Ö÷²¥´óÐã

Ö÷²¥´óÐã.co.uk

Talk about Newsnight

Newsnight

David Cameron - a Newsnight Special

  • Newsnight
  • 24 Aug 07, 01:06 PM

davidc.jpgDavid Cameron has had a rough few months since Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister. First there was the Grammar school row: then "David Cameron's Conservatives" failed to make much progress in the Ealing Southall by-election; a stumble on his attack over the Government's running of the NHS; a trip to Rwanda while his constituency was flooded. BUT perhaps most worrying for David Cameron is that, for the first time since becoming leader of his party, he's behind in the polls.

On Wednesday, in a Newsnight special, David Cameron will be quizzed by our Editors about his leadership and what he proposes for Britain. We want to know what you would like us to ask. Let us know here and we'll hope to include some of your questions in the programme.

Comments  Post your comment

PLEASE ASK CAMERON

What is his view of the politicians "non-answer answer" where the obviousness of the ploy compounds the primary insult, of not answering the question, in the minds of all who must helplessly endure it?
If we catch him employing this tactic, will he resign?

  • 2.
  • At 05:16 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Peter Gizzi wrote:

Will Mr. Cameron finally commit himself to giving us a referendum and insisting his MEPs leave their assosiation with The Eurpean People's Party who are strongly pro-federal Europe? To me it seems Mrs. Merkel is striving to become the first President of The United States of Europe.

  • 3.
  • At 05:26 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • csnapped wrote:

The more the right wing tories attack DC the more i think he is doing the right thing. Without a Scargill would Mrs T have been great? Without a militant tendency would Kinnock be remembered

DC and his 'Eton Rifles' shadow cabinet come from the guardian class ie those trained to rule so maybe they are the only ones who can reform the party? There certainly are some fire breathing dragons lurking in the tory dungeons. So maybe DC has a Neil Kinnock role?

My Q

Given that 1 in 4 children in the uk are now born of non uk parents is he a multiculturalist ie people living separate identities in isolation or a monoculturalist ie one value system per country. If so what values should those be?

[8th try to post]

  • 4.
  • At 05:34 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • bill herstell wrote:

Why cannot politicians reflect the mood of the country?/ We are crying out for a leader who will put this country first. Is it you??

Please ask Mr.Cameron

Identity fraud is the fastest growing crime and has become a multi-billion pound fraud in Britain.

How does he intend to stop this crime before it is too late to stop a fraud boom which will harm our entire business industry?

Thank you.

  • 6.
  • At 05:37 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Patricia Stoughton wrote:

Will David Cameron opt for substance rather than style?

And will he please defend his decision to go to Rwanda? If he hadn't gone, he would have let down a people whose suffering is on quite another scale than anything we have experienced in the UK.

  • 7.
  • At 05:38 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • bill herstell wrote:

Why cannot politicians reflect the mood of the country?/ We are crying out for a leader who will put this country first. Is it you??

  • 8.
  • At 05:40 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Patricia Stoughton wrote:

Will David Cameron opt for substance rather than style?

And will he please defend his decision to go to Rwanda? If he hadn't gone, he would have let down a people whose suffering is on quite another scale than anything we have experienced in the UK.

  • 9.
  • At 05:51 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Hilton Mayston wrote:

Please ask David Cameron,
Alot of today's families were started up in the 'Thatcher years',
if he was able to turn the clock back, what would he have done differently if he had led the Tory government ? Also how would he have led differently to Tony Blair in following on ?

  • 10.
  • At 05:52 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • John wrote:

I would like to ask Mr. Cameron what, if anything, does he plan to do about the handicapoped individuals that are in the U.K. Does he plan to help them, or does he plan to leave them in the institutions, where they are not being properly cared for.
Also, how does he plan to straighten out the NHS. It is an absolute mess at the moment, where the head of the NHS doesn't know anything about what goes on in the daily lives of the nurses that are employed there. My girlfriend works for the NHS, and she has seen a lot of her colleagues leave for one reason or another.

  • 11.
  • At 05:53 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • ted gray wrote:

Why do all politicians try to be seen as being with the people.T win an election I belive they should go with core issues that impact on the largest group of voters, Cameron trying to show that he is with it by hugging hoodies riding a bike (with a limo following (the green vote) is stupid.But as he must think that voters are stupid,we must expect more of this. Cameron find out whar the main core of voters want and win them across.Dont go with the fringe groups, they cant win the election for you.

  • 12.
  • At 05:57 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Patricia Stoughton wrote:

Will David Cameron opt for substance rather than style?

And will he please defend his decision to go to Rwanda? If he hadn't gone, he would have let down a people whose suffering is on quite another scale than anything we have experienced in the UK.

  • 13.
  • At 05:58 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Does he seriously believe that anyone aged under forty is going to vote for a Prime Minister who has been to Eton?

  • 14.
  • At 05:59 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • geva blackett wrote:

Dave:

How will you address the west lothian question given that Annabel Goldie has teamed up with the Slip Dems and Labour to demand more powers for Holyrood (and why are the Tories, a party I used to be a member of, so frightened of a referendum on independence? I think Wee Alex should be allowed his referendum - it is up to him to PROVE his case! He hasn't yet)

  • 15.
  • At 06:03 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Muhammad Atif wrote:

PLEASE ASK MR. CAMERON

Should we resolve to "tough love" in order to crack down on those who commit gun crime?

  • 16.
  • At 06:18 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Haven't you shown that by backtracking on grammer schools, going back to the same tired aruments on europe, and attackingunmarried or single parents, that, despite the rhetoric, David Cameron's Tories are largely unreformed?

Further, whenever you attemt to create even "mood music" (not policy) of moving to the centre, you eventually cave in and show that you are following your party rather than leading it?

  • 17.
  • At 06:21 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Hilton Mayston wrote:

The grandparent's & parent's of today lived in the 'Thatcher years'
The children of today haved lived in the 'Blair years'
If he could roll the clock back, how would they have been different if they had been
the 'Cameron years' ?
If he could look to the future, what would he expect us to see from
the 'Cameron years' or the 'Brown years ' ?

  • 18.
  • At 06:52 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Silkstone wrote:

Would he continue with the Blair/Brown open-door policy on immigration knowing as he does that it's the prime concern of the majority of indigenous British. If not - why not, bearing in mind Barrie Singleton's comments at #1 above.

  • 19.
  • At 06:56 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Ken wrote:

David will you please confirm if you will tear up the so called human rights charter that appears to be the cause of so many of todays problems?

  • 20.
  • At 06:56 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Peter wrote:

Please ask David what he is going to about the West Lothian question.

  • 21.
  • At 07:11 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Doreen Richards wrote:

Has David Cameron got the right attitude to crime in this country,
crime is on the up because there is no fear in the punishment, a good example is the Stephen Lawrence case, his family are still in mourning and yet very shortly his murderer will be released to roam the streets of London what a pathetic country we have become, and the human rights act is one big joke overseen by pathetic dogooders.
The tories need a leader with backbone

  • 22.
  • At 07:29 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Geoff Biddulph wrote:

What are David Cameron’s views in respect to Europe and the United States?
There are many people in UK who would prefer that we pulled out of Europe completely and reduce where possible our reliance upon the United States for defence etc.
The British traditionally have stood on their own two feet and have taken everything that others have thrown at them. Does he really think that others would stand by us in our time of need without any conditions that would be favourable to them, simply because we were part of their grouping? Look what happened in the last world war when the United States took us to the cleaners in repayment for their help. Does he not think its time for us to reassert ourselves and become once more a truly independent country?
We could take care of any immigration we did not want we could start and produce products again rather than risk being held to ransom by the emerging economies. Make no mistake about it when we are totally reliant upon them they will take no prisoners. There is another very obvious plus in all this and that is we give some hope to the younger people, in so much that they can make a proper contribution to our country using the artisan skills that we have so patently lost. It’s not all about making money out of money, the creativity we have lost needs to be rekindled. Is it time once more to become a force in the world for good against evil whilst fearing no one?

  • 23.
  • At 07:42 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Josh wrote:

Regardless of how he actually voted, perhaps Mr Cameron could be asked where HE and HIS PARTY stand on (a)euthanasia, (b)Constituitonal Reform in the Lords. There are other issues I'd like answered, but they've already been mentionned.

  • 24.
  • At 08:09 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • D Allan wrote:

Cameron has Nothing to Fear. The Public can be Fickle?
Certain Convenants have been Broken by those we can not speak of. can He repair/replace?
I can see a meek start.
Strangle hold the day it could be your last or First.
Take yer pick

  • 25.
  • At 08:55 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • kaz wrote:

Would DC actually improve the public services by paying staff a decent inflation level pay rise, and listen to the needs of staff on the front line instead of using rhetoric of' investing in public services' and blaming staff when things go wrong.

  • 26.
  • At 09:01 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Terry Durrance wrote:

What does David Cameron consider to be a good reason to stay in the European Union?

  • 27.
  • At 09:33 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • brian ashenden wrote:

Would you ask Cameron if its just possible that the debt people find themselves in, is in some way related to the extra taxes and cost that have been imposed upon the people during the reign as chancellor of Brown

  • 28.
  • At 10:57 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • David alamu wrote:

I would like to ask david cameron how is he going to appeal to white working class and ethnic minorities!

  • 29.
  • At 11:10 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Aaron wrote:

David Cameron,

The best Conservative Governments in our past have offered radical agendas for change. Your plans to enshrine the NHS in law, maintain the status quo in terms of school provision and spending commitments, alongside your embracing of the environmentalist agenda, all point towards a much imitated social democratic, statist vision for United Kingdom.

But free-market ideals aren’t old fashioned. Liberty under a firmly enforced law and order regime is just as popular today as it ever has been.

What does the Conservative Party have to offer, therefore, to those who believe in small government, educational choice and a market-led approach to climate change, other than a slightly less destructive variety of the centre-left consensus?


  • 30.
  • At 11:17 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Dave Luckett wrote:

Please ask David one or more of the following:
- If he had taken over as Prime Minister when Gordon Brown took power, what would he have done differently?
- Does he believe it right that police spend so much time filling out paperwork, rather than out on the beat?
- Does he believe in an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq or Afghanistan, and under what timeframes?
- What would he do to improve morale in our troops?
- Does he believe that the House of Lords, in it's current form, serves any purpose in a modern Britain?
- Who does he want to win the next US Presidential Election?

