"As our MPs return to their constituencies, three things come to mind:
That we have achieved none of these things is testament to some outstandingly awful leadership. As we contemplate the choice of a new leader the issue that faces us is not the social background of the candidates, nor their charisma, nor even their agenda. What counts above all, is their determination not to revisit a strategy that has repeatedly failed.
We should be under no illusions that this is a very real possibility. Indeed, the party seems so hell bent on repeated failure, that it managed to get in another one just before recess i.e. Cheadle.
Nevermind that this came mere weeks after the general election fiasco, which should have been the end of everything shallow, negative, irrelevant and unbelievable in our approach to campaigning, will still did it again. What’s more we achieved this feat with Francis Maude, that high priest of modernisation, as Party Chairman.
Of course, we’ve tried to get real before. William Hague had his ‘kitchen table conservatism’. IDS had helping the vulnerable. Michael Howard had his famous Saatchi gallery leadership acceptance speech (penned by one F. Maude). Each promised a fresh approach. Each was abandoned.
So I’m now past caring whether the leadership contenders went to Eton, grew up on a housing estate or were found under a mulberry bush. What really counts is their ability to supply proof that they will lead the party in a new and indivertible direction. What might this proof consist of? Well, I hope readers of this blog will suggest their own tests, but I will submit the following:
Each candidate should submit their own timetable for action (to coin a phrase), consisting of concretely defined policies, campaign strategies and party reforms that they will have in place by given date, with a letter of resignation as the only acceptable substitute for delivery."
The prayers of commitment listed below were part of a special set of prayers used throughout churches today to remember the WWII generation - rightly called 'the greatest generation' - who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today:
Will you honour all who bore the pains and adversities of war?
By the help of God, we will.
Will you offer them your help and support, and protect their dignity and welfare?
By the help of God, we will.
Will you remember the causes for which they endured adversity and for which many fought and died, by promoting peace, justice and harmony among all people?
By the help of God, we will.
Will you always acknowledge how precious are the gifts which God has entrusted to us, and exercise the freedoms and opportunities you have with gratitude and humility?
By the help of God, we will.
May Almighty God, who has given us the will to undertake these things, give us also the strength to perform them: for his name's sake.
Amen.
I remember visiting the US Embassy in London after 9/11 and writing a message of solidarity to the American people. Tens of thousands did the same. Millions offered prayers. Today the world is mourning for Britain's losses. The Mayor of Paris declared that we are all Londoners. Above is Dick Cheney's brief message within a book of condolences at Britain's Washington Embassy.