David Cameron has given his first speech of 2010, focusing on the importance of the General Election to Britain's future.
"Let's make this the year for change – the year when the positive defeats the negative", he said, as he announced the start of the Conservatives' election campaign.
On Monday, January 4th, the Conservatives will be
publishing the first chapter of their draft manifesto and announcing new
plans.
"We can't go on like this, we need change to get the country back on its feet", Cameron said.
And, he added, it’s "the modern Conservative Party that has the plans, the ideas, the energy, the people, the unity and the leadership to bring that change".
He went on set out the economic, social and political change that the country needs, and said that this change must be based "on the values of responsibility and aspiration".
"This is no time for more of the same", he said, as he highlighted the irresponsible economic policies, excessive bureaucracy, and divisive politics of recent years.
"We are all in this together, and we know that if we all pull together then this country can have great hope for the future. So let's face this new year with confidence, optimism and hope - and let's make 2010 the year for change."
Click here to read the speech in full