Constitution has been ratified or not. You will lose votes to UKIP. To much power has been ceded to the EU without the permission of the British people. This has got to stop.

Comment by Geoff C on October 5, 2009 at 9:42 am

We want our referendum David.

I am tired of being fobbed off, its about time we as a nation had our chance to vote not just on the new treaty but on our membership.

The thought of Blair being President is too awful to consider.

Comment by Martin Alford on October 5, 2009 at 9:58 am

I realise that we need to be part of Europe in some measure. However I do not wish to be goverened by Europe. Like mant I am fed up with the petty interfering of us being allowed to govern ourselves and the constant erosion of our powers by petty useless laws that we neither asked for or help us in any way. If we think Westminster is a gravy train for our MPs’ then Brussels takes the biscuit on that one by far. The fact that continually refuse to have their books audited or open up their expeneses should be reason enough to withold any further payments until they are open and transparent about where our money is spent. I would like us top back top what we signed up for initially, a free trade agreement with all EU members and nothing more. They are costing us jobs by their continual introduction of new social reforms that cost businesses huge amounts of money to adhere to. This can not be allowed to continue nor can their unaccountability to all memeber states and their voters. We need a referundum on not only Lisbon but on what level we participate in Europe before it is too late.

Comment by holly on October 5, 2009 at 10:00 am

Dear Mr Cameron, as a ‘normal’ middle-class, middle aged parent, these are the things I would like to see:

1 a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty
2 a strong curb on immigr

Comment by holly on October 5, 2009 at 10:04 am

Dear Mr Cameron, as a ‘normal’ middle-class, middle aged parent, these are the things I would like to see:

1 a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty
2 a strong curb on immigration and an expectation that minority groups in Britain will live a ‘British’ life, at least in public. The thought of Sharia law becoming part of the justice system is abhorrent and we are so fed up with taxpayer’s money being spent on asylum centres, housing, drop-in centres, interpreters and dedicated social workers for immigrants
3 rolling back of the ‘health and safety’ legislation which is crippling the life of this country with stupid regulations
4 a return to traditional educational policies – my 14-year-old son is being cheated of a proper education by the commerical bias of his schooling. As an example, his ‘Food Technology’ GSCE will teach him how to create an airline meal, but not how to cook… which is likely to be more useful to him?

Comment by Guy van Zyl on October 5, 2009 at 10:15 am

Dave,

Here is my position on the matter.

If you do not commit to a referendum before the election then myself and many of my friends will not be voting for the Conservative party.

This issue is something that transcends the political spectrum and you should not underestimate how many votes you will get at the next election if you commit to giving the people of this country a voice on Europe. Contrary to what you lot may think, we the British people are not idiots and fully understand that the issue of Europe becomes far more complex if the Treaty is ratified. This is not about whether we want to sign up to the treaty or not, this is about us being given an opportunity to make our feelings known. The outcome of such a referendum will help a future Conservative government shape their policies on Europe and provide direction on how to manage our future in Europe if that is where we are ‘forced’ to go.

The Conservative Party must not let this issue slip. The referendum on Europe for me, my family and friends from across the political divide is a matter of principle and we have a democratic right to make feelings known on this issue, irrespective of whether or not it has any influence on the eventual outcome.

Dodge this issue at your peril.

Comment by Wayne Morris on October 5, 2009 at 10:18 am

What is the point of all the hard work and expense of an election campaign, win it and then be told what to do by the EU and Blair in particular? A tory given orders by a former Labour Pm. Unthinkable!

Comment by James on October 5, 2009 at 10:32 am

I am now 55 I have struggled through live as most people have. I don’t believe any party. I see a bleak future for my family and often see changes made by the Govement benefit those already financially sound. It’ll never change

Comment by Ken Warburton on October 5, 2009 at 10:33 am

I would like to hear (In the conference) a commitment to increase green energy. In particular – solar power. I would like to hear that all new houses must be built with solar panels feeding into the national grid. Then perhaps older houses being fitted with panels – it could be paid for by stopping the winter fuel allowance – home owners would still benefit by getting lower electric bills. There will come a time when gas will run out – electric will be the only form of heating.

Comment by J A Holt on October 5, 2009 at 10:43 am

I fully support your proposals on Europe. We were promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and have been cheated of it. The ever expanding behemoth of the EC seeks to reduce us to the lowest level of common mediocrity. The unelected and unaccountable commissioners are all failed politicians rejected at the ballot box who seek to be led by the arch spinner and truth twister Blair We have given much e.g. fishing rights, cash and food costs and received little from what we were told – by Heath – would simply be a trading block.

