This week, I have been at Conservative Party Conference. The leader of the opposition has been setting out her priorities for a future Conservative Government: namely, stronger borders and a stronger economy.
These issues are of paramount importance for everyone in Meriden and Solihull East.
We are faced with higher taxes and higher borrowing which will impact families across the constituency. That’s why I am going to dedicate my piece this week to our plans to deliver a stronger society through a stronger economy.
One of the most important principles of conservativism is living within your means.
As it stands, the cost of debt is far too high. We are spending more on servicing the cost of our debt than on defence, education or policing.
And whilst all the other parties are pushing dangerous and irresponsible left-wing policies that will only worsen the problem, the Shadow Chancellor unveiled a package of measures that would save £47billion.
It would include tackling the growing cost of welfare by restricting it to UK citizens and taking bold action to reform sickness and disability benefits.
Ultimately, it would mean only the most vulnerable can access the welfare state’s safety net. In addition, there are plans to reduce the size of the Civil Service and reduce the cost of housing asylum seekers.
These plans demonstrate that only the Conservatives are willing to take the responsible decisions in the national interest to deliver a better economy.
Of course, Conservatives believe that people should keep more of their hard-earned money. We know that people are better at spending their money than the Government. That’s why I was pleased to see the Shadow Chancellor announce a package of tax cuts that would help get the economy growing.
Pubs and shops are the lifeblood of local communities. However, because of the Chancellor’s anti-business approach we are seeing these businesses struggle more than ever.
For example, the hospitality sector has seen 89,000 jobs go since Labour came into office. This hits young people especially hard.
But it also has a real impact on our towns and high streets. That’s why the Conservatives have committed to scrapping businesses rates for pubs and shops on our high streets.
We recognise that pubs and shops are vital for local economies and act as a centre for people to get out and about.
We also believe everyone should have a stake in society. That is why we are promising a £5,000 national insurance rebate to those seeking to get on the property ladder. For a working couple, that means £10,000.
This will help them buy a home, build a family and save for the future. That is the Conservative dream.
These polices show the Conservatives have clear policies which are disciplined and responsible.
We are choosing to put more people into work.
We are prioritising aspiration, and we are championing businesses.