  • 31.
  • At 11:17 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • vic whysall wrote:

given the billions of pounds we give to europe will he take us out of the EU and spend the money putting our own public services ln order.would he also put up the hotel uk full sign and stop immigration. we simply cannot afford or accomodate.

  • 32.
  • At 11:24 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • vic whysall wrote:

given the billions of pounds we give to europe will he take us out of the EU and spend the money putting our own public services ln order.would he also put up the hotel uk full sign and stop immigration. we simply cannot afford or accomodate.

  • 33.
  • At 11:30 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Richard Keatley wrote:

There are two issues I'd like Mr Cameron asked about:

1. Does he agree that the current government is too authoritarian and that policies like ID Cards are more about headlines and the technology lobby than they are about security? If so, will he make this a key campaign issue?

2. Does he agree that the growing gap between the haves and have-nots in Britain, particularly with regard to housing, is a major issue that must be tackled? If so, will he be brave enough to take a stand against those who own two or more homes but keep them largely unoccupied; and how will he ensure that new housing is not just affordable and environmental but also aspirational?

  • 34.
  • At 11:34 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • rosalind atack wrote:

Mr Cameron, You are in opposition when will you oppose?

As a conservative councillor I was rewarded with the comments ..I'ts not you love, if you were a monkey I'd still have voted for you' and then altenatively,'why didn't you go independent,I could have voted for you then' so now I ask myself , what's in a name? I hear the response ,loyalty....do you deserve it? Why don't you oppose?

  • 35.
  • At 11:59 PM on 24 Aug 2007,
  • Steve wrote:

With Labours Polices on Devolution in the past ten years seriously unbalancing the United Kingdom power sharing agreements of old , whats the Conservatives answer to re-balance the power sharing between the member states of the United Kingdom ?

  • 36.
  • At 12:07 AM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Paul Rogers wrote:

There are about 240,000 people in this country who suffer from ME also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The cost to the UK of this illness is estimated to be between 3 and 6 billion pounds per year. It is also one of the two most common causes of long term sickness absence of children from school. Given this high cost you would expect the Government to make a significant investment in research to find a cure for this illness. In the year 2005/2006 the Medical Research Council spent less than £1 million. Of that money the vast majority was spent on psychiatric research despite the fact that ME/CFS has long been classed by the WHO as a neurological illness; none of this money was spent on biomedical research. There is now ever increasing evidence of the biological nature of this illness. While the UK Government is spending nothing on biomedical research into this illness, the state of Nevada in the US, is investing more into such research than the total UK Government research budget for ME.
Given the high cost of this illness to the country, would Mr Cameron agree to meet representatives from the main charities and research groups representing people with ME, and would the Conservative Party commit itself to a policy of significantly increasing the funding for research into ME/CFS with the focus being on the biomedical aspects?

  • 37.
  • At 01:24 AM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Silkstone wrote:

Fact - At the last Election more people in England voted Conservative than voted Labour. This was before most people probably even knew of Cameron’s existence and consequently therefore, his political raison-detre’

A mere two years into his leadership and according to the polls, if an Election were to be held tomorrow those positions would be well and truly reversed, with hideous consequences for the Nation. Would he, or rather, CAN he, say why?

The 2001 Election was called a year early; Blair's tactics being to take full advantage of the Conservatives’ suicidal in-fighting and the Portillastas’ ‘destroy Hague’ programme, aided and abetted as it was by large sections of the media in full voice. Another not insignificant factor being that his now infamous mendaciousness and duplicity had yet to be rumbled by the Nation

It’s now a matter of history that the programme of destruction succeeded, but it’s no less true to say that because they came too early and therefore in the wrong circumstances, the very real and crucial warnings spelt out by William Hague, went by the board. The consequences, as we know, are becoming direr by the day

Has Cameron got such a poor grip on reality and through it a failure to realise that were he, in his capacity as Opposition Leader, to raise those very vital issues, not just prior to the next election, but NOW with total and unstinting conviction, his party would be doing exactly what the majority of voters, of all political affiliations and without regard for left right or centre are crying out for.

With the rapidly growing groundswell of opinion towards a referendum prior to the ratification by Brown of the forthcoming Reform Treaty, Cameron will never have a better opportunity to present himself as a man of Conviction rather than an alienator with opinions. The question is - Will he take it?


  • 38.
  • At 01:44 AM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Bob Goodall wrote:

Hi Newsnight

Thanks for the opportunity to ask some questions, here are a few thoughts, I hope there might be something here you can use, or be the basis of a line of questioning. I see that there has already being a big response to this from Newsnight viewers.

Re Cameronomics

The Indypedia a book published by the Independent newspaper gives the UK trade deficit (goods & services) for 2005 as £47.6 billion and for 2004 as £39 billion

And the UK balance of payments deficit for 2005 as £32 billion and for 2004 as £24 billion)

I grew up at a time when a deficit on the balance of payments of I think it was £50 million caused concern and was often the lead story in the news but we seem to be far beyond this point now and the deficit doesn’t seem to be mentioned.

Q- My question is very simple, can he explain to a layperson like me, who is this debt with, how will we ever repay such huge sums and how can this continue, ie how do we manage to pay for what we are currently importing given the huge deficit we are running .Does debt matter and what happens when we are unable to borrow the money needed to service the debts?

Linked to this the front page of the Independent today was the for the first time Briton’s personal debt exceeded Britain’s GDP,
GDP 1,330 billion, £967 billion of which is services and borrowing £1,345 billion, £1,131 billion of which were home loans

Which leads us to a subject I care very much about –Housing.

How to get to the heart of what Mr Cameron believes in a few questions-
Q-Second homes –does Mr Cameron think they add to the problem by reducing House supply thus driving up prices Yes/No?
Q-Does he think there should be any disincentives for owning more than one home Yes/No?
Q- If so what are they?
Q-If not what would he say to the people of Cornwall where 80% of house sales are to people outside the county?

In 1989 rent controls were scrapped by the Conservative Government, one reason was to try to increase the amount of rental accommodation. The Housing benefit bill has quadrupled to £12 billion since then. People do not see renting as anything but a waste of money, many people such as key workers who might have done this once are not able to now. Also a huge amount of taxpayers money is being wasted.

Q- Does Mr Cameron think rent controls should be brought back to provide affordable housing and save public money at the same time?

Q-What does Mr Cameron think a key worker is?

Q-Does Mr Cameron think that Government housing policies might increase prices by increasing buying power in the market? Which policies does he think do this, and which do not and why?

Q-Does he think that there should be a financial audit of the effect on house prices of Government housing policy and intiatives? How would he increase help for first time buyers without inflating house prices by pumping public funds into an already overheated market?

In about 1992 I heard a briefing by the Joseph Rowntree trust which suggested if housing association start up grants were put back to 100% (they are 50-60% now) this would mean that lower rents could be charged and there would be an overall saving in Government spending as there would be a reduction in housing benefit paid. Lower rent would also increase the incentives to work. This in turn would provide more role models for younger people in deprived areas.
Q-What does Mr Cameron think?, should grants be restored to 100%? (I was a former rent setting officer for a London based national housing association).

Q-Does he believe the sale of council housing be curbed by charging the market price for a home?

Q-Does he believe that high house prices have any connection with driving jobs overseas because of their link to wage inflation.

(more on www.housepricecontrol.org.uk) includes an article by John Muellbauer


Q-Does he think the Bank of England should use other fiscal tools apart from interest rate rises to curb inflation, if so what are they and what are the advantages of doing this. (I wrote to the Bank of England recently about this and a few other things)


2012 and all that
Q-Does Mr Cameron think that the provision of sporting facilities to help people get fitter and reduce obesity should be funded by cash strapped local councils or by other parts of Government? If you look at www.pm.gov.uk and in the petitions section type ‘Westminster Lodge’ you will see an issue about a local swimming pool the local council intend to make smaller thereby reducing participation in sport just as at a national level a completely opposite tune is being played.

A possible question, but with a danger attached -
Now perhaps the most important question of them all. Does he really feel, genuinely that the country between us have a lot more of the answers to the problems and issues of today. That, fortunately this wisdom does not lie in the hands of the few. How will he tap into this and allow ordinary people be heard which will necessarily mean that he and other politicians will have to take more of a back seat. The danger with this question is that he could get off the hook from answering closed questions such as above or others viewers have sent in with a meaningless wishy washy answer to this one.

That’s about it for tonight
Hope you might be able to use some of this, and thanks again for giving viewers the opportunity to ask questions via Newsnight, we are rarely in a position to do so, but you are, if we write to these people the replies are usually risible as our letters probably never make it to the person to whom they are intended. May I ask if you might do this again and allow us to be heard and our questions asked –and answered by way of your programme?
Best wishes and thanks
Bob


  • 39.
  • At 09:40 AM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • M D wrote:

Why on earth does Mr Cameron not make much more of the fact that Gordon Brown CANNOT represent change when he stood shoulder to shoulder with Tony Blair in imposing all the disastrous decisions from which the new PM is now attempting to disassociate himself?

  • 40.
  • At 11:01 AM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Please ask David Cameron:

"Why are you committing a future Conservative government to repealing the Human Rights Act when you must know that all of its provisions are drawn from the European Convention on Human Rights which would continue to be binding on Britain? If you are considering withdrawing the UK from the Convention, do you accept the consequences -- UK withdrawal from the EU and the Council of Europe? Repealing the HRA will simply mean that Britons who need to assert their rights under the Convention will be put to the extra expense and delays involved in taking their case to the European Court of Human Rights instead of being able to get justice under the Convention in the British courts. Is that what you want?"

  • 41.
  • At 12:15 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Gareth Roberts wrote:

How does Davey plan to restore the respectability of the UK parliametnary system?

With reference to some of the following maybe... (or maybe not) you are the editors...

Special advisers supersceding elected representatives and the civil service,

The general lack of debate and attendance in parliament (we elect these representatives, i believe that the the fact that they do not cast their views on many questions is a breach of representative trust.) Furthermore parliamentary debate can be quite entertaining and politics needs glamorisation to increase its relevance. Also old style question times for more accountability.

The EU's decision making system leaving opposition parties out of a lot of regulative decisions, and some stances on foreign and home affairs policies, (dont tell me that there are parliamentary commitees, becasuse they dont have any access to the EU in reality.)