Comment by Ken Warburton on October 5, 2009 at 10:54 am

I would like to see 2 referendums.
1) Is a must – Europe. Don’t back down David – tell us we WILL have a referendum NOT Yes if this happens – Perhaps if this happens.

2) Referendum – shall we bring back the death penalty for terrorists, child killers and the obviously evil.

Comment by Catosays on October 5, 2009 at 11:00 am

Mr Cameron,
I am a member of the Conservative Party and I am violently opposed to our continuing memebership of the EU. I did not vote to join this charade about which this country was lied to by your predecessor Ted Heath. There are some 30 million people in this country who are opposed to our membership as well. We want no part of the gravy train. We want no part of Emperor Blair. We want a referendum on our continuing membership. We were promised one by Brown. Are you going to renege as he he did?
Remember, Mr Cameron, no one is indispensable.

Comment by Patricia Nugent on October 5, 2009 at 11:32 am

The media is intent on pushing the Europe issue. Perhaps Brussels should be told not to implement the Treaty, nor to elect a President until after our General Election, until after our promised referendum. They should be warned that if they do go ahead, the referendum will be ‘IN,or Out’ !

Comment by Patricia Nugent on October 5, 2009 at 11:36 am

The media is intent on pushing the Europe issue. Perhaps Brussels should be told not to implement the Treaty, nor to elect a President until after our General Election, and our promised referendum. They should be warned that if they do go ahead, the referendum will be ‘IN,or Out’ !

Comment by Graham Cooke on October 5, 2009 at 11:39 am

Ratified or not, the British people must have a say on this back door constitution, remember it was’t only the Irish that voted NO first time around, The French and the Dutch people rejected it as well but they didn’t get the chance of a second vote they were just bounced into it.
You must make the referendum a clear policy for the future Conservative government, and while you are at it do anything and everything to STOP BLAIR.

Comment by Dave Griffin on October 5, 2009 at 11:48 am

Regarding the welfare reform programme, even though the intentions are good it will look like taking money from the sick. Also, you guarantee that the 2.5 million people on IB will go out and vote Labour when they would otherwise have stayed at home so announcing the scheme so early could cost you the election. Most people at work do not give a moment’s thought to all those on benefits, but they will worry about what the Tories would do if they become unemployed. Also, much as we are all tired of Labour, we pensioners have been given free bus passes, a heating allowance, free TV licences and free passports, as well as free gymnasiums and swimming pool entry. Will Cameron take these benefits away?

Comment by Jonathan Holborow on October 5, 2009 at 11:51 am

Thank God for real party and national leadership! Let us all appeal to those few mavericks who insist on putting the Europe policy before anything else, that all they are trying to do is damage our ever rising appeal to the electorate .. and play into the hands of Andrew Marr and his cronies. Be of stout heart, David – 98% of us are behind you!

Comment by Margaret on October 5, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Why why will no leader tell us the truth of what it will mean when the treaty is ratified by all? It will then be the Constitution and so cannot be voted out. We will then be controlled by T. Blair who so betrayed us. Teh ONLY way we can extricate ourselves would be to come right out. D cameron will have virtually no power anyway. Our regions are under Brussels control and England does not exist on the EU map. We have littli power already. Never has any leader explained that mostunpopular laws are the fault of Brussels. We can only hope that D cameron will not be bribed by the promise of becoming President later as other have clearly been. TELL US THE TRUTH.

Comment by christina on October 5, 2009 at 12:08 pm

We need to be in Europe but OUT of the EU. If this government and others are corrupt [ misuse of expenses - out of this world pensions etc ] then the EU has taken us all for a far higher ride and it must be stopped in its tracks NOW.
If we came out of the EU we would save billions and get back to being a country that works and runs itself. Afert all if we stay in the eu why do we need a government in this country that just rubber stamps whatever the eu says

Comment by J A Holt on October 5, 2009 at 12:25 pm

The EU/Lisbon Treaty should be dealt with as follows: Announce now that since the people of UK have been promised a referendum which has not taken place, you will immediately, on election, carry out such a referendum, regardless of how many EU states have ratified the treaty. Announce at the same time – now – that you will not be bound by decisions of the present government on this important matter of sovereignty. Watch the votes pour in.

Comment by Ray Richfield on October 5, 2009 at 12:52 pm

The european issue is very important to me and I believe many other people, can you please tell me what are the difficulties of undoing a ratified treaty, would it mean we have to leave the EU, these are the questions I need an answer to. I was watching Andrew Marrs interview on behalf of the Labour party and I was unhappy with your answer on Europe, it was too political a point scored for Marr.

