The Prime Minister will today (Thursday 05 February), take a
stand in defence of a decent and tolerant Britain, one that is
built on common values, against the opposition forces who offer
division and decline, in a major speech to working people, local
leaders and business champions.
He will say that Britain is the greatest country in the world,
and that his pride in the country as a tolerant, decent and
respectful nation, runs deep within him:
“I love this country. It is the greatest country in the
world. The progress and prosperity I've seen throughout my life.
The journey I've been on, personally from a working-class
background to this, I owe everything to this country and its
values. I've spent most of my professional life serving
them.
“Because I believe in them. I believe in our values. I
believe in rules that protect those in need. I believe in
the freedom to live and let live in decency and tolerance, in
respect for difference under the same flag, a common good.”
Taking the fight to opposition forces who peddle grievance and
division, the Prime Minister will say Britain is stronger as a
tolerant country:
“We are bound by values, by common endeavour and by
responsibilities we owe to one another as partners in the project
of this great nation. I believe in our way of doing things. That
in a world that increasingly preys on weakness, I believe Britain
is stronger as a tolerant, decent and respectful country.”
Building on the themes set out in his 2025 Party Conference
speech, the Prime Minister will make clear Britain has been
undermined by those who seek to sow division rather than rebuild
communities and restore local pride. He will say that this is no
longer a fight between left and right, but between renewal and
grievance:
“Britain has been undermined by political
neglect, the scorched earth of Tory austerity. In towns across
Britain, the same story, high streets, youth clubs - the places
that shape a life - that bring different people together, that
create the bonds of memory and pride - they were just
abandoned.
“Because politics in this dangerous era is no longer
about left and right, but a contest between renewal and
grievance. Between those who accept the idea that society is a
zero-sum competition and those who believe we can unite for the
higher purpose.
“This government chooses the path of unity because that is
the only way we can change Britain - the only way we take control
of our future, stand up to the world and walk forward,
together.”
In an ever more uncertain world, the Prime Minister will argue
that a strong society with a government pulling every lever to
tackle the cost of living is central to Britain's security:
“A strong society is imperative not just on its own terms,
but also for national security.
“To put it more bluntly - any country that cannot keep its
high streets alive, it's bills down and it's people feeling
respected, will struggle to meet the test of our
times.
“So we must strengthen our society, because it is vital for
the future of this country.”
He will say that those bonds between communities are strengthened
by this government's £5 billion Pride in Place Programme, which
will rejuvenate over 330 of the most deprived communities.
Announced today, in a further boost to some of the areas most in
need, the government has pledged an additional £800 million to
support 40 new communities, each set to receive up to £20 million
to clean up town centres, invest in youth services or open up
better sports facilities.
And he will say that to reverse decline, Britain must have a
government choosing renewal and investing in communities right
across the country, giving power to those with skin in the
game:
“We've got to reverse the devastating decline in our
communities. We've got to give power, agency and control to the
very people who want to improve their community.
“This is what our Pride in Place programme is about - because
pride is the social glue, the force that holds together a
community and a country.
“People want investment, and this Government will back them.
We are rebuilding our public services, investing in community
infrastructure, opening new nurseries, breakfast clubs, health
centres right across the country. But investment is a means, not
an end. It's about power, as well as pounds and
pence.
“And so let's bring a dance and arts centre to the Grimsby
docks. Let's clean up Coatbridge town centre, invest in the youth
centre in Rhyl, run bingo nights in Coleraine, and create better
sports facilities here in Hastings. Because if you want to know
where hope lives in Britain - it is in our communities, that is
where people come together, that is where you can find our common
good and that is where we will discover, once again, the courage
in each other.
“Communities – backed by the state, fired up by pride, taking
responsibility for the renewal of this great nation.”
