Today the Prime Minister set out what she called the British dream ‘that each new generation in our country should be able to build a better future’ – and ‘the historic mission of this party – this Conservative Party – to renew the British dream in each new generation.’
Whilst not the showiest of speakers, when I have had the pleasure to talk to her she is always sincere and earnest, today she talked of her hopes for the UK in the same way. I was pleased to hear her talk of the importance of free markets, housing, and her concern for the cost of education. The latter has been a long time worry of my own, as I believe we need a free education system, and that should include your first degree. She did not go that far, but she Did talk of the issue. Here are some of the points she made:
Support for the free market
The free market – and the values of freedom, equality, rights, responsibilities, and the rule of law that lie at its heart – remains the greatest agent of collective human progress ever created. So let us win this argument for a new generation and defend free and open markets with all our might.
The British Dream at home through a determined programme of economic and social reform. A programme that champions belief in free markets by being prepared to reform them when they don’t work. That ensures our economy and society work for everyone in every part of this country, not just the privileged few.
Housing
· The Prime Minister announced ‘a new generation of council houses to help fix our broken housing market’ by increasing the government’s affordable housing budget by £2 billion to more than £9 billion – and allowing homes to be built for social rent.
· She said: ‘I want to send the clearest possible message to housebuilders. We, the government, will make sure the land is available. We’ll make sure our young people have the skills you need. In return, it is time for you to do your duty to Britain and build the homes our country needs.’
Review of university funding and student financing
· The Prime Minister announced a major review of university funding and student financing – on top of the freezing of maximum fee rates and increasing the amount graduates can earn before they start repaying their fees to £25,000.
· She said: ‘today, young people take on a huge amount of debt to do so. And if we’re honest, some don’t know what they get from it in return. We have listened and we have learned.’