Comment by Jady Sinclair on October 5, 2009 at 1:04 pm

Dear David – two points
1 Please give us a referendum.
2 Please do all you can to prevent Mr Blair becoming president of EU – WE DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM!
Look forward to the chance to give you a mandate to start to heal our fractured country.

Comment by spencer on October 5, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Ok David your views are yours but do not forget this, as I have already said and was broadcast on the daily polotics show today monday 5th WE THE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY ABOUT OUR FUTURE IN EUROPE NOT POLITICIANS, THE MEDIA , UNIONS, OR BIG BUSINESS BRING ON THE VOTE ASAP regards Spencer

Comment by Malcolm R. K. MacNaughton on October 5, 2009 at 3:18 pm

The public have been told, you can have a referendum by the labour party, brown said OH we don’t need one now. Mr. Cameron, you earlier stated you would let this country have a referendum. Irrespective of the Pole or Czech vote we still want a referendum and don’t want that man blair in any position of authority. You try and slip out of your earlier promise and things may not be what you want.

Comment by Edward D Phelan on October 5, 2009 at 3:19 pm

Labour have failed to deliver their promised Lisbon Treaty referendum. The Conservative Party must honour their pledge to hold a referendum. The British people must be allowed to have their say as to whether they want to adopt a EU constitution. The future of our sovereignty must not rest upon what the Poles and Czechs decide. We, the people of the UK, must be given the option to accept or reject Lisbon.

In fact, we should go much further and have a referendum on our EU membership itself. What are we getting from Europe ? Nothing, New Labour surrendered the rebate won by Margaret Thatcher; loony left EU laws appear on our statute books and we are flooded with east Europeans, using up invaluable, overstretched public service resources and taking British jobs. The time has come to call time on our European membership.

Comment by Peter Tate on October 5, 2009 at 3:28 pm

Thank God for sense and plain speaking on Europe at last.
Unlike Labour who would lead us all like lemmings in to the abyss of the Lisbon treaty without any choice of our own.

Comment by joe checkley on October 5, 2009 at 3:53 pm

to be frank,I’m tired of the squabbling between yourselves and labour. when will a party stop thinking about itself and focus it’s attention on what the people really want. the fact that bnp and ukip are being successful speaks loudly for what the british public want…….britain to be great britain. I’m sorry, but I can’t just turn up in another country and be clothed, fed and housed, so why should I be happy when my taxes are used to fund an unfair E.U. If you want my vote you should focus on what will benefit me, and not you.

Comment by Alistair Irving on October 5, 2009 at 4:10 pm

Why isn’t David Cameron having a go at Mr Brown and his cronies, about Brown denying the British population their right to decide YES or NO, in a Referendum? I thought this was a Democratic country! Never mind whatever the result following a vote by the British People. David should be banging away at the despatch box day after day! We have been denied our democratic right. All politicians are selling this country, its people, its history and all those who have died for this country, down the pan, if they are not shouting from the rooftops, and from parliament, demanding that we THE PEOPLE be heard in a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Or is the Conservative government, going to live with the Treaty as it will stand, before they get elected. For they will not be able to re-negotiate it, on the pretext that we haven’t voted on the Treaty. Europe will just say tough titty! You had your chance, and you didn’t vote. They cannot believe how lucky they are, that they(Europeans), Brussels, are going to get away with their grand strategy, without us voting on it. This is our last chance, before we say goodbye to our democracy and end up a minor little country on the edge of Europe, with no say at all on what happens in our own country. It will be shame on all politicians if they are not up there, shouting for the rights of the British People to vote on this treaty and demanding a vote before the coming british election takes place.

Comment by Jeanne on October 5, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Hello David,

After having read several of the notes above regarding the treaty of Lisbon.. welll my views on that..

We have 4 parliments.. so why pay for a fifth
which will sit in Brussles.. it looks more like
a government instead of a federation.. what with having a their PM etc..

Onto yet another sore subject.. Dave Griffin says in his note , *Most people at work do not give a moment’s thought to those on benefits, but that they worry about what would happen to them if the Tories were in power and these people were unemployed*
I dont think David Cameron would actually take everything away from the people who have benefits.. it would be from people who are CLAIMING Benefits,who do not deserve them at all..

