Gordon Brown's first speech to the Labour conference as party leader. September 24th 2007

Conference, honoured and humbled by the that you have given me, I privileged to speak to you for first time at our conference as minister and leader of this party. know I’ve been in this job just three months. And when I people in different parts of the , they say to me “What’s it , then? Do you like the job?” I say “Well, the hours are but at least you can walk work.” And when people say to , “Would you recommend this job to else?” I say, “Not yet.”
Now, come here after just three months office. No one could have foreseen the events that Britain has been since June. But tested again and the resilience of the British people been powerful proof of the character our country.
Early on a June , two cars were found parked and with explosives in Haymarket, London. They put there to bring terror and to men and women who would nothing wrong but be out with friends, walk on our streets and our capital. But from the bomb experts who courageously risked their lives, the Londoners who defiantly went on their lives, that day the world the resolve and strength of the people.
And you know, when the tried to attack Scotland's biggest airport, were answered by the courage of police and of the fire-fighters and baggage handler named John Smeaton. He to the aid of a policeman assault from one of the terrorists. John told me it was instinctive, was just doing what was right. man, that hero, John Smeaton, is with us today and on behalf our country - John - we you.
And every citizen who answered call of the country - policemen women, our security and emergency services, health service - all left their on this island's story by keeping safe. They are the pride of . Just as our armed services with and heroism every single day, they make us proud. We mourn those have been lost and we honour those who in distant places of give so much to our country.
was in these early weeks, in wake of the worst flooding in 150 years, in county after county, saw British people pull on their and pull out their boats to neighbours and strangers. And together they to work to clean up the , sweep out the shops and reopen schools. Long after the waters have the memory of their quiet strength . They too showed the character of : communities where buildings can be damaged even destroyed but, our spirit is . They too make us proud of extraordinary resilience of ordinary people.
And on an early August morning in , a farmer went out to tend his livestock and what he saw him, made him remember back to when all across our country clouds smoke scarred the sky and for in farms and villages, family dreams turned to ash.
During the outbreak summer, our vets, our scientists, our officials in DEFRA cancelled their holidays; fight the contagion farmers worked day night. And they have done it over again this month and continue do so. Their actions live out shared understanding that our countryside is than the space that surrounds, it the oxygen for our towns and . And in order to be the we should be, Britain must protect cherish not just our cities, but countryside too.
And as we saw again this summer, there is no -only, no Wales-only, no England-only answer to spread of disease or to terrorist that can strike at any time, in any part of our country. sharing this same small island, we meet our environmental, economic and security not by splitting apart but when as Great Britain stand united together.
my sense of talking to people all parts of these islands is instead of leaving us pessimistic, these months make us more optimistic about we the British people at our can do.
Our response was calm measured. We simply got on with job. Britain has been tested and found wanting and this is who are.
And there is no weakness Britain today that cannot be overcome the strengths of the British people. don't let anyone tell us Britain not equal to every challenge. We know that in our society we have real problems to solve, real to meet, but don't let anyone us - the British people - this country of ours, which has centuries given so much to the , has ever been broken by anyone anything.
I am proud to be . I believe in British values. My and my mother taught me about and the great virtues of hard , doing your duty and always trying do the right thing. And I never forgotten my father telling me "treat everyone equally with respect". His led him to find goodness in .
My father was a minister of church, and his favourite story was parable of the talents; he believed - I do too - that and everyone of us has a and each and everyone of us be able to use that talent.
the values I was brought up are not just what I learned; are part of the fabric of life I have led. Not just I come from but the experiences have shaped me.
I attended the state primary school in Kirkcaldy a streets away from where I lived - then I took the school to the local secondary school up hill. And I have school friends have kept in touch with all life who have shared the good and comforted me in the bad .
Today I have the greatest privilege all - to have been chosen them to represent in Parliament the where we all grew up together. office where I hold my constituency is just across the road - few yards from the house where lived as a child.
And I from great and dedicated teachers. And was fortunate enough to get to . But as a teenager I saw friends of mine who might have to college or an apprenticeship or university but who never did.
I some could not to afford to so to stay on at school. others, their potential had never been . When they heard about further education, thought, or their parents thought, it not for people like them.
And reason I am here - the reason I am here - is I want their children and their whom I also represent to have the chances that were not available my school friends when we were up.
