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Cameron outlines his approach to poverty

Tuesday, November 10 2009

David Cameron (Photo credit: Andrew Parsons)

In a keynote speech, David Cameron will argue that the Conservatives, not Labour, are best placed to fight poverty in our country.

Cameron will also announce that he is nominating Debbie Scott, who runs the "fantastic organisation" Tomorrow's People, to join the Conservative team in the House of Lords.

In giving the annual Hugo Young memorial lecture, Cameron extends the argument made in this year's party conference speech, saying that "the size, scope and role of government in Britain has reached a point where it is now inhibiting, not advancing the progressive aims of reducing poverty, fighting inequality, and increasing general well-being".

Noting that poverty and inequality have got worse despite Labour’s massive expansion of the state, Cameron will say that we need new answers now, "and they will only come from a bigger society, not bigger government".

Speaking of "a worrying paradox" about the recent growth of the state, he will say that its effect on personal and social responsibility "has promoted not social solidarity, but selfishness and individualism", and "steadily squeezed out human kindness, generosity and imagination".

But whilst expressing his desire "to move from state action to social action" in the fight against poverty, inequality, social breakdown and injustice, Cameron also emphasises the "powerful role for government" in helping to engineer that shift.

Read David's speech in full.

Rt Hon David Cameron MP

David was elected Leader of the Conservatives in December 2005, on a mandate to change the Party and change the country.

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Cameron David

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