What on earth do we need a referendum for
to me its a waste of money, and from reading
the above, I see that most people think the way I do as well. One thing I would like to see
is a PM who is passionate about things.. and i mean really passionate about what is going on within the UK.. also.. dont waste money the way the present government has, but be passionate about things.. like ID cards for us all.. it is not an infringment of our rights at all.. its a way of life.. people need to see this.. and it will also help do away with illegals seeking employment when it should be our own people who get the jobs.

I honestly wish there was some sort of way.. like a fine system that if a firm employes someone from the EAST he is fined for doing so and could lose his business rights.. its a case of look in our own back yard for British people to work here.. not illegal immigrants..

Comment by Annette on October 5, 2009 at 5:26 pm

Mr Cameron – As a life long Conservative voter I have to say I am not impressed with your dithering evasion when asked on TV – “would you hold a Referendum”? It is not good enough to say, “it depends on the Czechs and the Poles.” British voters are not stupid so please do not treat us like fools. These are extremely difficult times, the country needs clear positive action and strong leadership. If you cannot make a decision on this vital issue then clearly you are too weak to cut cabbage Mr Cameron and not up to the job. Therefore unless you can give an assurance that you will hold a Referendum I will be voting UKIP at the next election along with a great many other like mined voters. This once great country used to be a democracy but if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, this country will not need a Prime Minister and the democracy some members of my family fought and died for, will be as dead in the earth as they are.

Comment by norm on October 5, 2009 at 5:54 pm

Dear Mr Cameron,
UK is a leader country .The world needs leadership ideas.I hope the best .But I know Europe never will be united , sorry about that.
So find differents ideas .
Kind regards
Norma Fenoy

Comment by Anne Palmer on October 5, 2009 at 6:02 pm

The people of this Country will not continue to vote or contribute to a British Government that cannot Govern and only obey EU orders like the rest of us.
Quite simply, the Government has not spoken on behalf of the people of this Country and the PM has put the EU before his allegiance to the British Crown and his own Country. In putting this argument before the Conservatives, they have the opportunity to challenge the legality of the Treaty of Lisbon re the articles as required in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. It may not have been challenged before, but maybe there has never been a Treaty before with the deliberate intention of deceiving 500 plus million people, not just the people here in the UK? I suggest that The Treaty of Lisbon does not comply with the articles in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and therefore none should not allow the Treaty of Lisbon to come into force.

This, I hope, opens the way for the Conservatives to take the lead and take up the challenge to tackle the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, and then hold the very much needed referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon. You see, it can be done. If, on the other hand it was to be challenged via the UK Supreme Court to see if it compatible with our Common Law Constitution, it needs to be done before Lisbon comes into force because after, the real force of Lisbon may come into its own and the British Supreme Court will have to look at all the EU Treaties and the Treaty of Lisbon in particular before even beginning to look at other matters. Why not both together?
If, as many Conservatives seem to believe, the UK Government is still sovereign then it can repudiate the Treaty as a new Government and/or withdraw it, claiming that the people were deliberately denied the promised referendum on it because Lisbon does hold the same contents –and further articles that should have had a referendum on- as the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe, and put it before the people as promised. Or there is always Lord Denning’s ruling re Macarthys v Smith.

Comment by Tessa de Galleani on October 5, 2009 at 6:26 pm

As chairman of our local Chamber of Trade and Business. How can you help us with the VOA revaluations . We live in a small holiday town ( Dartmouth, Devon) The new business valuations have doubled, tripled and one case x3.5. these hikes have taken some small business over the small rate relief ceiling. There are small shops hanging on by their teeth. Many will not survive. Torbay is on it knees.The future of our small Town is now at risk. PLEASE look into this as a matter of urgecy. Thankyou, Tessa de Galleani

Comment by Suzanne L Reuben on October 5, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Unless David Cameron promises in writing to allow England to have a referendum then this country is lost and I for one WILL NOT VOTE for any of the so called main parties. They are not representative of us all.

Labour – words fail me: Liberals are Pro Europe, Conservative are acting like cowards. What happened to OUR RIGHTS. and where is the fight from the people of England. ARE YOU ALL GOING TO ALLOW ANY POLITICAL PARTY THROUGH WITHOUT A REFERENDUM?????/

I for one and many of my friends have promised to vote ONLY FOR a party who remember that they are in SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND.

Yours sincerely

Suzanne – CROXLEY GREEN, RICKMANSWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE

REMEMBER ALL OF OUR VOTES COUNT AND I FOR ONE REQUIRE MY RIGHTS TO VOTE IN A REFERENDUM. I CERTAINLY DO NOT WISH TONY BLAIR TO RULE ME- HE AND GORDON HAVE DONE ENOUGH DAMAGE TO OUR COUNTRY, OUR PRIDE.