That's the reason I am : I want the best of chances all families in our country.
So first made me want to do in public service? I don't recall the sermons my father preached Sunday Sunday. But I will never forget words he left me with: "we be givers as well as getters". something back. And by doing so a difference. And this is my compass. This is who I am. am a conviction politician.
I stand a Britain where everyone should rise far as their talents can take and then the talents of each us should contribute to the well of all. I stand for a where all families who work hard build a better life for themselves their children. I stand for a where every young person who has in them to study at college university should not be prevented by from doing so.
I stand for Britain where public services exist for patient, the pupil, the people who to be served. I stand for Britain where it is a mark citizenship that you should learn our and traditions. I stand for a where we expect responsibility at every of society. I stand for a that defends its citizens and both crime and prevents it by dealing the root causes. I stand for Britain where because the earth is loan to us from future generations, must all be stewards of the .
So I stand for a Britain we all have obligations to each and by fulfilling them, everyone has chance to make the most of .
And these are the principles which believe can guide us as we, British people, meet all the new ahead: global economic competition, the terrorist security threat, climate change, the yearning see for stronger communities, the pressures balance work and family life, and of all - something you can and sense in every part of country - the rising aspirations of British people.
Our purpose has always to be the party of progressive . Once our struggle was to secure standards, then to extend opportunity. But need to be honest: today the aspirations of the British people summon to set a new direction. As world changes so we must change . And I believe that when you something right, you build on it. part of experience and wisdom and is to recognise that when you short, you listen, you learn and you are confident enough to change.
Britain today, too many still cannot as far as their talents can them. Yet this is the century our country cannot afford to waste talents of anyone. Up against the of two billion people in China India, we need to unlock all talent we have.
In the last , the question was can we afford do this? In the face of challenge, I say: in this century cannot afford not to.
And you , the country that brings out the in all its people, that country be the great success story of global age.
Now think of the from where we have travelled here Bournemouth. How many young people - boys in particular - fail to the potential they have? How many still come up against a glass that blocks their advance? How many and women who hope to move the ladder in mid career are of the chance to upgrade their and jobs? How much talent that flourish is lost through a poverty aspiration: wasted not because young talents to reach the stars but because grow up with no stars to for? And how many of our children are still deprived of the learning they need. Why should we so many children destined to fail before their life's journey has begun?
this is the next chapter in progress. It’s the next stage of country's long journey to build the and fair society. I want a where there is no longer any on where your talents and hard can take you. Where what counts not what where you come from who you know, but what you to and have it in yourself become.
Past generations unlocked just some the talents of some of the . In the new Britain of this , we must unlock all the talents all of the people.
Now this not the old equality of outcome discounts hard work and effort. Not old version of equality of opportunity - rise of an exclusive meritocracy only some can succeed and others forever condemned to fail. It’s a meritocratic Britain, a Britain of all talents. Where all are encouraged to high. And all by their effort rise. A Britain of aspiration and a Britain of mutual obligation where play our part and recognise the we owe to each other. That’s Labour: now the party of aspiration community. Not just occupying but shaping expanding the centre ground. A strong ; a fairer Britain. Putting people and potential of people first.
You know, was another day in the past months, one that did not make news. It was a day I to Hackney to Lauriston Primary School I met a six year old called Max. We walked through the and then the classrooms. He sat his teacher, Eddie O'Brien, and me. had a book in his hand his hair was a little uncombed - as far as I am may be a good sign. Max been falling behind at school, he’s struggling to read. But because of 'Every Child a Reader' programme, he now receiving one to one coaching, he wanted to read us a . He did brilliantly as he read a gripping narrative about "The Gingerbread " and he smiled as he finished.
that classroom our mission for change as clear and strong as the being read by Max. Because, what was really telling us is that child has potential if given the . Today in private schools, they offer to one tuition. But why shouldn't pupils and not just some benefit extra personal help?
And because I every child to be a reader, child to be able to count, have decided that one-to-one tuition will there in our schools not just Max, but in future for 300,000 in English and 300,000 in maths.
because we want to unlock all potential, not just the three Rs, as we look ahead to the with pride, for every child we for the first time five hours week sport and time for arts music in the schools too.
