New Labour pledge personal prosperity for all
The Prime Minister will pitch New Labour today as the party of “personal prosperity” for all, in what is being billed as the start of a major campaign to stress the Government’s sound helmsmanship of the economy ahead of the next general election.
Tony Blair will say under a third term of New Labour government, individuals will be better off than under the Conservatives.
The message to be conveyed is that the general election manifesto will be “unremittingly New Labour”.
The keynote speech in Kent comes as his Chancellor of the Exchequer tours four African states, to promote Britain’s presidency of the G8 of leading industrial nations and the Government’s commitment to eradicating absolute poverty on the continent.
This week, Gordon Brown said New Labour would work to give every British child the “best start in life”.
“Labour’s ambition is not simply tackling idleness but delivering full employment; not just attacking ignorance, disease and squalor but promoting lifelong education, good health and sustainable communities,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Blair will defend his administration’s economic record and reject claims by the Conservatives that taxpayers’ money has been squandered on gimmicks in the public services.
He will say public services under New Labour deliver “personal prosperity for all”, whence combined with “social compassion”.
“The purpose of New Labour is to encourage personal prosperity and well-being, not just for a few but for all,” Mr Blair will say.
“New Labour has brought a new prosperity for Britain. Our economy is stronger and more stable than for generations. Mortgage costs, inflation and unemployment are lower than for decades.
“Today Britain enjoys the longest period of economic growth for two centuries.
“We will continue to govern as New Labour precisely because only New Labour combines greater aspiration, ambition and opportunity for the individual with social compassion.”
New Labour’s sound management of the economy under Mr Brown has boosted the nation’s wealth, allowing for sustainable investment in schools, hospitals and the fight against crime, the premier will say.
Separately, some 300 church ministers accompanied by comedienne Dawn French will descend on Downing Street today to press home the message in their “Make Poverty History” campaign.