Comment by Ian Harris on October 5, 2009 at 6:36 pm

Whilst I understand your reluctance to make a statement that will once again divide the party, I would point out that the rabid pro-marketeers are fewer and less rabid than they were twelve years ago. The more we see of Europe, the less most of us like it. It will be worth upsetting a few dinosaurs to get our freedom back. The Lisbon treaty is virtually certain to be ratified before the election – EU pressure and bribery will see to that – so a statement of unspecified action just will not do. If you take the views of the Telegraph and Daily Mail as representing the views of most Conservatives, today’s article in the Telegraph’s business section page B4 clearly articulates Europe’s ambitions and the so-far British roll-over. We do not need to fear loss of trade with the EU – the favoured frightener – because we buy more from them than they buy from us, and they will not want to lose our business.
Today’s Mail editorial and Melanie Phillip’s article make the same points – so we have a very good idea what Conservative voters think and want. But what about the swing voters we need to win the election? Well, I would have thought that an opinion poll showing 70% wanting a referendum on the treaty, and UKIP coming second in in the Euopean elections with 17% of the vote was sending an unmistakeable message which Conservatives should be taking on board. A firm commitment to a referendum whether or not the treaty has been ratified would transfer a lot of votes from UKIP. If there’s a No vote in a referendum, and we have to leave, we will be better off in almost every way.

Comment by C.M.K.WHITE on October 5, 2009 at 7:09 pm

Mrs Merkel recently stated Germany 1st and foremost.So,Mr Cameron do the same for your country men. The majority of the populace want withdrawl from the EU or at the very least a referendum ratified or not.I suspect though once again the yellow streaks are appearing like all before.UKIP here I come with many others (poll in the local)

Comment by Tudor Morgan on October 5, 2009 at 7:32 pm

Dear Future Prime Minister.
Put all talk of the referendum on hold and try instead to do something about the NHS which is falling apart due to Bureaucratic nonsense that has reduce its ability to operate with any sort of efficiency. It take 10 days to get the results of an x-ray. In Seri Lanka its just hours. My daughter was told she had a healing fracture of the hip bone and Lesions so would need an urgent appointment. A week later no appointment yet booked as has to be done via an electronic system that breaks down or users do not know how to use properly. It is now the second week of trying. 40 years ago I would have been seen by the Doctor, X-rayed, had a consultation given a letter taken it to the clinic booked an appointment and most likely been seen by now.
As for the care of the elderly. My mother had a Hip operation after a fall. She was 87. She remained in hospital for 2 months during which time she and others were treated appalingly by staff. As for the care of the elderly. My mother had a Hip operation after a fall. She was 87. She remained in hospital for 2 months during which time she and others were treated appallingly by staff. Many could not speak understandable English or understand English. My Mother myself and Brother all who have travelled the world as my father was a diplomat, could not understand them. My mother did not eat for 2 days as the food was put too far away from her and no one told her it was there or helped her eat. She had to be put on a drip as she got dehydrated as no one came to see she had a drink. They did not know what she wanted and she could not understand them.
Forget about Europe for now. Just sort out the NHS by getting rid of targets, the tick box culture which says if its ticked its ok and as many managers and non medical staff as you can.
You could also do the childminders a favour too by getting rid of OFSTED. Now that is a complete waste of moneyand time and does nothing to help education young children at all.

Comment by Louise on October 5, 2009 at 7:47 pm

Listen to the people, please
EU Referendum, please
or i will not be the only one who moves my “X” away from the Conservative box
In the words of William Wallace “they will never take our freedom”

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 5, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Jeanne
You are so wrong about the referendum being a waste of money. Another spineless Government if we dont.

Comment by Colin Short on October 5, 2009 at 8:15 pm

Unfortunately,after a promising start the depressing truth emrges,DC is truly the “heir to Blair” in every sense. The stance on Europe is clearly simply a ploy to avoid being honest with the electorate.DC has spent a lot of time accusing GB of treating the people like idiots,but is now guilty of the self same thing.He is enthusiastic in his support of the pointless war in Afghanistan,in which increasig numbers of our troops are being killed or maimed in order to bolster a corrupt regime and bring so called “democracy” to that country.If democracy can be used to justify such activity,why is it so palpably absent in the UK and non existent in the EU?