The House of Lords, doen't really have a defined shape, and the innability to understand promotes ignorance, (The EU is incomprehensable without weeks of studying, and many people dislike it without knowing the facts.) Give it a clear vision (a house of specialists for instance elected by the proffessions-top doctors lawyers teachers... Just an idea though.)

  • 42.
  • At 12:45 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Mary Smith wrote:

There is a growing resentment in England of the distortion created by the uneven devolution arrangments,about which they have never been consulted, and in which the English feel increasingly disadvantaged. Be it tuitiuon fees, prescription charges, elderly care , just a few examples. This is not going to go away, and while the Labour party who created this mess are in complete denial, are you as well?

  • 43.
  • At 03:15 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Charlie B wrote:

David Cameron is fast earning a reputation as a flip-flopper. For instance, on the one hand he has enjoyed portraying himself up as the 'heir to Blair' - intended, one presumes, to signal an open-minded approach to public sector reform. On the other hand, he has sought refuge in the old Tory 'preservation because it's there' line when the government has proposed moving some of district general hospitals' functions to larger, specialist centres. Similarly, his support for tax cuts in the face of economic growth (to "share the proceeds", we're told - code for 'rush to the aid of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Counties') runs directly counter to the prescriptions of Lord Layard and others whose 'happiness economics' literature he claims to have influenced him. In short, my question would be: how much longer can the Tory leader keep flirting with every branch of public and intellectual opinion he happens to notice?

  • 44.
  • At 03:49 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • DAllan wrote:

Dear Bill
You and me both Mate and lots n lots of other lovely lovely people all colours all creeds all religs. a simple turn of the brain.

  • 45.
  • At 04:26 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Chris Gudgin wrote:

Please ask David Cameron when he will decide if the Conservatives will cut taxes and if they will- how he expects to invest as much money in public services.

  • 46.
  • At 06:55 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • HM wrote:

Oh, please remind me: How are the Conservatives going to be better than Labour? I keep forgetting...

  • 47.
  • At 07:29 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Thomas Corker wrote:

Please ask Mr. Cameron:

How does he respond to criticisms from sources such as Quentin Davies that the Conservative party has ceased to stand for anything, and that his style of leadership is all style and no substance?

  • 48.
  • At 09:01 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • Mr Edward J King wrote:

Please ask Mr Cameron
If as a Caring Conservative with a new outlook just why he has promoted John Redwood the extreme right wing Thatcherite to his team Same old drip
from him Same old failed ideas.
Vote Conservative with him at your side No thankyou

  • 49.
  • At 10:11 PM on 25 Aug 2007,
  • John Oakes wrote:

1. Your big idea is called 'social responsibility' and it is about a "less top-down approach to government" and pushing power down and out of whitehall and giving it to "people".
Firstly, is whitehall staffed by aliens?
Secondly, you've quite vaguely spoken about giving power to "people and communities". You can't just expect people to spontaneously sort things out, can you? It doesn't work, that's why we have government. You've also slipped in the word "business". Does this mean more privatisation?
Be honest, is it just a gimmick? Its a popular tactic of aspiring politicians like Ronald Reagan in the 80s to be seen to "get government off people's backs" and charge lower taxes. But don't forget the great paradox from the Thatcher years: politicians don't want to give power away.
So what is social responsibility? Is it just a gimmick and nothing much will actually change? Or is it a cover to dismantle the welfare state?

2. What are your plans, if elected, for transport? Many people say the trains are a shambles and not all bus services are up to standard. Road traffic congestion is a problem and the UN's own climate change panel recommended more investment in public transport to reduce emissions. Would you support this, more money and state intervention? Do you accept the privatisation of the trains has been a disaster?

3. Is it unfair to have a school system where the parents who can afford to buy houses in the best catchment areas can send their kids to the best schools? The worst schools then end up with the worst teachers and all the most unruly pupils, and the equality gap does nothing but grow. Not only is this unfair, as pupils are not getting an equal opportunity to succeed in life, but it has knock-on effects for the rest of society. What are you going to do about this?

  • 50.
  • At 01:04 PM on 26 Aug 2007,
  • Bill Coughlan wrote:

To implement Compassionate Conservatism would cost a lot of money. Is Mr Cameron confidence that he could persuade his core vote in social classes A and B to pay higher taxes to make this reality? Charity is a help but it is no more than a hen laying an egg as an offering whereas the real solution is a pig like sacrifice by paying higher taxes to help the poor and most vulnerable in our society.

Bill Coughlan - Chelmsford.

  • 51.
  • At 01:42 PM on 26 Aug 2007,
  • Adeola Capel wrote:

Can Mr Cameron comment on the charge that the leadership of the Conservative party might have changed but the party has not; i.e compassionate conservatism is just a slogan and it is not believed by the majority of the party.

  • 52.
  • At 02:43 PM on 26 Aug 2007,
  • Louise wrote:

1. What would be done to improve the schooling system in London, particularly secondary education? Would current schools be improved, or new 'acadamies' set up?
2. Will something be done to provide youth with more clubs/activities in London? If so would they be available to everyone, not just minorities?

  • 53.
  • At 04:17 PM on 26 Aug 2007,
  • Wendy Wilson wrote:

What are your plans for current silver voters? As a 69-year old I am really frightened for the future - care, illness, the state of our hospitals and ever increasing council tax and power bills.

Will you abolish means-testing? Many of us - who are not rich but not poor enough to receive help from the state - find ourselves struggling on a fixed income (or even a reduced one when interest rates come down). Because of means testing we are unable to receive any benefits because we have either saved, downsized or inherited a modest amount of capital. Many married women of my generation do not receive the basic state pension as we were encouraged to pay the reduced N.I. stamp as our wages/salaries were low in those days. Tax relief makes no difference to me personally - my income is less than my allowance, but because some of it comes from interest on capital I don't qualify for benefit.

No practical help is available to us -
from free and reliable nationwide public transport if we can't drive to cutting our toe-nails if our hands are shaky. Those of us who get confused find it difficult to put the right rubbish in the right box and then we get fined if we make a mistake!

We want to be independent and 'green' and not be a burden to others without being penalised for having our own house and savings.

Look after the silver voters, David, and we will support you in our thousands!

  • 54.
  • At 04:52 PM on 26 Aug 2007,
  • walter plant wrote:

Please ask Mr Cameron if he re=think about grammar schools.I went to a grammar school and about 25% of the intake were boys from poor families and I think more boys from those poor families went to University than do now.The trouble now,is that schools are in either middleclass areas or poor areas,people buy houses to get into the catchment area of a 'good' school but not for a 'bad'school.
I think Mr Cameron is wrong about grammar schools,he should take his advice from the main old Conservative
party and not Mr Blair.

  • 55.
  • At 11:58 PM on 26 Aug 2007,
  • D Allan wrote:

THE PIPER
WILL HE /WONT HE PLAY THE TUNE ?

  • 56.
  • At 09:48 AM on 27 Aug 2007,
  • RH wrote:

David Cameron claims that under his leadership the Tory party has changed to become a modern party for a modern Britain.

Why then did he promise as one of his first commitments as leader, to allow parliamentary time for a vote to repeal the legislation on hunting with dogs.

I know David Cameron has ridden to hounds himself but surely he can see that setting dogs on another animal for entertainment has no place in a 21st century Britain.

By the way I am not a member of any anti-hunt lobby but do feel that attitudes to this sort of issue, capital punishment is another, tell you a lot about politicians.

  • 57.
  • At 05:01 PM on 27 Aug 2007,
  • lloyd williams wrote:

On the news today Afghanistan was described as the biggest producer of drugs in the world (mind altering substance) but I feel the alcohol producers of the world must claim that title. Wouldn't it make sense to buy the opium crop from the poor farmers at a decent rate,extract enough for medical use, then destroy the rest.This would cut out the traffickers and dealers it would also help to befriend the locals and would save on military operations as well as law enforcement and medical aid to addicts over here. Isn't it about time somebody started to look at prevention on a larger scale.

  • 58.
  • At 07:01 PM on 27 Aug 2007,
  • nuur wrote:

As we know job seeker Allowance (JSA) and other agencies like new deal and others worked under (JSA) failed what the government called help for unemployment people. A lot of people asked their self why the government paid a lot of Money in to the account job seeker Allowance (JSA) and other agencies worked under (JSA)? The government can pay only one single payment in to Department of Social Security (DSS) as the conservative did before into unemployment people

There are a lot of mistakes did the goverment let is take one of them. Money wasting which government wasting, for example unemployment people worked upon them three or four different agencies each person worked one of that agencies his weighs per week is above the £200 and 4X200 is £800 plus unemployment people weighs. So if we make good management we can save £200 minim every person worked in that agencies per week just baying one single department to rule all that task
The question is how the job seekers can get a job while all that agencies needed a client who is unemployment?

Please ask Mr Cameron what his view these mistakes and what his future plan is?

  • 59.
  • At 08:16 PM on 27 Aug 2007,
  • Richard Porte wrote:

Methadone is more addictive than Heroin.

In view of the huge Opium crop in Afghanistan,why can't the Government purchase the entire crop and use it as a far more effective substitute than the only two current legally prescribed mediations ( Methadone & Subutex) for the treatment of chronic Heroin addiction?

  • 60.
  • At 08:45 PM on 27 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

You wish to abolish the Human Rights Act 1988 with a Bill of Rights. What would you exclude from the Human Rights Act and why?
Human Rights Act can be found here:

  • 61.
  • At 08:59 PM on 27 Aug 2007,
  • lloyd williams wrote:

Why is it that politicians have a habit of getting drunk on nostalgia, always thinking times were better when their party ran the country.

Why wont they admit for once that it may have been what went on before that may have contributed to what we see today. The state of today's society can not be blamed solely on the Labour Party and the 10 years they've been in power alas the speed of moral decay in this country has been helped along not only by government policy made law by both main parties but by the mind set of a nation that has been duped by both parties wanting to be seen to be doing the right thing(but at what cost).

At the White City adventure playground in Gloucester they are the only group to be offering a free play scheme during the 1/2 term period. This on average is attended daily by 50-80 children. White City is considered to be one of those deprived areas where tomorrows criminals are born. Yet even with the measured success of the adventure playground and staff they still find themselves fighting for survival due to lack of funding. I ask Mr Cameron to come down and see for himself and then maybe the Conservative led council may think twice about granting some additional funding to people that not only know about anti social behaviour but has over the years helped to alleviate the problem.

