The BBC’s betting expert has noted that a “huge” inflow of money has catapulted David Cameron from 8-1 to 10-3 (equal second favourite) since his speech of yesterday. Liam Fox (14-1) had to work hard to neutralise ‘the Cameron surge’ and win that essential second-placed spot. His speech began with a joke about how he played tennis with David Cameron and often lost. He didn’t intend to make losing against Mr Cameron a habit, he laughed!
Dr Fox occasionally charmed the audience with his wide smile but this was a serious speech overall – designed to reassure those who MPs who wonder if he is substantial enough to be a potential Prime Minister.
It was a very Eurosceptic speech and he won loud applause for his commitment to take Tory MEPs out of the EPP (although the loudest claps greeted his pledge to fly the Union flag outside of schools). He rejected the ‘union’ destination of ‘ever closer union’ and called for a more decentralised and deregulated EU. He told a moving story about the suffering of the Karen people in Burma and said that Conservatives should never look the other way when human beings were struggling for democracy, human rights or free and fair trade. He was unapologetic about his support for the Iraq war and asked the war’s opponents to explain how the world could possibly be a better, safer place if Saddam had still been in power.
Near the end of his speech Dr Fox emphasised the problems of domestic violence and the inadequate care of people with mental health problems. Both are dimensions of the ‘extra mile compassion’ that has characterised the ‘broken society’ theme of his campaign.
Near the end of his speech he outlined a little of his autobiography but – in what will be interpreted as a dig against David Davis – he said that this race was not about where you came from but where you were going. He concluded by saying that the Conservative Party must be a hopeful party – committed to healing the broken society and restoring national pride.
Postscript
I am very glad that Liam Fox spotlighted human rights in his speech. I heard him address the subject at a fringe meeting, convened last night by Gary Streeter MP. It was one of the most exciting fringe events I have attended in many years of conference-going.
Dr Fox (pictured at the fringe meeting) promised to put a concern for freedom and human rights at the heart of Tory foreign policy. He spoke movingly about suffering in Burma. He questioned the moral legitimacy of the United Nations and the way that repressive regimes often dominate its proceedings. He spoke with authority about China and the danger posed to its future stability by water shortages and the consequences of its one child policy (often enforced by horrendous sterilisation procedures).
Ben Rogers, a regular contributor to the Platform section of this blog and a human rights campaigner, spoke after Dr Fox. Dictatorships do not make reliable partners – in commerce or politics - Ben argued. He reminded the meeting that our nation is described as The Mother Of The Free in Land Of Hope And Glory. He urged the Conservative Party to build a Britain that nurtures freedom throughout the world for oppressed people.
James Mawdsley, who was imprisoned in Burma for his campaigning, addressed the meeting about North Korea, which he had just visited. He described horrific human rights abuses in that country and moved a number of the audience to tears.
Michael Gove MP, who also spoke at the meeting, said that Tory Governments must never give comfort to authoritarian regimes again. He ridiculed the Tory party’s post-1997 opposition to Labour’s idea of an ethical foreign policy. The Tories need their own (superior) ethical foreign policy, he said, and that should include rejection of ‘my sonofabitch’ realpolitiks. He highlighted Britain’s all-too-close relationship with Saudi Arabia and said that it export of extremist Wahhabi thinking had gone unchallenged for far too long.
Mr Gove paid handsome tribute to Dr Fox for putting idealism back at the heart of Conservative foreign policy. The team that Dr Fox is assembling on human rights – and the agenda that is building – is a huge credit to his time as Shadow Foreign Secretary.
"The cost of a flag is under £50 according to the first google search I did. This is an entirely bogus point"
Is 'bogus' word of the day?
Presumably that assumes every school has a flag pole of some nature to start with. Multiply that by the number of schools in the UK. Even if we just look at £50 per school - it could be better spent & you know Labour will find a way to maximise the cost when they talk about it.
But also take a look at Wales - Plaid Cymru are in chaos at the moment, why give them a reason to start up the 'were the last colony' argument.
In Australia there is only one nation, here there are 4, it is far less devisive in Australia.
Finally, what is it going to practically achieve?
It's a nice, but frankly barmy idea and as a result of it and the speech Fox made I no longer see him as a possible 2nd choice for me. He rallied the troops brilliantly, but unlike Cameron he didn't enthuse people beyond the party.
Posted by: AnotherNick | 07 October 2005 at 16:38
Is Liam Fox not in favour of having school buildings owned by the private sector?
How does advocating that state owned and run buildings fly the flag imply that you don't believe in the private sector?
Is 'bogus' word of the day?
Where your "cost" argument is concerned, yes.
But also take a look at Wales - Plaid Cymru are in chaos at the moment, why give them a reason to start up the 'were the last colony' argument.
Plaid are in trouble because Labour are in government. They always do badly then. And they'd be undercut, if they tried that line, by making it clear that Welsh schools should also fly the Welsh flag.
In Australia there is only one nation, here there are 4, it is far less devisive in Australia.
Australian schools happily flew the national flag, and the Aboriginal flag if they wished. Australia has a very diverse population, but has successfully constructed a sense of nationhood. We have four nations with an overarching identity. We also need to foster that sense of nationhood, as people from all parts of the political spectrum increasingly agree.
Finally, what is it going to practically achieve?
Utilising the national symbol at schools is one way of helping create that sense of national identity.
Posted by: James Hellyer | 07 October 2005 at 17:06
He rallied the troops brilliantly, but unlike Cameron he didn't enthuse people beyond the party.
ITN, The Sun and others disagree.
Posted by: James Hellyer | 07 October 2005 at 17:09
A comment on the flag debate, I remember down here in Margate trouble being kicked up when our Council (Thanet District Council) was told that it could no longer have the Union flag above its offices. Considering that we are forced to accept more children in care then anywhere else, despite being the second most deprived part of the South-East (I still cant work out which is worse than Thanet) and having to cope with a lack in investment and a relatively weak economy, forcing us to have to take down a flag appears just a little petty.
Ill soon post my full views on Fox but his flag thing I quite like. Nice and simple, relatively inexpensive and a symbol for Britain.
Posted by: James Maskell | 07 October 2005 at 18:19
The papers were rather keen on Cameron too. I seem to remember "Cam on you blues" in the Sun being read by the chap next to me on the train.
Posted by: AnotherNick | 07 October 2005 at 18:26
But I don't see you trying to claim he was poorly received...
Posted by: James Hellyer | 07 October 2005 at 18:32
James,
Is there anything you don't argue? (well excluding everything Liam Fox says obviously).
Posted by: AnotherNick | 07 October 2005 at 18:34
You could just give in.
Posted by: James Hellyer | 07 October 2005 at 18:39
haha - good reply!
Well I won't give in, but I think everyone on this blog knows each of our views on Liam Fox and flags so probably better tie this one up. Just for the record though James, while we may disagree I do have respect for the political knowledge you use to back everything up with.
Posted by: AnotherNick | 07 October 2005 at 18:43
thank you for share!
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