Comment by alan mapp on October 5, 2009 at 10:01 pm

i wonder if david or his team reads the comments here. they make most interesting reading and must give more than a clue about what needs to be done after the next election

Comment by Astrid Mitchell on October 5, 2009 at 11:48 pm

Your strategy re. Europe isn’t working, judging by the news coverage, and the party’s real message is being sidelined despit your best efforts to the contrary. Why, oh why, don’t you say that – failing a referendum on the Lisbon treaty – you will have referendum on EU membership. You, as the government, should keep completely out of it – a case of ‘let the people decide’ . This would work on two counts. First, you won’t be responsible for the decision, whichever way it goes. Second, you can’t be charged with preoccupation and infighting over Europe when there are so many other prioriites to deal with (eg sorting out the economy). If we stay in, then fine and full steam ahead with the people’s mandate, with no further argument from the eurosceptics. And if we vote to leave, then fine again – that’s what democracy is all about. In one fell swoop you deliver power to the people, pull the rug out from under the eurosceptics and UKIP and lance the festering boil within the party, that is still there under the surface. Just do it!

Comment by John Blinman on October 6, 2009 at 12:38 am

David Please,
We DON’T want a Referendum on the Treaty. We want one on Whether we should stay in the EU in it’s present form. We were conned into voting for it purely for Trade, but it is now controlling our Laws, Fishing, Farming and much more. If the Lisbon Treaty is ratified we will automatically HAVE to change our currency to the Euro, which most people do not want, and which many Europeans regret having joined up with.
UKIP is the only party fighting to get us out, apart from the BNP, whose other policies are mostly abhorent to decent people. Please state RIGHT NOW that you will have a Referendum on Membership so that the right-thinking majority can vote us O U T.
Oh by the way, I see that ASBOs have been mentioned a few times. The majority of the Labour Government Ministers should be issued with them, as most of their policies can be construed as Anti Social Behaviou!!
Unless you hav a radical change in policy towards EU I shall be voting UKIP again, as will very many of my erstwhile Tory voting friends. I would hate this to let Labour in again, but I cannot in good conscience vote for the current Tory policy on Europe – everything else takes second place.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 6, 2009 at 12:24 pm

John Blinman is absolutely spot on. If the Conservatives dont come though on this many like me will choose a party that will at the Election. Does this party not realise with so many Conservatives feeling like me, there is a real danger of splitting the votes enough with UKIP to allow this stinking corrupt government continue as they like with BLAIR at the top of this pile ……..

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 6, 2009 at 12:34 pm

There are many lifelong Conservatives like me turning to UKIP for the only definite chance of referendum. That is why they came second in the Euro Elections. If you do actually read these comments David I trust you will act on them.

Comment by JOHN on October 6, 2009 at 12:42 pm

the lisbon treaty, when the question of europe first rose its ugly head it was called
THE COMMON MARKET great idea
then it went through various rebranding exercises as THE EU, EUROPEAN UNION, ETC ETC each time getting neare to a federal state as did the SOVIET UNION to be run by faceless beaurocrats.
return to the notion of a COMMON MARKET and there will be no need to rattle the withdraw from europe skeletons.

be prepared for the current incumbent of number 10 to announce it the run-up to the election that one of the first actions of his new government will be to give the british people a vote on lisbon, he will see this as a method of stopping the BLAIR runaway train without having to take any action that would personally put his name in the frame.
REMEMBER WHERE YOU READ THIS FIRST .

Comment by Peter Gilbert on October 6, 2009 at 4:44 pm

I am very concerned about your stance on Europe and I know I am not alone,I am a life long Conservative but I now feel I cannot support you over your atitude on Lisbern.
I and many others want totally out of this ridiculous dictatorship and I am disapointed that you still support it,I am affraid I may decide to vote UKIP because I cannot vote for a party in favour of this awful union.

Comment by Rob Barron on October 6, 2009 at 5:50 pm

It seems UKIP has sent all its sincere supporters to lay into David Cameron on this site. When will they realise that membership of the EU cannot be put up there as a manifesto pledge without causing the fiscal and pecuniary basis of this country being brought to its knees by international business pulling the plug on us?

I AM AGAINST THE LISBON TREATY! I make that point very clear as has David Cameron on behalf of the Conservatives. He has promised a referendum if a referendum is worth having. If Brown steamrollers us undemocratically into the ratification of this mindless Treaty before the next election then an alternative strategy must be found but we cannot do that until we know where the LT is going.

DC has been in close contact with the Czech President to support their stance that the LT is wrong. They don’t want it ratified and are doing all they can to delay ratification and if they can manage that until after May then the LT is sunk because then we will get to vote and we all know, including Brown and his cronies, exactly which way that vote would go in this country.

