At around 8.40pm today David Cameron, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, stood on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street and said:
Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to form a new government and I have accepted.
He went on to say,
In terms of the future, our country has a hung parliament where no party has an overall majority and we have some deep and pressing problems, a huge deficit, deep social problems and a political system in need of reform. For those reasons, I aim to form a proper and full coalition between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. I believe that is the right way to provide this country with the strong, the stable, the good and decent government that I think we need so badly.
Nick Clegg and I are both political leaders who want to put aside party differences and work hard for the common good and for the national interest. I believe that is the best way to get the strong government that we need, decisive government that we need today.
He then went on to outline his belief in the importance of individual responsibility coupled with a duty for both government and society to support the frail and less fortunate
…and I want to help try and build a more responsible society here in Britain. One where we don’t just ask “What are my entitlements?” but “What are my responsibilities?”. One where we don’t just ask “What am I owed?” but, more, “What can I give?”…and a guide for that society, that; “those who can, should. And that those who can’t, we will always help”.
…above all, it will be a government that is built on some clear values; values of freedom, values of fairness and values of responsibility.
I want us to build an economy that rewards work. I want us to build a society with stronger families and stronger communities and I want a political system that people can trust and look up to once again.
