Tories set out "positive" political credo

Friday, 2 January 2004 12:08 AM

Tory leader Michael Howard has launched a "positive" advertising campaign in a bid to regain the public's trust ahead of the next General Election.

Lord Saatchi, the advertising guru and co-chairman of the party, has orchestrated the campaign.

The new political credo sets out the broad principles of modern Conservatism under Mr Howard's helmsmanship.

The 16-point list of "positive beliefs," to be published in a two-page spread in The Times newspaper today, aims to conjoin personal responsibility, greater freedom, equality and justice.

Mr Howard's press team is also to launch an email marketing drive, aimed at reaching a million people. The ad will be sent to 100,000 Tory members by e-mail. Each will be asked to forward it to ten fellow supporters.

The list outlining Mr Howard's "personal" beliefs reads:

"I believe it is natural for men and women to want health, wealth and happiness for their families and themselves

I believe it is the duty of every politician to serve the people by removing the obstacles in the way of these ambitions

I believe people are most likely to be happy when they are masters of their own lives, when they are not nannied or over-governed

I believe that the people should be big. That the state should be small

I believe red tape, bureaucracy, regulations, inspectorates, commissions, quangos, 'czars', 'units' and 'targets' came to help and protect us, but now we need protection from them. Armies of interferers don't contribute to human happiness

I believe that people must have every opportunity to fulfil their potential

I believe there is no freedom without responsibility. It is our duty to look after those who cannot help themselves

I believe in equality of opportunity. Injustice makes us angry

I believe every parent wants their child to have a better education than they had

I believe every child wants security for their parents in their old age

I do not believe that one person's poverty is caused by another's wealth

I do not believe that one person's ignorance is caused by another's knowledge and education

I do not believe that one person's sickness is made worse by another's health

I believe the British people are only happy when they are free

I believe that Britain should defend her freedom at any time, against all comers, however mighty

I believe that by good fortune, hard work, natural talent and rich diversity, these islands are home to a great people with a noble past and exciting future. I am happy to be their servant."

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