Seeking to blackmail DC with the determination to vote UKIP if they don’t get their way on an In/Out Referendum shows they are prepared to split the vote over one issue rather than to do everything we possibly can to kick this rabble out so that we can move forward.

As a certain well-known former leader said: ‘Now is the time for all good men (and women!) to come to the aid of the party.’ Except in this case we are coming to the aid of the country to get rid of the most disastrous government in living memory.

Comment by Tony Cook on October 6, 2009 at 8:34 pm

David,
It is simply not good enough to state, “We won’t let things rest there” or similar woolly fudging.

Europe has caused a fatal split in the party and country ever since Heath won the referendum by lying to us that it would not affect our national sovereignty, in case you have not noticed it has.

Now with the advent of Lisbon the ballpark has changed again and it is no longer possible to pretend that we as a people have consented to the European Constitution which is now upon us.

If our fellow Europeans refuse to allow us to hold a retrospective referendum re Lisbon then we must have one to determine whether we will accept continued membership on the new basis.

In the event that Lisbon is in force before the election you have no other recourse in honour available and you should come clean now and say as much.

Failure to do so will risk splitting the Tory vote in an election when every vote is needed, I for one would vote for the devil himself if necessary rather than be swept willy nilly into the folds of a Blairite Europe.

This is an issue above and beyond the normal flow of party politics and needs to be treated as such.

In the last analysis if we don’t get our way on this one there is no point in announcing any other proposal because we will not then control our own destiny.

Unless you wish to turn off the lights in Westminster and leave it to be looked after by a nightwatchman and his dog you simply must act now.

regards

Tony cook

Comment by David Alway on October 6, 2009 at 8:49 pm

There is little point in having a conservative government if we are to be ruled by Tony Blair. My family’s vote goes to the party which promises a referendum irrespective of the ratification by all others.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 6, 2009 at 9:39 pm

Rob Barron need not patronise nor talk down to people who have an equal understanding of the issues as himself. I am not a fervent UKIP supporter, but will become so if denied the European Referendum. It is time for the PARTY to come to the aid of the people. As it is evident over the last few months how many politicians have been coming to the aid of themselves. Dont talk down to people who passionately care about Britain

Comment by PATRICIA GREEN on October 7, 2009 at 12:44 am

REFERENDUM, REFERENDUM, REFERENDUM

I’ve given up on Mr Cameron. He has – so sadly – shown his true colours now. Just another euro-apparachik. Thank heavens for BORIS, who spoke out on my behalf!

My father aged 19 years, was mannng the landing craft at Juno beach on D-day. He told me this story:

They could not get the craft onto the beach and the marine commandos – the Canadian Chaudieres + British Marine Commandos – had to wade, waist deep, through a hail of German fire to get to shore.

They were led by two Scots PIipers in full regalia, playing the bagpipes.

Imagine, wading into a raging sea against a hail of enemy bullets, soldiers around you having their heads and arms blown off, and all you have is your bagpipes.

The first Piper was shot as he waded out.
The second Piper, seeing this, Took His Place and began wading to the shore.

Think of that courage.
It was in the name of freedom and democracy.

That second Piper survived. He deserves his right to REFERENDUM.

BORIS FOR PARTY LEADER.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 7, 2009 at 7:39 am

Totally agree Patricia. My father survived critical injury when a bomb hit his Bren gun carrier in Africa During World War 11. He survived, but suffered for the rest of his life. The courage he and millions of others displayed is being wiped away and forgotten. To be ruled by Europe DISGUSTS me. It is only right for the Conservatives to honour those then and those that serve abroad now.

Comment by Wendy on October 7, 2009 at 3:15 pm

The party has come such a long way during the last few years since David Cameron’s election as leader – he is doing a great job, as is George Osborne and the rest of the shadow cabinet team is becoming increasingly convincing with real policies now being fleshed out and in the public domain.

David Cameron is quite right in seeking to keep the issue of what to do about the Lisbon treaty away from the fore at the conference, which would otherwise be distracted from the more important and pressing domestic issues.

However, the matter does have to be tackled firmly and decisively asap, however hard that is.particularly in light of the fact that the Czechs will ratify it by year end
One option to consider – why not commit to holding a referendum, which the majority of people want, within two months of ( hopefully!) being elected.

This could take the form of asking the electorate for a mandate to explore with the EU the possible options which could be avaialble to Britain to opt out parts of the treat.
Eg Do we have your approval to explore the possibliites for full or partial withdrawal from the Lisbon treaty?

