Politics, Unit 1, FS3, "Built to Last" Policies

Promises:

• to prioritise economic stabilty and fiscal responsibility ahead of cutting taxes.
• to share the proceeds of growth between investment and tax reduction.
• fairer taxes.
• deregulation for employers and wealth creators.
• to help to create jobs.
• to strengthen competitiveness.

Similar to the "third way" promoted by Blair.

Conservatives traditionally put tax reduction first- this is a massive change.

Promises:

• long-term funding to social enterprises and the voluntary in tackling multiple depravation.
• national school leaver's programme.
• increased levels of drug re-habilitation through social enterprises and private sector.
• support for special schools.
• to "put parents in the driving seat."
• support for employment opportunities as a stepping-stone from Incapacity Benefit to the workplace.

Traditional Thatcherite view.

Left-wing view.

Promises:

• to tackle climate change by encouraging green growth.
• binding annual targets for carbon reduction.
• eco-concious use of resources- energy and water conservation and recycling.
• construction of attractive, affordable and eco-friendly housing.
• decentralization of the provision of energy.
• tough targets for carbon reduction in new cars.

Traditionally, the Conservatives aren't hugely bothered over the environment as there was no economic or business incentive.

Promises:

• to trust professionals more.
• end the top-down culture of centralization and targets.
• promoting a choice and voice for patients.
• independent, social and voluntary providers.
• encouragement in streaming and setting in state schools.
• rigour in teaching and exams.
• to give school greater control over their own affairs.

A commitment to state institutions BUT changing the way in which they operate.

Recent NHS proposals- GPs in control of their budget.

"A moral obligation and not an after-thought".

Promises:

• to tackle killer diseases such as HIV.
• 0.7% of the national income in aid by 2013.
• reform the Common Agricultural Policy.
• international trade agreements and debt relief.
• support for an international Arms Treaty.

A brand new focus for the Conservative Party.

Cameron's focus on the environment and global poverty is symbolic of the change away from being "the nasty party".

Promises:

• to enhance the status of Parliament.
• provide  a constructive unionist response to the West Lothian question.
• introducing a UK border police.
• abolish the ID cards system.
• reform the police to reduce top-down centralisation.
• single-minded focus on fighting crime.
• strong and efficient armed forces.

Rolling back the frontiers of the state- traditional conservatism.