So we see talent under-developed, wherever there ; aspirations unfulfilled, wherever there is; potential ; obstacles to be removed; this is we - Labour - will be. me when I say: No matter you come from. No matter your . No matter what school you go , my message, our message, is and be: if you try hard, we help you make the most of talents.
So what of secondary schools? every secondary pupil in future, a tutor throughout their school years - starting with 600,000 pupils, small group too. Learning personal to each pupil. available to all - not one fits all but responding to individual . This is the future for our services. Accessible to all, personal to . Not just a basic standard but best quality tailored to your needs.
is my passion. And as we specialist, trust and academy schools it's time to make the biggest change education in decades, a ten year 's plan to make our schools, colleges universities world class.
Instead of education 5 to 16, we will be free universal education to every child - nursery school at 3 to studies or training right up to .
In just one decade we are what no government has ever done: ’re moving the right to education from years education free to 15 years. we will make the most of if every teenager who leaves at can graduate with a qualification. So every apprentice, a certificate of completion. every college or school student, A-levels diplomas, for all a clear pathway skilled work. And we will offer national youth community service because I every young person in Britain to able to say: this is my . I contribute to it. I help it better.
It's wrong that anybody be put off going to college university by the fear it will too much. So when the big changes we are now making are in place, 300,000 students will receive grants. 600,000 - that's two thirds students - will receive grants. And 's the change: there will be more with grants than at any time the history of university education.
To who say more going to university mean worse standards, let us stand for opportunity. In many other countries the majority of young people go university. In Britain. it’s just 42 cent; just 10 per cent from income backgrounds. So for 16 year from low income families who stay at school, we will make a five year offer - we will you through college or university, right to 21.
This is merit rewarded a Britain not divided by class united by aspiration. And it will that a class-free society is not slogan but in Britain can become reality.
Every fifty seconds a child born. And who knows what might to that child? Who knows if could someday start a thriving business, a proud nurse, a good football , or a great scientist? Who knows they will exceed all of their ' hopes to see them get on, a good job and a loving ? Every child deserves the best possible in life. We have lifted 600,000 out of poverty. We are doubling benefits. We have trebled maternity allowances. million families now benefit from the Tax Credits. None of this happened a Labour Government.
And the Pre Report will set out our next because our goal for this generation to abolish child poverty and let reaffirm that goal today.
And I to the children of two parent , one parent families, foster parent families; the widow bringing up children: I for a Britain that supports as class citizens not just some children some families but supports all children all families. We all remember that saying: "suffer the little children to unto me." No Bible I have read says: "bring just some of children."
And because not one child ever be written off, for mothers infants, we will expand the nurse-family . For families and teenagers in trouble, one-to-one support led by the voluntary that, up and down the country, so much difference.
And because it’s to the children that fathers walk from their responsibilities, we will insist new powers to name absent fathers birth certificates and to pay their : maintenance deducted from benefits as we them to work.
And let me that I am also understanding the pressures all families and all parents under to do everything on time: breakfast, get the kids to school their homework done, make sure no forgets their P.E. kit or a play rehearsal. And of course fit your own life and work and sure it all fits in 24 .
And I have heard the call change and we must respond to rising aspirations of parents. Because we, Labour government, introduced six months paid leave, the take up has risen 25 per cent to 90 per . And so it is right this to raise paid maternity leave from months to nine months for all . And this is on the road 12 months maternity leave.
All this part of the revolution in services parents and the under fives: there now 7,000 extended schools, moving from to 3,500 sure start children's centres, doubling of nursery education - two-thirds a million more child care places. this is the next stage in transformation of public services. Our aim quality care available not just to but to all and tailored to ’ needs when they need it and a price they can afford.
A number of parents who care for children now also care for elderly . I want our new carers’ commission hear the call for change from of carers - and this government now do more for respite care, training of carers, for better pension and to give new priority to for disabled children.
And let me tribute to our Deputy Leader Harriet who by her campaigning work is this cause of equality. No discrimination the basis of race, gender, sexuality, , or faith. And no discrimination against members of our community.
We know all parents are also under pressures more than time. Today amongst the influences on children are the Internet, TV, commercial advertising. And like many I I'm struggling to set the so that children can be safe - that's why we have asked Tanya Byron to look at how can make the most of the new technology gives but at the time doing our duty to protect from harmful material.