  • 62.
  • At 12:05 AM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Tim Mills wrote:

Why are you so uncritical of the war in Iraq? Bearing in mind that you voted for the war on the basis of false information, you are completely free to disconnect your party from the war and the present disaster. You could make a solemn statement, announcing the party's change of policy on Iraq - with complete integrity. It seems Mr Blair's real reason for the war was regime change (and that the US was determined to go ahead regardless of wmd). Can you state that you believe that regime change is no reason for a democracy to declare war on another country?

  • 63.
  • At 05:08 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Peter Bancroft wrote:

Please ask Mr Cameron, that electorally the biggest threat is from the lib dems. Have you made enough of a push for lib dems to defect over to the party and for lib dem voters to vote conservative?

why aren't any right-wing lib dems coming over to your party? (Most recently David Laws)

  • 64.
  • At 06:13 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Vincent Coles wrote:

Does Mr Cameron believe that we can solve the housing crisis while still permitting massive numbers of non-UK citizens to enter Britain every year to live and work here?

Does he believe that he would have any control over anything that matters now that the EU is about to replace Parliament via the new Treaty/Constitution?

  • 65.
  • At 06:17 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Robert Page wrote:

Will you please ask Mr Cameron if he actually believes in anything? In especial case will you ask him if he believes there is any such thing as a principled politician?

  • 66.
  • At 06:27 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • DAllan wrote:

Has Cameron got the Right stuff? Are you Suggesting that brown has. I fail to see it sir. he is deficent in the trouser and brain cell dept although I keep hearing he has a massive brain I just wonder how far up the obvious it has got stuck. There is no sunshine there although some parties believe there is guess who. Any person who comes out with WE WILL BUILD 2 MILLION HOUSES ON FLOOD PLAINS (most of the south is flood plain) without the mention of STILTS and in the MIDDLE of the Worst Flooding in years is CLEARLY IN NEED OF SOME URGENT ASSISTANCE. The Gordon Bounce brings a Smile to the boatrace. Marbles do bounce dont they and as for the other I dont know where they bounced off to. Perhaps Newsnight could organise a Search Party he is clearly in need of some. He cant borrow mine I need them to attack him and his sicko pants

  • 67.
  • At 06:52 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Dear Sirs,
To-night's news night will be something special, as our veteran politician Dennis will be 90, and I am very much looking forward to be 100. Now about our film actor David....David who? well I need not go very far. Seen great actors like Clark Gable, Omar Shariff, just to name a few, but Cameron? well, well, well! I don't know if there are any survivors left from the Dad's Army. He will be o.k. with them.
Cheers,
All the best Gavin.
Kind regards
Joseph

  • 68.
  • At 06:54 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Peter wrote:

Please ask him whether he is in favour of having a British Constitution so that he and his successors cannot just do what they like with our freedoms and liberty: for example, ID cards, on line medical records, and very gently try to deceive us into becoming a state in a New Europe.

  • 69.
  • At 06:57 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • DAllan wrote:

In Addition to my Last I am so concerned about the Unelected/able brown things state of MIND I left for work this morning in my Slippers, trying to negociate a building site in slippers with the elf n safty police about is slightly a tactical affair. I console myself with fact that gordon and the rest of his parasites wont be getting his greedy grubby mits on my filthy dosh to waste on anything /one he can bribe to get him elected. Is it he or me who is corrupt answers tatooed on an ameba and posted up the nearest Human Rights Liars backside. EXTREME CAUTION qualified VETS only to carry out the proceedure, full NBC with breathing apparatus required the aforementionds head will be up there and it will full of Highly Pressurised Excrement.

  • 70.
  • At 07:13 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Keith Marsden wrote:

Three vote winners- immigration, wasted billions, and silver vote.

  • 71.
  • At 08:38 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Ged Robinson wrote:

Could you please ask 'Dave' what his personal, and his party's voting record has been on the continued investment by the Labour Government in the NHS. As self-styled saviour of the NHS I can only assume he voted in favour of the record levels of investment. If not, are his words not merely a sham?

  • 72.
  • At 08:44 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Bryan wrote:


How much longer have we to wait for Cameron to resign.

  • 73.
  • At 08:46 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Souwester wrote:

In the previous referendum we voted for a Common Market, not a political union.

Does David Cameron have the balls to take us out of the disastrous EU ?

  • 74.
  • At 08:57 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • jane gould wrote:

please ask David Cameron when he will tell Conservatives that principles without power is POINTLESS. (sorry to misquote Tony Blair).
Will he instruct them unequivocally to toe the Party line vocally or simply shut up.
otherwise any Conservative over the age of 65 is unlikely to live to see another Conservative government.
I will be at the Conference in Blackpool, and am hoping against hope that this will be the message that I hear.

  • 75.
  • At 10:16 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Mike R wrote:

Will David Cameron please stand up for our civil rights and proclaim that he will scrap any contracts that the current government awards for the purpose of implementing a national ID card. David has not talked about this strongly enough, and I am not convinced that he really will fight against ID cards - many of the people in his own party actually support the odious plan.

Will David also please explain why we should trust him when his shadow chancellor George Osborne attends elitist Bilderburg meetings.

  • 76.
  • At 10:36 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Rod Newnham wrote:

At the Games in Melbourne Michael Gault broke Karen Pickering’s record of 13 medals by winning a bronze, two silver and a gold to add to his previous tally of 11 medals (8 Gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze) making the record 15. This achievement is even more remarkable due to the fact that the Labour government banned small arms pistol shooting in 1997 and Michael Gault had to train abroad for the event that he won gold in Melbourne.

No one has represented their country and their sport with such distinction under such difficult restrictions as Gault has.
The banning of the Olympic & Commonwealth Games pistol shooting sports by Labour has meant that competitors wishing to represent any of the UK home countries (NI excluded) has to train abroad. This also means that our pistol shooting team will not have the home advantage that the 2012 Olympics should give them.

Bearing in mind the total failure of the 1997 Firearms (Amendment) Act, Tony Blair didn’t swallow his pride and ensure that Gault got an MBE as Karen Pickering did. When the England football team were beaten in the last World Cup they were wined & dined at No10. It must therefore be a deliberate snub that despite Mick Gault's impressive record he has yet to get any recognition from the Government.

Please ask Mr Cameron what we can expect from him?

  • 77.
  • At 10:46 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Idris Baker wrote:

Michael Howard, when he was leader, began a short-lived debate about the size of government: he believed that it should be small and contrasted that belief with the large government tendencies of New Labour.

I disagreed with him but welcomed the debate; the then style of government was palpably flawed. So should we respond to, move on from, the Blair era by shrinking government or just by improving its quality? If the latter then where now lies the clear blue water between parties? Where does Mr Cameron stand?

  • 78.
  • At 11:14 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • mark wrote:

Do you believe that the Invasion of Iraq was a breach of international Law?

  • 79.
  • At 11:17 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • William Heron wrote:

Could you please ask David Cameron: Would he pour money into targeting us all as suspects by issuing ID cards or would he use those billions of pounds towards Intelligence led targeting of suspects.

  • 80.
  • At 11:20 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Manoj Gupta wrote:

What will David Cameron do to restore democracy and confidence in democracy in this country and get away from the feeling that we live in an elected dictatorship?

  • 81.
  • At 11:20 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Craig Barker wrote:

How will Mr Cameron align his dedication to public services with his parties dedication to Privatisation?

  • 82.
  • At 11:21 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • james Brown wrote:

With the benefit of hindsight, do you now accept the decision to invade Iraq was wrong?

  • 83.
  • At 11:21 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Should we the British people not hang our heads in shame at our complicity in the Middle East choas?

  • 84.
  • At 11:21 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • William Heron wrote:

Could you please ask David Cameron: Would he pour money into targeting us all as suspects by issuing ID cards or would he use those billions of pounds towards Intelligence led targeting of suspects.

  • 85.
  • At 11:21 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • frank jasper wrote:

Will he ease the planning process to allow rural people without homes (and with virtually no prospect of getting on it) to obtain preferential consent on suitable building plots thus helping to provide local homes for local people?

  • 86.
  • At 11:21 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • mark wrote:

Do you believe that the Invasion of Iraq was a breach of international Law?

  • 87.
  • At 11:22 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Jean Crookes wrote:

Will David Cameron promise to keep the National Health Service free at the point of use and maintain the monetary inflation linked commitment to finance it.

  • 88.
  • At 11:23 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Dr. Richard Fairburn wrote:

All the evidence points to an emerging demographic timebomb in the care needs of the elderly population. Does David Cameron accept that evidence? If so, what measures will we see during the first term of the next Cameron government?

  • 89.
  • At 11:23 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Roy Burns wrote:

What specific elements of legislation concerning gay rights would you advocate being repealed?

  • 90.
  • At 11:23 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Peter Speirs wrote:

Does Mr Cameron plan to alter the current Government's policy of fetishising Private Finance Initiatives?

  • 91.
  • At 11:23 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Tom Stratton wrote:

Bearing in mind 16 year olds like me can join the army and pay taxes, will you give me the opportunity to vote for a government that can spend my money and send me to war?

  • 92.
  • At 11:24 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Andrew Howlett wrote:

Would a Conservative government continue Labour's war on the motorist, or would it turn down the heat and remove the threat of widespread congestion charging and 'pay-per-mile' schemes?

  • 93.
  • At 11:24 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • kassim wrote:

will Mr Cameron unlike this current government ever dare speaking out against the Israeli oppression of Palestinians, will he condemn and raise the pressure on Israel the way the international community condemn Hamas. Where does he stands in terms of a middle east free of nuclear weapons, which includes putting the pressure on Israel to give up there nuclear weapons, so that fairness will be there for everyone to see and there fore other middle eastern countries would follow suit. what is David Cameron stands on resolving the middle eastern conflict? does he plan on starving all Palestinians until Hamas decide to say, we recognise Israel? will he accept the Palestinian choice of voting Hamas to power?

  • 94.
  • At 11:24 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Dave Matthews wrote:

Mr Cameron - you have recently written: "And frankly, there are many aspects of our society today which are hardly inspiring – the drinking, the drug-taking, the rudeness and incivility, the lack of consideration for others, anti-social behaviour"
(https://www.webcameron.org.uk/118 - 10 May 2007).

In light of this, would you like to enlighten the British public about the Bullingdon Club and whether you think that former members of this club are really fit to make statements like the above, let alone become Prime Minister, Chancellor or Mayor of London?

