David Cameron has launched an innovative online Stand Up Speak Up campaign to help Conservatives shape their future 
policy by “engaging and involving” the public, asking for their views which will then be considered by the Shadow Cabinet.
In order to work, it means admitting when past decisions were wrong, agreeing to re-think the issue of grammar schools, for example, if David Cameron means what he says, that the “we know best” attitude of politicians is at an end.
You are given the opportunity to learn more about their concept of “pioneer schools”, as well discuss the thorny subject of benefits, outlined below:
“People who can work should do so – including disabled people (as assessed by an independent doctor) who can work. Lone parents would be encouraged to work part-time when their youngest child is 5, and full-time when their youngest child reaches 11.”
One comment raised the dilemma of unemployment for those in their 50s who are desperate to find work after losing for job for various reasons, I think that is an area where more support could be given:
“The figures bandied about ceaselessly by Blair and brown these last ten years are lies yet Cameron never goes for the throat when questioning them.
The true figure is 7 million unemployed in this country and I am one of them.
Aged 53 I was medically retired from the prison Service having been assaulted by an illegal immigrant related to a labour member of parliament!!
I am not eligible for any benefits despite being so retired and having paid in since 1964.
That said I am expected to survive whilst paying the same bills as before.
When I have attempted to get work I am refused the services at Job centres so as not to be on the figures.
I cannot be retrained for the same reasons ie not on the numbers.
Whilst this goes on migrants come here by the busload to do jobs ‘we’ will not do.
having the chance would be a good thing.
I find Cameron lacks the charisma a leader needs to oppose the Govt especially as he was an adviser to major in the financial debacle that lost this country 27 billions.
Deal with migrants first and our people can get on.”
There you have it in a nutshell in that segment you posted. It all keeps coming back to migration, or rather its unrestricted anarchistic disarray. Dare the conservatives touch this subject and the compliant press will pounce on them with accusations of racism – we are governed by Rupert Murdoch.
If you are referring to the ERM I would remark that I think its unfair to blame Major or his advisors for that mess. The blame rests on the economic judgments in Brussels – we just foolishly signed-up to it years ago. God save us all from EU economic policy.
Wolfie, that’s why I liked that one comment, it touched on so many issues, I hope you go over to Cameron’s site and respond to it. Immigration is still a problem that needs to be resolved.
Hi Ellee, I think this is a great new site and and a good move by DC and his team. Obviously we’ll wait and see if it has legs but the future looks bright.
Hi Elle, the conservative party is too bipolar to carry thru some of the issues which Cameron wants to pick up as Conservative issues
1) Marriage and tax allowances for married couples (and civil partnerships) – not than single mums and single parents will rush off to vote for Gordon Brown – or maybe they will
2) The Environment – hmmm building airports is a ‘profitable’ business, building hotels and tourists resorts can be a ‘profitable’ business, and its clear cheap flights are popular – a boom(ing) industry. Car industry, car showrooms more and more 4×4’s signs of an upwardly mobile society and economy … and we know tax on petrol is unpopular with motorists
3) Tax cuts on pension funds will always be popular with those who have pension funds. Tax cuts is probably the only stalwart policy conservatives & republicans can rely on to rally votes, time and time again. But somehow I’ve got a feeling that the next round of tax cuts is going to cause a boom in unemployment and a possible crash in house prices, when those on lower incomes or out of work can no longer support the over-inflated house prices.
But I’m not into crystal ball gazing, nor necessarily into cyclical universes, but the black hand and the seven year cycles of the boom and bust economies are always great for those riding the crest of the wave. The only way to surf!
It seems a good initiative provided they really do listen to people. Far too many people in their 50s are being forced out of work before they are ready and it’s an issue all parties should look at.