I want this to honour those who raised us, can affirm our commitment to restore link between the Basic State Pension earnings.
It's time also to make services personal to the needs of elderly: more control over social care ; more choice managing chronic care; a range of services from home helps district nurses. Better personal care so older people can choose to stay their own homes. I want to for all those who have served community all their lives - respect, and security in old age.
You everything we build -- we build a strong foundation of economic stability. commitment to stability has been tested and again over ten years: the crisis; the Russian crisis; the American ; the trebling of oil prices. In last month a wave of financial that started in America and then and has impacted on all countries the United Kingdom and it’s tested stability of our financial system. Yesterday Darling set out how we will to respond with the same calm that he has demonstrated over recent .
And it’s because of the strength the British economy that we are to able to withstand events and to steer a path of low , low interest rates and stable growth.
years ago before a Labour government were 7th out of 7, the in the G7 for income per . Now we are second only to USA - above Germany, above France, Italy, above Japan, above Canada - the longest uninterrupted period of economic in the history of our country.
in Britain where once there were millions unemployed, there are today more and women in jobs than ever our history - for the first there are over 29 million men women in work today.
And we continue to intensify the reform of new deal, remove every barrier to , show we can have flexibility and together to advance to a Britain I want to see, a Britain full employment in our generation.
And will build also on one of greatest achievements of our Labour and union movement - the National Minimum . Next week we will again raise National Minimum Wage to £5.52 an and because we will do more vulnerable workers, in all companies and all places, I want to see minimum wage enforced without exception.
And week also for the first time top of holiday entitlement 4 days public holidays guaranteed.
I believe that are all prod that, under a government, Britain - this small number people in this small set of - is the fifth largest economy the world.
As we set out the next stage of our journey is our vision: Britain leading the economy - by our skills and , by our enterprise and flexibility, by investment in transport and infrastructure - world leader in science; a world in financial and business services; a leader in energy and the environment nuclear to renewables; a world leader the creative industries; and yes - world leader in modern manufacturing too - on the talents of all create British jobs for British workers.
is another aspiration I have heard across the country. I've met too young couples who've told me - work hard, we save, we play the rules, we want to get and yet we can't afford to or, in some cases, even rent first home.
So we plan to first time buyers and we will house-building to 240,000 new homes a - and in places and ways respect our green spaces and the . My aim by 2010 two million homeowners than in 1997. And for first time in nearly half a we will show the imagination to new towns - eco-towns with low zero carbon homes. And today because the response we have already received are announcing that instead of just new eco towns, we will now for ten eco towns - building of new homes in every region the country.
And for affordable housing for social housing we will now £8 billion. This will mean a per cent increase in funds for housing.
And I call on all associations and local councils of all parties not only to support shared for first time buyers, but to us build more social homes for , more homes for key workers, more to cut the unacceptable levels of . Good homes to rent and buy the British people.
A strong Britain a Britain of strong communities where accepting our mutual obligations to each we can make our homes, our and our neighbourhoods safe. Those who to disobey the laws of our - their crimes, the pain they , that danger and immorality - it the rights and security of every . No parent should ever have to the suffering of the family of Jones, the young boy callously murdered Liverpool on Wednesday August 22nd. And reason the people of Britain have so shocked is that amongst the majority of us there is an of guns in our society.
That why it was our government that the right decision to ban handguns. now we need to deal with illegal supply of guns. Two thirds deaths from gun crime occur in four cities. In the last few Jacqui Smith and I have focussed the specific areas in these cities as I saw on Saturday at hand the police will now: match uniformed patrol and extensive undercover work; the use of stop and search and dispersal powers; reinforced by new -held weapon detectors; and all backed up a national level by the work the organised crime agency and our force rigorously targeting and stopping the entry of guns.
My answer to and disorder - our policy - to both punish and prevent. To : for anyone over 18 illegally carrying gun, a five-year sentence. To prevent: our schools intensive education warning about and knives, teachers encouraged to use powers to confiscate weapons. And in communities ex gang members helping us young people out of gangs.
To the evil of drug pushers who our children: I want the tough powers that have already closed over thousand crack houses in some areas the country to be used in areas of the country.
And to local police to use new powers confiscate drug profits, more of the funds will go direct to the and direct into local communities.