  • 95.
  • At 11:26 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • frank jasper wrote:

Will he ease the planning process to allow rural people without homes (and with virtually no prospect of getting on it) to obtain preferential consent on suitable building plots thus helping to provide local homes for local people?

  • 96.
  • At 11:26 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Philip J Watson wrote:

PLEASE ASK DAVID CAMERON THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Would he and any future Conservative Government consider introducing the system of NEGATIVE income tax to iron out the inequalities of the benefits system and prevent its fraudent use.

  • 97.
  • At 11:28 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Mark Rustin wrote:

What will you do to stop the intrusion into private lives? The new assumption your not innocent? Council inspectors with rights to enter your home? identity card s which no one believes will work? Road charging (and number plate tracking)? What will you do to give our privacy back and allow us to own our information rather than a state which just wants to profit form it?

  • 98.
  • At 11:29 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Philip J Watson wrote:

PLEASE ASK DAVID CAMERON THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Would he and any future Conservative Government consider introducing the system of NEGATIVE income tax to iron out the inequalities of the benefits system and prevent its fraudent use?

  • 99.
  • At 11:29 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Jean Crookes wrote:

Will David Cameron promise to keep the National Health Service free at the point of use and maintain the monetary inflation linked commitment to finance it.

  • 100.
  • At 11:29 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Nigel wrote:

Hi

When you were first elected as leader, you came across as very eco-friendly.
Do you have any policies that will save us from global warming, which has already cost peoples lives?

Nigel from Leeds

  • 101.
  • At 11:29 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • frank jasper wrote:

Will he ease the planning process to allow rural people without homes (and with virtually no prospect of getting on it) to obtain preferential consent on suitable building plots thus helping to provide local homes for local people?

  • 102.
  • At 11:30 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • STEPHEN PAGE wrote:

PLEASE ASK DAVID CAMERON:

"As a country that can fit into the state of Florida yet has over 60 million people does he believe we should limit the size of the population to a pre-determined number offering a decent quality of life to its citizens, surely planning for a smaller population is at the heart of any eco-friendly society? and if not why not?"


  • 103.
  • At 11:31 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Brian Snellgrove wrote:

Mr. Cameron,

I have a feeling you are just interested in getting into power, come what may! Am I right?

Well you are not going to say "Yes"

So why do you not just be honest and give some typical Conservative policies. You would be respected more for that.

Brian Snellgrove

  • 104.
  • At 11:32 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Peter Farrell-Vinay wrote:

We have th worst transport system of western Europe. What will Mr Cameron do to improve it?

  • 105.
  • At 11:33 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Ian Stewart wrote:

I would like to know what David Cameron will deliver in the first 100 days after he becomes Prime Minister

  • 106.
  • At 11:33 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Ethelred the Unhinged wrote:

Capitalism is based upon a constant growth in consumption.

Green policies require consumption to be reduced.

So how can you both vote blue and go green?

  • 107.
  • At 11:34 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Lawrence Lockhart wrote:

Please ask Mr Cameron:
If you were Prime Minister, to be fair to graduates who won't get the top jobs, would you repace university tuition fees by a tax on graduates?

  • 108.
  • At 11:34 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Andrew Howlett wrote:

Would a Conservative government continue Labour's war on the motorist, or would it turn down the heat and remove the threat of widespread congestion charging and 'pay-per-mile' schemes?

  • 109.
  • At 11:36 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • George wrote:

David and many of his M.P.s are currently campaigning against proposed changes to the NHS by Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts as a result of this Government's policy of modernization through re-structuring leading to possible reductions in services at some hospitals. Will David explain how Conservative policies which will lead to a two tier NHS, where the better off can use their wealth to their advantage for NHS services, and target free consultants can choose to increase their 'private work'?

  • 110.
  • At 11:38 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Conor Mulholland wrote:

Please ask David Cameron:

Will you be the first party leader to be brave enough to admit that the NHS, despite the best efforts of its staff, is not working, and that we as a country need to consider an alternative model of health care provision? In particular, given the conflicting demands of increasing patient expectation, intolerance of any form of waiting list and the increasing cost of new healthcare technologies, will you be brave enough to raise a debate on new ways of funding our healthcare including the possibility of a personal-insurance based system?

  • 111.
  • At 11:41 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Martin Hassett wrote:


Given the apparent inability of governments (of any political persuasion) to manage large-scale IT projects, what is Mr Cameron's position on the ID card scheme?

Does he not agree that it is a solution looking for a problem?

Does he also not agree that the scheme will have far more affect on law-abiding citizens than the criminals and/or terrorists that will simply find a way to circumvent the scheme?

  • 112.
  • At 11:45 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Sevy Dadourian wrote:

Will you change the continuing campaign of denial and finally recognise the Armenian Genocide. As a precursor to the Jewish Holocaust, Hitler said "Who, after all, speaks to-day of the annihilation of the Armenians?" Will you take the moral high ground and not succumb to Turkish threats?

  • 113.
  • At 11:49 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Mike Law wrote:

As a former Newham councillor who defected to the Conservatives from Labour, my primary motivation was the Conservatives defence of the liberty of the individual (e.g. opposition to ID cards etc.). Will David Cameron guarantee our civil liberties will remain secure in his hands?

  • 114.
  • At 11:51 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Rob wrote:

The Thatcher years generated the satirical generation, led by brilliant programs such as ‘The young ones’ and splitting image. Out of the Blair years have come absolute rubbish led by ‘Big brother’. Do you see this as proof that great artistic endeavour is fuelled by great adversity?


Do you think that the traditional two party system is out of step with the needs of today? Could there be an alternative, or do you think that the person with the ability to change the face of British politics has not been born yet?

  • 115.
  • At 11:58 PM on 28 Aug 2007,
  • Nick Jones wrote:

What is David Cameron's position on introduction of Identity cards and does he believe it offers any control over the threat of terrorism.
Also it was reported in 'Private Eye' that in view of the billions of pounds of 'identity card' contracts put up for grabs last week, that both the Chief Executive and the Commercial Director in control of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Office's I.P.S. joined from Accenture; a company in which they still have declared interests and previously had or still have a shareholding. These gentlemen would therefore have much to gain if Accenture were awarded any part of the I. D.card contract. Is Cameron aware of this iniquitous situation and what can he do to control this conflict of interest.

  • 116.
  • At 12:01 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Derek J White wrote:

Given the ‘apparent’ state of the country: family breakdown, the increase of violence, youth ‘yob’ culture, the country’s cultural [identity] confusion etc, is there any likelihood of the Conservative Party , under your leadership, giving a lead in publicly identifying and encouraging, in whatever way possible, a return to the [Christian] values that have shaped much of our nation’s heritage?

  • 117.
  • At 12:02 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Derek J White wrote:

Given the ‘apparent’ state of the country: family breakdown, the increase of violence, youth ‘yob’ culture, the country’s cultural [identity] confusion etc, is there any likelihood of the Conservative Party , under your leadership, giving a lead in publicly identifying and encouraging, in whatever way possible, a return to the [Christian] values that have shaped much of our nation’s heritage?

  • 118.
  • At 12:02 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Sue Richards wrote:

Please ask Mr Cameron,

Does he think that people are put under too much pressure in their lives (eg in the form of working pressures, money , and insecurity etc ) and this has led to making society behave badly ?.

Typically we now see alcohol abuse in our towns ( de-stressing?) , too many motorists that drive like maniacs ,youths with no self respect or respect for others , serious weapons and drug problems , all of which are escalating out of control. Nobody I speak to feels safe or happy with our country any more. Sureley there needs to be population control and things could become less demanding and manageable again as they were 40 years ago when life went at a steadier pace and it was more pleasant with people more considerate and polite.( not to mention the green aspect of this) People are out of control its scary.

  • 119.
  • At 12:03 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Judy Morris wrote:

The government accepts that it is essential to keep the impending rise in temperature due to climate change below 2 deg C, because beyond that catastrophic feedback mechanisms are likely to kick in. The Centre for Alternative Technology believe that to achieve this we need to reduce global emissions to zero in the next twenty years.

Please ask David Cameron if he would be willing to work with the Labour Party to implement CAT's new report 'Zero Carbon Britain'.

  • 120.
  • At 12:05 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Rita Ann Jermy wrote:

Could Mr Cameron please outline his plans for providing sufficient affordable housing and rented accommodation at affordable rents. Mr Brown's intentions in this direction seem to have hit a "brick wall". Hopefully the Conservatives have an answer.

  • 121.
  • At 12:06 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Derek J White wrote:

Given the ‘apparent’ state of the country: family breakdown, the increase of violence, youth ‘yob’ culture, the country’s cultural [identity] confusion etc, is there any likelihood of the Conservative Party , under your leadership, giving a lead in publicly identifying and encouraging, in whatever way possible, a return to the [Christian] values that have shaped much of our nation’s heritage?

  • 122.
  • At 12:08 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Pauline Campbell wrote:

Question for David Cameron:

Does Mr. Cameron agree that "no-one is available for interview" is an unacceptable response from Government when Newsnight requests a Minister to appear on the programme; does he agree that we have a right to hear from our elected representatives, especially when difficult and/or sensitive issues are being discussed; and can he give an undertaking that he would end this unfortunate practice if ever he became PM?

  • 123.
  • At 12:09 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Philip Sharp wrote:

I hope DC will start avoiding the TB-ism, "What matters is, ..." a phrase used to dismiss the importance of the question posed and give sufficient time to reflect upon a response. The questioner would not have asked the question if it did not matter to him/her, so I beg Mr Cameron not to start or indeed continue with TB's typical reaction. It didn't get him very far in the hearts and minds of the electorate (despite what he and Cherie might think).

But more importantly NHS targets.

My mother died last year; official reason pneumonia. Actuallly it was related to osteoporosis > fracture > infection from hospital > chronic pain > physio > no progress > threats of amputation > depression, etc., the list is indeed depressing but my point is that the NHS target appears to have shown that the service had improved. More money had been spent, after all and waiting lists had reduced. Everybody was very kind and had done all that they might have done, given their objectives. However I believe she might have lived another ten years if the service really focused on what matters.

It would be interesting to hear Mr Camerons views before presenting my own but as this is not possible, ...I believe better targets for any health service should be aimed at improving HEALTH and quality of life. It is not about reducing the symptoms, it is about finding the remedy for the ailment. And if managers' bonuses were based on these criteria, we might then see other targets, such as customer satisfaction being used for calculating managers' (and civil servants) benefits.

