Howard claims Labour ‘rattled’ by Tory opposition
Michael Howard has given a confident assessment of his party’s chances ahead of the expected general election, claiming that Labour is “rattled” by Conservative opposition.
Addressing his party’s spring conference in Brighton, Mr Howard claimed the Conservatives were now “making the political weather” over immigration, hospitals, schools and taxes.
“The Conservative Party is now, for the first time in many years, in a position to restore principle to government, to stand up for common sense and to put people’s priorities first,” he said.
Stressing that a revitalised Tory party was dominating the political agenda and forcing Tony Blair on the run ahead of May’s anticipated poll, Mr Howard claimed that Labour would “do anything, say anything, claim anything to cling to office at all costs.”
“So far this year they have compared me to Fagin, to Shylock and to a flying pig. This morning Peter Hain even called me a mongrel,” said Mr Howard in reference to Labour’s controversial campaign posters which sparked an anti-Semitism row and remarks made by Mr Hain, who accused the Conservative leader of putting the country at risk over his stance to the Government’s anti-terror Bill.
“Something tells me that someone, somewhere out there is just a little bit rattled,” Mr Howard concluded.
Pledging to hold Tony Blair to account for the “promises he had broken, the money he had wasted and the contempt he had shown for the office he holds,” Mr Howard said Britain now wanted a prime minister who told the truth.
A Conservative government would combat dirty hospitals and put doctors and nurses in charge, rather than bureaucrats, Mr Howard pledged.
He also promised to tackle school discipline and said that his party would give parents the opportunity to send their children to the school of their choice.
On crime, Mr Howard stressed that he would provide more police officers and prison places and on immigration, he defended Conservative proposals to introduce immigration quotas.
He also highlighted his party’s commitment to cut taxes and red tape and increase the basic state pension in line with earnings.
The Conservative leader concluded his speech with an upbeat appeal urging party activists to go out and win the next election.
“One day you will be able to tell your children and grandchildren as I will tell mine, ‘I was there. I did my bit. I played my part. I helped to win that famous election – the election that transformed our country for the better’,” said Mr Howard.
