In his first speech to Liberal Democrat conference, Ed
Davey set out his vision for a greener, fairer future for the country.
In his first keynote conference speech as Leader of the
Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey shared his vision on rebuilding the Party and how
he plans to fight for a greener, fairer country as we move forward through the
coronavirus pandemic.
On the government's failures over COVID-19
Opening his speech with the challenges facing our country
right now, Ed slammed the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
saying:
"Given the enormity of the threat to our country,
it’s with deep regret and sadness that I must say: this Government and this
Prime Minister have just not risen to this challenge. With unbelievable
incompetence, this Conservative Government is failing our people, in one of our
darkest hours."
This Government and this Prime Minister have just not risen
to this challenge
On the British people's resilience
While the government's handling of coronavirus has been
incompetent, Ed praised the public in how they've dealt with these uncertain
times. He said:
"Coronavirus is causing enormous hardship and
forcing all of us to make big changes. But it’s also showing the best of
the British people. People’s resilience, kindness and hard work make me
absolutely sure we can get through this."
On fighting for carers
Ed opened up about his personal experiences as a carer, for
his mother, his grandmother, and now his son. Reflecting on how care homes have
been left unprotected throughout the coronavirus pandemic, he told Conference:
"So let me say this, to all of you who need
care. To all of you who are carers. To the parents of disabled
children. To the thousands of young people, caring for your mum or your
dad. I understand what you’re going through.
"And I promise you this: I will be your voice.
I will be the voice of the 9 million carers in our country. It’s you I’m
fighting for."
On the post-COVID economy
After Conference passed a motion that set out a list of
proposals to get our country on the right course for a green
economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, Ed echoed the importance
of building back better as we move forward. He said:
"Liberal Democrats: we must also lead the way to a
new economy. One that’s fairer. And greener. An economy offering real hope
and opportunity for everyone."
On the 2021 elections
Ed stressed the importance of getting more Lib Dems elected
throughout the UK next year, with a strong focus on ensuring our family of
nations stays united, saying:
"Next May, we must get more Liberal Democrats
elected to councils across England, to the Assembly in London, to the Senedd in
Wales and – crucially – to Parliament in Scotland. Elections often
determine the future of our country, but these Scottish elections could well
determine if our country has a future.
"Once again, the forces of nationalism threaten to
tear our family of nations apart. So it is imperative that we get
brilliant Liberal Democrat MSPs elected to Holyrood in May…To reject more
division and instead put forward a positive partnership. To work for
Scotland and work for a better United Kingdom."
Once again, the forces of nationalism threaten to tear our
family of nations apart.
On taking the Liberal Democrats forward
In order for Lib Dems to start winning again, Ed explained
that the party must start listening to more voices and show that the
party represents the whole country, not just some people. He told
Conference:
"We have endured three deeply disappointing general
elections, in five tough years. At the national level at least, too many
people think we’re out of touch with what they want. We can’t fix this
with a catchy new slogan. Or by fighting the same battles, in the same way.
"The answer is to listen to what people are really
telling us. And to change. We know that people want a better future for
themselves and their families. So let’s show them that the Liberal
Democrats can build that better future."
Comments