And this leads me to another problem for most of us. What would Mr Cameron's government do with regard to the billions still being taken from private pension funds by New Labour?
To highlight the difference in government attitudes to public / private pension could someone tell us the cost to the taxpayer of, for example, Tony Blair from now on until his death assuming he lives to the age of 80?

Thanks

  • 124.
  • At 12:15 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

FAMILY VALUES?

Why has Mr Cameron recently continued to accuse estranged fathers of abandoning their children when the reality is that those estranged fathers get no support or encouragement from the Government, Family Courts, Legal Services Commission, and the various social agencies (Cafcass, NYAS, et al)? It is no accident that so many estranged fathers appear to abandon their children in a time-frame that corresponds almost exactly to the time-frame of the first round of Family Court Hearings - a fact exacerbated by the secrecy of those Family Court Hearings.

Wouldn't it be better if Mr Cameron and his Tory Party were to offer some hope of change for the better instead of making accusations of abandonment that merely demonstrate his ignorance of the realities of family breakdown in the UK?

  • 125.
  • At 12:16 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Sue Richards wrote:

Most people I speak to wants to see a governement with some backbone to fight crime and tackle poor education and the results that poor education has on society. We are living in an 'anything goes' society and its awful and its not democratic at all, it just breeds bad behaviour. Can he take it in hand ?

How about backing victims of crime instead of criminals, for a start?

  • 126.
  • At 12:24 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Robert Hamlin wrote:

Will you please ask Mr Cameron, why he will not support the South East England Regional Assembly in it’s ongoing disagreement with Central Government over housing numbers for the South East Region. Given the fact that the Assembly’s position has now been endorsed by the EiP report that was published today, and the leader of the Assembly is Cllr Keith Mitchell the Tory leader of Oxfordshire County Council?

Also his party has been very passive regarding the Sub National Review, which will give the current regional planning powers held by the South East England Regional Assembly, to the unelected RDA. Which supports not only building new housing at a rate of over 36,000 per year bur also building new airport runways across the wider South East of England.

  • 127.
  • At 12:40 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Leon Kanaris wrote:


How do the Conservatives intend to square the new Bill of Rights with the fact that people would still be able to appeal to Strasbourg using the ECHR?

Would not the Bill of Rights just cause confusion?

Finally, if you were to withdraw from the ECHR would that not put you into conflict with the EU since there is a requirement to be a member of an international human rights treaty under EU law.

Thanks from Leon Studying Law at Manchester Metropolitan University.

  • 128.
  • At 12:43 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Ian Wightman wrote:

If the last Prime Minister was brave enough to remove the Trade Union Block vote, will Mr Cameron as Prime Minister be brave enough to remove the Political Party Block vote from our system?
Also, does he agree that Party System is in reality no more than fractured communism?

  • 129.
  • At 12:54 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • the cookie ducker wrote:

Does DC regard himself as a serious political animal comparable to Thatcher.

  • 130.
  • At 01:18 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • D Riches wrote:

Given past attempts to promote morality through political campaign, e.g. back to basics, does David Cameron believe he has a new approach? And if politics does not have the answer, who and how should the morality of a nation be determined and adopted?

D.Riches - Birmingham

  • 131.
  • At 01:25 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Magellan wrote:

It will not be possible to wage a successful fight against crime without first getting tough with the judges and magistrates.

1. What will DC do to reform the judiciary?

In many cases we hear of criminals boasting of their disregard of the law, and being let off of long prison sentences after only a few years.

2. Will DC reintroduce the death penalty to eliminate hardened criminals from society and to stop the current death penalties exacted on innocent people?

  • 132.
  • At 01:33 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Nicholas Dean wrote:

David Cameron is on the record as saying he supports ethnic nationalism for the Jewish people:

"If what you mean by Zionist, someone who believes that the Jews have a right to a homeland in Israel and a right to their country then yes I am a Zionist and I’m proud of the fact that Conservative politicians down the ages have played a huge role in helping to bring this about."

"There is something deep in our Party’s DNA that believes in Israel, the right of Israel to exist, the right of Israel to defend itself and that a deal should only happen if it means that Israel is really allowed to have peace within secure borders and real guarantees about its future."

Does he think the English have the same right to a homeland or is he by implication anti-English, or perhaps anti-gentile?

  • 133.
  • At 01:40 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Colin Turner wrote:

Can you please ask Mr Cameron how on earth does he expect to solve crime by interfering with, Music, Video games and most insulting scrapping the 24 hour licence (reported on news 28 August ref zero crime tolorance). What about the responsible drinker. Is he seriously saying that changing back to 11.00pm with 20 minutes to drink up will solve the problem and the stupid ones must spoil this for ALL of us? It makes me so angry, when we have the technology available as in practical installment of CCTV in hidden designs/locations on a basis that the public could make anonymous calls to a police monitoring station to report times and places of incidents that could then be checked quicker by police and offenders/vehicles traced. CCTV HOLDS both time and day so as 10.00pm looks much the same as 2.00am now and will do until next May, CCTV would show the actual time of offence. Trouble would stop as people don't like getting caught let alone recorded as this could also then be used in court- if required. Would Mr Cameron enforce Councils to install CCTV on estates to cut Anti Social on a large scale(not just for a headline)or does Parliament have no power over Councils. My M.P's office told me my M.P has nothing to do with Council issues and can only take up issues involving central government departments such as DWP, but all councils have a budget and I thought part of this was through an annual payment from Central Government. Who is right? Is it no wonder people sometimes give up on politics when a person confronting a youth to stop trouble can be arrested by police themselves for either assaulting the youth who would not stop or for criminal damage to the youths motor bike that caused the disturbance in the first place. The arrested law abiding person risks losing their job as a result by being arrested for trying to stop trouble, they then are labelled a criminal themselves and a ruined life but at least they are still alive. CCTV on a larger scale would show what happened and when.
Would Mr Cameron. Thank you.

  • 134.
  • At 06:40 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Debbie Procter wrote:

Do you agree with Jeremy Paxman's criticism of broadcasting?

Do you want to ban YouTube?

  • 135.
  • At 06:49 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • moto wrote:

Recently, Cameron stated that he would ban violent video games to stop crime, while at the same time criticising NL for knee jerk reactions.

FACT: There is no proven causal link between violent games and crime, any more than there is a proven link between books and television and crime.

FACT: violent games already have labels on them with the legal minimum age. If someone sells the game to a child, or a parent/sibling lets them play it, the fault is with the person who let them play it, NOT the supplier. The same as with vendors who sell pronography or alcohol to underage people

Side Note: I was planning to vote for Tory in the next General Election but I shall refuse to do so as long as it is run by the Blair clone Cameron

  • 136.
  • At 07:31 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Duncan wrote:

What is David Cameron's opinion on the funding of medical care using medical savings accounts of the type proposed by the Adam Smith Institute? Would he support the introduction of similar savings accounts for education?

  • 137.
  • At 07:35 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Leon Kanaris wrote:


Would the new bill of rights allow the courts to strike down legislation if it did not comply with it.

  • 138.
  • At 07:43 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • al hill-smith wrote:

Question:
Will a Conservative Government repeal the Human Rights Act? Surely this is only feasible if we also withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights?

  • 139.
  • At 08:14 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Mrs Davies wrote:

Does the Conservative party have a future and why?

How can you tackle anarchy on our streets without overthrowing middle class supremacy in education and housing? If you promise to overthrow the middle classes, as you did recently over grammar schools, how will you ever gain power?

  • 140.
  • At 08:48 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Nick Hardwick wrote:

Mr Cameron,you recently staged a remarkable u turn over the grammar schools row within your party.This was your first big test of leadership,and you appeared not to be up to the task.
You had described even building a handful of new grammar schools as and i quote "an electoral albatross","delusional","isn't the right thing to do","not practical politics",and "not a sellable idea".
Now unlike Lady Thatcher you clearly are for turning,and one must have serious doubts over whether you possess the principles,strength or substance to lead the country.
Why did you bow to pressure within your party,and are you indeed going to build new grammar schools or abolish them?

  • 141.
  • At 09:08 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Nick Palmer wrote:

Simple question requiring yes/no answer. If after the next General Election the Conservative Party has less seats than now, will you accept the failure of Project Cameron and resign? YES or NO?

  • 142.
  • At 09:08 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • wilson dean wrote:

The key question is "Will the Conservatives commit to ending the shocking waste of money of much of the public sector?"
Quangos, council non-jobs and unnecessary red tape have all proliferated under Labour. Surely, if the Conservative Party is to mean anything it has to mean economy and efficiency in the public services.
Wilson Dean

  • 143.
  • At 09:25 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Thomas wrote:

David,

At a time when political apathy is worryingly high, how do you believe we can inspire the younger generation to take an interest in politics? It is clear that the local elections in May helped this cause enormously with the electoral success of young candidates, yet I believe there is still much more to be done.

  • 144.
  • At 09:27 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • mohmed mayet wrote:

Would a Cameron led government pull us out of the EU social chapter?

At the moment this gives part-time workers the same rights as the rest, guarantees a 4 week holiday, helps women.
It would also make it easier to hire and fire people.

  • 145.
  • At 09:28 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Stubbo wrote:

Why doesn't DC attack Brown more on simple issues? 22 tax hikes that were trumpeted by the Tories before the last election. YOU implemented these Mr Brown. The robbing of the pension funds by Brown, he personally wore the balaclava on that heist.

Just how tough can these new initiatives on crime be when the jails are already bursting, crooks are allowed early release (to re offend), and Brown wont build any more.

As for the 3 million houses to be built, is he (Brown), aware that due to all the immigrants that are now being allowed in (and they cant even produce accurate figures to indicate just how many are in the country), 25% of that build will be taken up with non British.

Defence is a joke. You have such a lack of manpower that without the TA, Iraq wouldnt be feasible. Defence on the cheap (not to mention rules of engagement that allowed Royal Marines to be taken and paraded as prisoners by a bunch of Iranian misfits).

Maybe Mr Brown will tax suicide belts sold in the UK to "off the radar" extremists that his government have allowed in the country. Could be quite a lucrative revenue stream there eh?

  • 146.
  • At 09:33 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Sid Bloggs wrote:

Please ask Cameron how he plans to replace the Council Tax, and what he intends to do about the Scottish Questions. Cheers

  • 147.
  • At 09:53 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Di Tolan wrote:

Do you think that the relentless pressure put on our young people to go to university or be branded as a 'failure'is a good thing and what alternatives does he suggest?