This would satisfy the widespread demand for a referndum on the issue, whilst giving time, once in government, to find out what the possibilites are in reality at that point in time.It would be a shame now to be seen to back down over the issue of a referendum,from the perspectives:
a) damaging leadership credibility at a crucial time
b) tipping the balance against us at the GE
c) damaging clarity on an important ploicy issue

Comment by Linda Kelly on October 7, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Key word ‘Referendum’.
It seems to be a dirty word that at least the Conservatives are willing to use.
Royalty has always put people first (even if in history a few heads had to roll!! to do so.) However, Governments (to name the opposition) don’t like to give people a ‘Referendum Choice’ because, they know it will be the time when everyone knows they will be listened to and that they can really make a difference (becoming part of the Common Market Yes or No would have been a good Referendum Choice!) When people are really passionate about something or really angry …….they move to the polls as fast as they can.
Good Luck with your Referendum.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 8, 2009 at 8:34 am

Good conference but No cigar. Certainly not a Churchill cigar. What a disappointment on Europe.

Comment by Richard Waddington on October 8, 2009 at 8:36 am

The tide is turning against politicians since their loss of face and dedication to anything other than helping themselves. The matter will never rest unresolved.

Comment by Ken Harris on October 8, 2009 at 1:45 pm

Britain’s whole approach and relations with Europe are an utter mess.From 1973 onwards complete Political Union has been imposed by stealth and all of the Uk political establishment has participated in this.
What this country needs is a proper European analysis by a group of Economic experts.DC should commission an in depth report analysing the following:
a)The financial/economic benefits of being a full member of the EU
b)The financial/economic benefits of withdrawing completely from the EU.
It was time the politics was taken out of this issue altogether.
It is really simple.All we want to know is the ecomomic facts:
How much it costs us to be a full member and whether it costs us less not to be a member.Simple!
Why has rabid politics and Ideology got to interfere all the time!
If it costs Britain less to be outside the EU and just have economic co-operation then we should leave ASAP.What angers me is nobody ever gives us the cold hard facts!
the Pro’s falsely claim Britain would be worse off out of the EU.I suspect we would be much better-off!But what we need are the Facts,for non-political people to provide us with the facts and for us to have a full referendum on the issue to decide once and for all whether we want to be in the EU and give up all our sovereignty,or leave it and preserve our independence.These are the only two options Britain has.Yet nobody will address this,all we get is this endless fudge and ranting debate.It really is time to decide once and for all.But before we decide we must get an accurate non-political assessment of the real economic effects of being in and out!Why won’t the political class allow us to have this information and then decide whether to be in or out?

Comment by Crazyhorse on October 8, 2009 at 2:59 pm

I would like to know if the party has any forward plans to control the nation when the civil war between the Whites and the Islams/blacks begins later this century after the country has finally fallen under the control of an Islamic majority government and Sharia law.
Now you probably want to laugh at that question but this is what the people in the street are talking about.

Comment by Lee on October 12, 2009 at 9:43 am

Never mind a referendum – Europe was supposed to be a trading agreement not some unelected fools destroying our freedom with ever more restrictive laws. We don’t need Europe.

Comment by Patricia Smith on October 12, 2009 at 1:26 pm

I just hope that all those people who have decided the Conservatives will win the next General Election don’t get so complacent that they forget to go out and physically VOTE! Someone should mention this!

Comment by Mark on October 18, 2009 at 11:13 pm

It’s quite simple really.
We don’t have to follow any of the laws that are implemented in Brussels, or anywhere else in Europe, if we don’t want to.
The overriding reason why the present government does so and the last conservative government did it’s share, is so that they can hold their hands up when things go wrong and say “It’s not our fault, it’s Brussels. They made us.”
The laws that Brussels make and pass are legal, but countries within Europe can by law choose to take and use those laws that are best suited to their own country.
Each European country is different from top to bottom and while one law may suit one, it doesn’t suit every country.
We have our own constitutions and treaties, written down over years past and these are the only ones that we should be following, if we want to stay Britain.
So David, it’s time you sowed your colours to the mast and turn the tide before we get swamped by the great European disaster, for the only outcome will be our demise.

Comment by huiles de poisson on December 17, 2009 at 9:34 am

the most grown up approach is to state that we respect the operation of law and ratification will not be capable of being undone.

Comment by Mojofury on April 14, 2010 at 4:24 pm

Still Topical, Give us a vote Dave and the election is in the Bag.

Gordon Brown admits he ruined the country with his FSA and Tripartite system, use this opportunity of the Big Society to give the people the opportunity to judge, its give the conservatives a mandate from the people for the people.