The PM must be a man of action as well as words
David Cameron has to offer an alternative vision to Labour's that is both attractive and sensible
By Telegraph View 28 September 2013 • 5:58pm
David Cameron appears to accept that he has disappointed some traditional Conservative voters Credit: Photo: CLARA MOLDEN
This week it is David Cameron's turn to address his party faithful. The significance of the occasion is twofold. First, this is the penultimate conference before the next election, so it is an opportunity to float vote-winning policies. Second, much of the public will be listening for an effective response to Ed Miliband's speech last week, in which the Labour leader redefined himself as a Left-wing populist. Mr Miliband's most headline-grabbing policy was a pledge to freeze fuel prices until 2017. The idea is poorly conceived and ignores the reality that gas and electricity costs are largely dictated by global wholesale prices. It could actually lead to blackouts. Even so, the proposal will probably touch a nerve with voters squeezed by the rising cost of living. This week, Mr Cameron has to offer an alternative vision that is both attractive and sensible.
The Prime Minister has given this newspaper a preview of what he intends to do in a lengthy, detailed interview, and what he says is encouraging. We agree strongly with his overall message that the best way to raise living standards is to strengthen the recovery with sound economic policies, foster a business environment that generates good jobs, and keep the deficit down to ensure low interest rates, low mortgage rates and market confidence. Such an approach might not be flashy or easy, but it is necessary and right, and it puts clear blue water between Mr Cameron and Mr Miliband. The Labour leader mentioned the deficit only once in his entire speech.
When it comes to specific policies, Mr Cameron appears to appreciate that he has disappointed some traditional Conservative voters, and argues that they have plenty of reasons to return to the fold: the promised vote on a renegotiated relationship with the European Union, a pledge to remove green energy subsidies as soon as is feasible and a tough new immigration Bill. The two ideas that stand out are tax breaks for couples who are married or in civil partnerships, and more help to buy houses. The recognition of marriage in the tax system is particularly welcome. Back in 2010, this newspaper interviewed David Cameron when he was still leader of the opposition; he repeatedly told us that rebuilding the family was key to curing Britain's social ills.
He was right then and he is right now. Statistical evidence consistently shows that children are better off being raised by two parents rather than one; more broadly, it makes sense that the tax system should reflect people's desire to form stable long-term relationships. This is in stark contrast to the irresponsible approach that Labour adopted during its period of government, when policies such as the Working Families' Tax Credit increased the benefits available to single mothers who worked, effectively penalising women who remained with their husbands or stayed at home to look after their children. Mr Cameron's determination to allow married couples, or those in civil partnerships, to transfer their tax allowances from one partner to another is a step in the right direction.
It is also, however, a rather cautious one, and it has been a long time coming. The idea was floated in 2010 but will only become law in 2015. Moreover, it is largely symbolic. True, the £200 that it could save each couple is higher than the £150 promised in the 2010 Tory manifesto – but this is hardly a life-changing sum and it is only the lower-paid who will benefit. In other words, it is an example of when the Tories move in the right spirit, but could go further, faster.
That said, there are some areas where we would urge Mr Cameron to show greater caution. The Help to Buy programme is well-intentioned and will make it easier for many to achieve the dream of owning their own home. But the policy must be controlled carefully and kept under close review, lest it have the possible effect of creating the same kind of housing bubble that preceded the recent crash. Britain's housing problem is one of supply rather than demand, and a policy of assisting buyers threatens to increase demand and therefore prices. Likewise, we are concerned that the economic benefits of the High Speed 2 rail project have not been demonstrated enough to justify its price tag. Mr Cameron assures us that it will not cost more than £43 billion. But that figure has already jumped from an initial estimate of £33 billion. Can we trust that it will not go up again?
We welcome the Prime Minister's clearly stated support for business, but the Government could go much further to encourage enterprise and investment. It is good news, for example, that Theresa May plans to attract more Chinese tourists to Britain by simplifying visa applications – but why can we not see this kind of war on red tape applied in other aspects of the economy, such as in the labour market? Reduced bureaucracy and lower taxes would help everyone, creating jobs and leaving workers with more take-home pay. The economy might be improving but recovery is not guaranteed; we need policies that will generate wealth.
Most important, we need speedy action. The long wait for the tax breaks for married couples is illustrative of a problem: Mr Cameron's language can sometimes be promising but vague, and the delivery frustratingly slow. He tells us that he would like to see green subsidies go – but when, exactly? Many would like a precise date, preferably as soon as possible. Similarly, we welcome Mr Cameron's determination to tackle immigration, in Britain's interests. But our report today on the return to London's streets of antisocial Roma beggars, who were taken home at taxpayers' expense only two months ago, emphasises the challenge of controlling who comes into the country in an EU of open borders. This surely needs attention.
There is no doubt that Mr Cameron's "aspiration nation" agenda is vastly superior to Mr Miliband's war on wealth. We welcome those of his proposals that combine clever economics with clever politics – treating the voters like adults. But if we have learnt one thing from the Damian McBride revelations it is that the public is sick of spin. People want seriousness and results. This week, Mr Cameron will have to convince the country that he is not just a fine speaker, but also a man of action.
Live Politics latest news: Priti Patel looks to shift blame for UK's 'appalling' death toll on scientists - watch PMQs live
By Catherine Neilan 20 Jan 2021, 12:30pm
UAE virus cases surge despite world-leading vaccine programme
By Campbell MacDiarmid 20 Jan 2021, 12:30pm
'Palace Four' to reveal whether Meghan Markle gave private information to the authors of Finding Freedom
By Victoria Ward 20 Jan 2021, 12:30pm
By Louis Ashworth 20 Jan 2021, 12:30pm
By Alan Tovey 20 Jan 2021, 12:29pm
If Frank Lampard fails to get Chelsea firing, who could replace him?
By Jake Goodwill 20 Jan 2021, 12:28pm