  • 148.
  • At 09:58 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Why does the Party's Director of Strategy, your close personal friend of the last fifteen years, and your son's Godfather, Steve Hilton, refuse to give interviews and remain constantly in the dark?

His influence behind the scenes is incredible but does this justify the reported salary of £23,000 per MONTH!?

Is your friend still being paid over £23,000 a month by the Conservative Party or bodies associated with the Party? How much is he being paid?

As part of the funding for political parties now comes from the tax payer, why do you think a salary in excess of £250k / year is justified for a man who delivers third place in by-elections?

  • 149.
  • At 10:05 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • robert wood wrote:

When is Mr Cameron going to do anything about the West Lothioan question. We need an English Parliament for English MP's to pass laws for England - not have Scottish MP's vote for policiies which only act against people in England, like old people's care charges and higher education fees.

  • 150.
  • At 10:34 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Peter Skelton wrote:

Why cannot David Cameron admit that
£20bn to £30bn annually ( 5% of UK budget) ultimately be used to reduce
taxation, or eg.fund old age care, by
re-establishing control over profligate and incompetent waste and spending by our public servants which includes the Treasury.

  • 151.
  • At 10:36 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • ARNOLD GORDON wrote:

PLEASE ASK DAVID CAMERON THIS..WHEN YOU TOOK OVER AS LEADER OF THE PARTY YOU SAID, PUBLICLY, THAT YOU WOULD DO AWAY WITH 'YABOO POLITICS' WHEREBY MEMBERS SHOUT AND WAVE THEIR ORDER PAPERS AND BOO EACH OTHER. IT IS STILL GOING ON AS WE SEE DURING PM QUESTION TIME. WHY HAVE YOU NOT BEEN ABLE TO PUT A STOP TO THIS AS YOU PROMISED.

  • 152.
  • At 11:09 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Jeremy Weltman wrote:

Would Mr Cameron admit the fight against drugs and the crime associated with it can only be won if drug use is legalised and therefore more effectively controlled?

  • 153.
  • At 11:17 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • m cochrane wrote:

Is Mr Cameron in favour of only English MPs voting on matters that affect just England?

  • 154.
  • At 11:27 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Andrew Curtin wrote:

The Conservative Party's "Quality of Life" agenda doesn't seem to talk much about libraries, local arts centres and theatres, sports facilities, local history or local museums, and yet they are all perhaps the most important things in determining quality of life and establishing the sort of civilised values in society that will make communities better. How will you be dealing with this issue in the future?

  • 155.
  • At 11:27 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Nick Thornsby wrote:

Mr Cameron,I haven't voted in a general election yet as I am only just 18, along with most of my friends. Among many 18 year olds I know there is a very out dated view of the conservative party- things like they only support the rich, closed all the mines, will scrap the minimum wage etc. There is no chance that a lot of people will vote for you because they are not convinced you have changed- what are you going to do about this?

  • 156.
  • At 11:28 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Chris Williams wrote:

CAMPAIGNING FOR THE RIGHTS OF AUTISTIC PEOPLE.

As Mr.Cameron has a disabled son, would his Conservative Government make it illegal for Autistic children and students to be excluded from School and University?

The 1997 Protection from Harassment Act means that some University students with Asperger's syndrome in particular, are being convicted over their social incompetance being regarded as annoying to the intolerent.
This subsequently leads to the distressed, lonely and criminalised young autistic being excluded from University until they are cured, even though it is a lifelong condition with only a limited improvement when a Psychologist is brought in to help.

  • 157.
  • At 11:37 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Tony Ainscough wrote:

If a voter is against the state funding of political parties, for whom should he vote?

Also, if a voter is against postal voting, (or any other form of voting system in which he can show the way he voted to a third party), for whom should he vote?

  • 158.
  • At 11:43 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Does Mr Cameron agree that,

whether he uttered the exact phrase or not, his 'hug a hoodie' speech has damaged social relations in this country and that, if he continues to kowtow to party pressure for a tough stance on crime, he risks alienating the 'young person' from the 'politician' even more?

  • 159.
  • At 11:51 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • heather adams wrote:

i feel david cameron does have what it takes to ne the next p.m.
he cares about the environment, the community and the family.
also he plans to do away with the inheritance tax which is an extemely unfair tax for people who have worked all their lives just to have it taxed instead of being able to leave it to their children.

  • 160.
  • At 11:52 AM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Cat Norman wrote:

Mr Cameron,
You talk allot about social responsibility, so much so that it is the subject of my MA dissertation. How do you propose your government creates the momentum for the culture change that this entails without Stalin-style societal centralisation?

  • 161.
  • At 12:26 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Kofi Addo wrote:

Mr Cameron,
Please don't allow political correctness stop you from implementing the Social Agenda that was produce by Mr Ian Duncan-Smith. That is the only way we will be able to save this country. It is the anwswer to the violence that has engulf the country at the moment. The emphasis on family, discipline, respect for life and property. This is what will bring the Tories to power. I have never voted for the Tories but I am planning to do that next time run based on this.I am also spreading the news that the Tories may have the answer to country's social problems. But it is up to you to implement it as a manifesto pleadge that can bring the necessary change. We are counting on you.

  • 162.
  • At 12:27 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Damon Kingshott wrote:

Please ask David: Why did he disagree with Margaret Thatcher in his acceptance speech about whether there was such a thing as society? Where are his policies??

  • 163.
  • At 12:33 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • barry moran wrote:

The right to vote is a privelage we enjoy as citazens of this country yet the turnout at elections is ever decreasing. The reasons for this are that people do not believe there are any real differences between the parties and that politians are all the same, namely incompetant and so out of touch with the real world that their ideas and policies fill the public with exaspiration. For example creating legislation and taxation that does not apply to them, presenting "Green Initiatives and Taxation" when China on average opens a new coal fired power station every day, do they really think people want green taxes? 24 hour drinking for a nation with one of the worst drinking cultures in the world, burglars having the right to sue home owners if they injure themselves while stealing from your home, looking after the "human rights" of terrorists when they should be treated as sub-human, a voting system that means a greater percentage of the nation's vote can lie with one party, and yet another party can win power because they won more seats and not actual votes. What will David Cameron do to show that his Conservative Party are not incompetant and are worthy of an individuals vote? When will MPs ever get in touch with reality and come back from the fantasy world they live in?

  • 164.
  • At 12:38 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Paul Chapinal wrote:

Mr Cameron has again tried to blame some sections of the media for the increase in crime. What is he looking for from TV, film, and music authorities? And if he doesn't like what he hears, what does he propose to do about it? Would he consider government intervention or regulation of film, television and music?

  • 165.
  • At 12:55 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • stuart hammal wrote:

In today's (Wednesday) Daily Mail, Mr. Cameron has called for more prisons, tougher sentences and less tolerance. Why didn't he express these sentiments when he first became Opposistion leader? What happened to hugging hoodies?

  • 166.
  • At 01:40 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Peter Clark wrote:

How does encouraging marriage with tax benefits fit into your ideology of government not interfering with peoples lives?

  • 167.
  • At 01:58 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Dominic Harvey wrote:

As someone who started school around the time Blair came to power, I have been subjected to ten years of Labour educational policy, which ruiend any chance I might have had of a satisfactory state education. We've heard some of Cameron's education policies so far - do they actually differ from Labour's in any way?

  • 168.
  • At 03:06 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Simona wrote:

The UK has been rated as one of the worst countries in the EU to raise children. What's going to be Cameron's policy on education? And how is he planning to make the UK a better place to raise children?

  • 169.
  • At 03:54 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Aaron wrote:

Will the Conservative Party reject any proposal from the Gummer-Goldsmith report which seeks to halt ALL airport expansion?

What is David Cameron's attitude towards reconciling enviromental priorities with the economic merits of expanding the aviations industry?

  • 170.
  • At 04:42 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Richard Whitehouse wrote:

Is Mr Cameron going to give serious consideration to a zero tolerance approach to minor offences,which has been proved to be effective in some American cities such as New York

If so,he should consider a ban on the drinking of alcohol in the streets and on all forms of public transport as a starting point.

  • 171.
  • At 05:15 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Margaret Daly wrote:

David Cameron has said he will be focussing on Europe.
Some people might say "not again" given that his three predecessors, William Hague, Ian Duncan-Smith and Michael Howard all played to the anti-European brigade to no electoral avail.
Is this not another sterile and rather banal cul-de-sac?
Please ask David Cameron to confirm that he is not going to take Britain out of Europe to join some woolly
transatlantic alliance with the likes of George Bush?

Regards
Margaret Daly

  • 172.
  • At 05:33 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • DAllan wrote:

Perhaps Mr Cameron could ask what colour are the nickers today auntie beeb the brown stained ones perhaps or maybe a red social frilly pair, No evidence yet of the red blue n white with the COLD STEEL we used to see when something Nasty POO POOS was at the door, You poor old dear you must have been fast a kip when another couple of Nasty poo poos got behind the door.

  • 173.
  • At 06:17 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • wrote:

Now that the average house price is above the means of most young people what does Mr Cameron intend to do about providing affordable rented accommodation in particular that provided by local authorities either directly or through the ALMO organisations, as housing associations have consistently proved that they are not able to supply rented accommodation that is consistently affordable.

  • 174.
  • At 06:35 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Claude Alexander wrote:

Please ask David Cameron a music related question...
Whether his government might reconsider the section of the new pub licencing policy that prevents two or more musicians performing without a costly licence for the venue? The new law undermines what could be a more vibrant musical cafe culture (as in Paris, say) and limits jobs for musicians. The noise abatement function of the original law could be accomodated by limiting the number of amplified instruments to half the band (plus one).
Thanks.

  • 175.
  • At 07:24 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Les Blaber wrote:

Will Mr Cameron please give his views on the question of whether the British People should have a referendum on the European Treaty (Constitution ?).

  • 176.
  • At 07:54 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Sanjay Panda wrote:

Will Mr. Cameroon say why none of his & his party's policies are comprehensive. Its just bits and bobs being thrown around rather than issuing and discussing issues and policies in a concrete manner with a firm action plan. There seem to be more of spin than substance in his policies.

