Conference Reflections

As I travel back from a frenetic 48 hours in Manchester at the Conservative Party Conference, I reflect on the eighteen meetings I had with various charities, businesses and lobbyists all seeking to bend my ear on a matter close to their heart. Having been going to Conferences for 15 years, this one was probably the most sober and severe; reflecting the fact that the country faces many challenges and uncertainties at the current time.

The need for a robust and comprehensive solution from the Eurozone countries' leaders to deal with the debt crisis is complemented by an equally clear need for an improved economic horizon at home. Of course both are closely related, but Conference was nonetheless a serious business this year.

Nevertheless, I do detect a steely resolve from Ministers to tackle the issues head on, even if, as with the Home Secretary's remarks about the European Human Rights Act, there is not complete agreement amongst the coalition partners - or apparently with Ken Clark.

Personally, I do want to see human rights protected but I fail to see why the British Parliament is incapable of drawing up a British Bill of Rights that would achieve similar objectives, with anomalies like the cat problem and the right of prisoners to vote removed. I don't think these are rights that most of my constituents think are worth preserving!

Back to all posts