  • 177.
  • At 08:29 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • b danby wrote:

Will Mr. Cameron be the first important British politician to admit that this country is full up and that to suggest such a thing is NOT racist but just a common sense fact. the ever constant in flux of people into the so called UK is compounding existing major problems eg. housing..over full roads . hospitals. prisons schools crime....etc. What is Mr Camerons solution?

  • 178.
  • At 09:11 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • jo smith wrote:

please could you ask mr cameron 2 simple questons and a yes or no answer for both please...are you going to scrap the waiting list targets in the NHS and what do you plan to do with the working and childrens tax credits if you become the goverment...thank you very much....me and my family worry that if you get in you will scrap both of them..thanks again ..jo

  • 179.
  • At 10:55 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Stephen Springett wrote:

Is not the answer to anti-social behavior a strong and empowered police or peer community. The nanny state and the inability of people including the police to use their own (reasonable) judgement and the inability of the local bobby to give a "clip round the ear" has been the primary cause of the lack of respect the young show today and leads to the rising acceptance of violence, including gun and knife crime.
regards
Dr. Stephen Springett

  • 180.
  • At 10:56 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • John Brown wrote:

David Cameron has not the slightest idea of real life nor any understanding of people who have not had his priveleged background.

His entire approach is to make comments that sound as if he has a policy which supports whatever is the current 'flavour of the month', without actually saying or committing to anything.

I am a life-long Conservative who will never vote for this pseudo Conservative Party; indeed, it is no longer a Conservative Party, it is a Liberal Socialist Party as led by Cameron.

Is there not a vast amount of waste in Government bureaucracy that can be saved, and paid back in tax cuts ? Is there not room for a vast reduction in state interference in our everday lives ? What cast iron COMMITTMENTS will Cameron give on such issues ? None, I'll bet any amount you like.

  • 181.
  • At 10:57 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Toby wrote:

Single occupiers are being exploited so badly by the council as they pay 75% of the full council tax debt on a single income per band. This is running at around 130%+ for us since 1990 and is a compound debt for us with no benefit and we feel exploited.

  • 182.
  • At 11:00 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • tom kelly wrote:

As Gordon Brown appears to be refusing to hold a Referendum on Europe , despite an Election promise, why not commission a very simple poll with ONE Question--In or Out of the Common Market (as was) as it is no longer what was signed up for?

  • 183.
  • At 11:01 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • tom kelly wrote:

While I support the policy of Zero-Tolerance, should we not, however, first ensure that Magistrates, Judges etc implement the Tariffs already existing, instead of, for example, granting a Paedophile a 'slap-on -the wrist' sentence?
perhaps too, our troops should be used at home in support of the police, against Gangs, Gun and Knife Crime etc?

Tom Kelly
maldon
Essex

  • 184.
  • At 11:01 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • tom kelly wrote:

Would david cameron instruct Judges etc to implement existing tariffs for offences against children in particular. so that maximum jail periods are given , rather than , as seems to happen, the very min in many cases?
Should the Army be brought in to support the Police in Gang Warfare and similar situations?

  • 185.
  • At 11:02 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • John Brown wrote:

Listening more to this man, can anyone with half a brain cell really see him as a Prime Minister ? It is frightening enough that the Tories were seduced by him, that the whole country should ever succumb is a nightmare. One now begins to understand why so many Britons are leaving their homeland - it is no longer the home they recognize. Self-serving politicians with catch phrases are no substitute for real Government.

  • 186.
  • At 11:10 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • colin foord wrote:

On the the Question raised to Mr Cameron, on Levels of immigration in this country. Irespective of what immigrants bring to this country it should be stopped temporairly or permenantly. All illegal immigrants should be deported, all immigrants who break the law should be deported, regardless of what may happen too them on their return, ( perhaps they shouldnt break the law in their own countrys).1 it wiil help in a reduction in street crime, gun and knife crime, you only have too watch ththe news to see the trend that is forming. yes i will be branded as a mis informed bigot, but perhaps this country should start to be governed by the majority and not the minority .

  • 187.
  • At 11:12 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • david skinner wrote:

The panel accused Mr Cameron of returning to a moralistic right, in other words individual liberties will be taken away. Those on the panel who suggested this are being disingenuous; freedoms that have taken centuries to win have never been so threatened under this socialist governement, as every sneeze and cough now is legislated for. And again to suggest that we should all be free to make up our own morality is nonesense. If I took it in my head to push the interveiwers of Cameron off their chairs, they would protest as though appealing to some idea of justice over and above my personal, moral code.

  • 188.
  • At 11:23 PM on 29 Aug 2007,
  • Tom wrote:

The questions asked by the interviewers were tired and predictable and sounded like they'd been written by 5 year olds.

This style of journalism did not provide us with a true insight into the suggested policies of the conservative party, instead it appeared to put David Cameron on his guard and more concerned that he didn't give too much away. I don't vote conservative but feel that I didn't learn anything more about their current policies as the style of interviewing was too aggressive.

Disappointing.

  • 189.
  • At 12:34 AM on 30 Aug 2007,
  • Will wrote:

It looked to me like the interviewers enjoyed themselves this evening as they toyed with the lame duck Leader of the Opposition. Cameron was not and is not up to the task in front of him. I agree with previous posts that the interviewing style was agressive, but surely this was to be expected by the media savy, style over substance Tory leader, especially given the awful time he has had recently.
Never would a strong leader have sat there and looked as inept as Cameron has this evening. Can you imagine Thatcher letting the panel interrupt her as frequently and with such ease as the Newsnight team did this evening? His answers and explanations looked weak and inconsistent, and made it easy for the panel to take the upper hand. Time after time he tried to justify himself, whereas a strong leader wouldn't have felt the need. Even Michael Howard looked more competent than Cameron. I thought Gavin was going to burst into laughter when faced with Cameron's closing remarks "I don't answer ifs"!

  • 190.
  • At 01:07 AM on 30 Aug 2007,
  • David Brown wrote:

Agree with Tom. What a wasted opportunity but no surprise from the Ö÷²¥´óÐã

All 4 interviewers were overtly and consistently aggressive and clearly despise David Cameron. What ever happened to politeness and/or impartial journalism?

I felt sorry for the poor guy as he is obviously sincere and honest and crucially and to his obvious detriment in such an "interrogation", POLITE!(the exact opposite of Blair who, let it be said, was always given an easy ride by the Ö÷²¥´óÐã because he's smarmy and fits in) Cameron clearly has the best interests of this country at heart and would like to express his views but being "upper class" means his views are sneered at, ridiculed or simply ignored. Restricting him to answers of yes or no over complex issues where detailed explanation is required is kinder garden behavior/journalism but obviously fits in with their pre-conceived demolition job. No wonder people are turned off by politics when what should be the premier Ö÷²¥´óÐã news programme is staffed by rude, know it all, overgrown uni activists who lack sufficient intellect (especially the so called economist) to conduct a worthwhile interview.

I mean seriously we have Ö÷²¥´óÐã prime time news treating us like we're 5 year olds "Parliament is a big place in London where the people we vote for in what are known as General Elections discuss grown up things that affect us all!" and "serious news" that consists of journalists trying to maintain the one party state at all costs!

The Ö÷²¥´óÐã and media in general have wrapped themselves up in political correctness to such an extent that the only minority that can be ignorantly persecuted at will without fear of sanction are people they consider to be "toffs" and all their pent up superiority complexes can be vented on Cameron. What fun!

Never mind, the Ö÷²¥´óÐã will do all it can to make sure Gordon "I have Asbergers Syndrome but don't tell anyone" Brown remains PM and as long as house prices keep going up (New Labours only economic strategy) to release equity to buy tat from China, employ Eastern European trade people to do up said houses and purchase cafe Lattes the "miracle economy" can keep going a little while longer.

Keep up the propaganda Big Brother - sorry - I mean Ö÷²¥´óÐã!

What a joke.

DB

  • 191.
  • At 01:11 AM on 30 Aug 2007,
  • AminChe wrote:

If one couldn't find anything exciting or unexpected not just in Mr. Cameron's answers, but in his politician style of evading to-the-point answers and announcing useless election agenda, the guys at the control room couldn't help but to air Stephanie Flander's legs (which were quite impressive) a lot more than David's (sorry, Dave's) face. That is what I call style over substance, I just don't know why we pick on Dave so much when he does it.

  • 192.
  • At 02:04 PM on 30 Aug 2007,
  • Keith Marsden wrote:

The interviewers yet again are not in tune with the public. Almost a waste of time making the programme.

  • 193.
  • At 04:21 PM on 30 Aug 2007,
  • Kay Sutherland wrote:

The programme was so riveting that I managed to fall asleep after about 15 minutes!

This has never before happened to me when before while watching Newsnight, my favourite programme by miles! Not the fault of the Newsnight interviewers, who did their best, but I blame the ridiculous 'non-poicies' of the Tories & the unbelievable u-turn Cameron appears to have taken in the last few weeks!!!

  • 194.
  • At 05:47 PM on 30 Aug 2007,
  • david skinner wrote:

Apart from Mark Urban, the panel, snapping and snarling at David Cameron, with Stephanie Flanders at the forefront, clearly showed that they put their rights and personal freedom above being questioned, whilst inconsistently questioning the rights of society, communities and families to express their view. It seems that in our egalitarian society some are to be more equal than others. The paradox, however is that as Stephanie Flanders demands the absolute freedom to live family life however she wants, the government is oppressively legislating for every sneeze and cough and we make, so as to make us all conform to evolutionary humanism. I just wish David Cameron had questioned Stephanie a little more closely about her personal life, just so as to reveal her selfishness and dishonesty.

  • 195.
  • At 10:51 AM on 31 Aug 2007,
  • Jane wrote:


Oh Boo Hoo for David Cameron.

If he can't stand up to this kind of grilling,he shouldn't put himself in the hot seat.I would hate to see him representing us at an international negotiating table if this is the best he can manage.
As for the inheritance tax,the vagaries of the UK property market have created a divide between the haves and have nots that probably rivals the Victorian era for inequality -easy to pay for the private school fees,BMW,and all of lifes little " must-haves" ,if you can rent out the top floor of your house in Kensington at a rate which makes my mother's NHS carer's wage of £6 per hour look like pennies.
No doubt the super rich will find some form of tax avoidance scheme,which for the have nots would be called tax evasion.
For what does it profit a man if he works all the hours God sends,and still can't afford a safe home for his children.

This post is closed to new comments.

The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of external internet sites