To addiction: we will extend drug education expand drug treatment and we will out a clear message that drugs never going to be decriminalised.
There now 139,000 police officers and 16,000 Support Officers - more officers than before. And by April 7th next , every community will have its own policing team. And I can also that we will provide hand held - 1,000 now, by next year ,000 right across the country - cutting work so that officers can log on the spot, stay on the , not waste time returning to the to fill out forms.
So yes will strengthen the police. We will our laws. But preventing crime for also means all of us as community setting boundaries between what is and unacceptable - with clear penalties stepping over the line.
These are that reflect the words I was when I was young - words which we all know strong communities founded: discipline, respect, responsibility. Bullying is - and unacceptable too is disrupting classroom. So to punish: we will teachers the support they need to . To prevent: parents held accountable - if they fail to supervise. And that these young people are not to hang around street corners, councils authorities obligated to maintain their education supervision.
Binge drinking, underage drinking that neighbourhoods are unacceptable. To punish: let tell the shops that repeatedly sell to those who are under age - will take your licences away. to prevent: councils should use new to ban alcohol in trouble spots I call on the industry to more to advertise the dangers of drinking.
I've met young people and all over the country who say me they want to feel safe they go out but they also that young people need somewhere to and something to do. So respect be a two way street. So we take action against anti-social behaviour, too we must take action that transform our communities, by providing the of facilities young people want and .
So we will use unclaimed assets dormant bank accounts to build new centres in our country, and we invest over £670 million pounds so in every community there are places young people to go. With youth , let us say to young people: the first time you will have say over how the money is .
I believe we have not done in the last ten years to that in return for the rights all have, there are responsibilities we owe. New rights to better health but you have to show up your NHS appointment. New rights to maintenance allowances but you have to you are working hard. New rights higher maternity allowances but you have meet with a health visitor. The for company boards to make their decisions, but they have obligations to rest of society too.
And an that if you come to our you not only learn our language culture: you must play by the .
In July I announced a new border force. And already the first are in place - there’s a uniformed presence at ports, customs officers now targeting illegal immigration, stronger security at passport control, and by next ID cards for foreign nationals and will start to count people in out.
And we will move forward our new Australian-style points-based approach to . So Britain will continue to benefit skilled workers coming from abroad and will understand their responsibilities to earn right to settle in Britain. But me be clear any newcomer to who is caught selling drugs or guns will be thrown out. No-one sells drugs to our children or guns has the right to stay our country.
To achieve a Britain mutual obligation, I am convinced that need a new kind of politics. will continue to reach out to those who work hard and play the rules, who believe in strong and a patriotic Britain who may supported other parties but who like want to defend and advance British and our way of life. And of the challenges we have to can only be met by listening and involving the British people. I no doubt that the best answer disengagement from our democracy is to our democracy. And that means more :
Change to make the executive more . That's why parliament will make the decisions about peace and war;
Change strengthen our liberties to uphold the of speech, freedom of information and freedom to protest;
Change to strengthen democracy with new powers for economic and bus services and I pay to the work of our local councillors;
Change within our own party, for the first time to decide policy one member one vote;
And : change to the House of Lords - we will in our manifesto to introduce the principle of elections the second chamber.
Perhaps the biggest for the new politics is to how we as a community can together to safeguard the environment, to that silent, rising tide of global . And I am proud that Britain now become the first country in world to write into law binding on carbon emissions.
But I am satisfied: so I am asking the independent climate change committee to report whether the 60 per cent reduction emissions by 2050, which is already than most other countries, should be stronger still.
And by investing as will do in energy efficiency, renewables, capture, clean fuels, new environmental technologies, want Britain to lead in carbon-free , carbon-free homes and carbon-free industry. And want the new green technologies of future to be the source of jobs in British businesses.
And all government ministers commit to work tirelessly a new post-Kyoto UN climate change with - yes - to help poorest countries, binding targets for all richest countries.
And let me say: in Britain cannot be good stewards the environment unless we are good and I think that means being Europeans too.
At all times I stand up for the British national . And I accept my responsibility to in detail into the amended European the red lines we have negotiated Britain. And whether it's environmental, economic security cooperation, we will hold fast the partnerships with our closest ally , our membership of the European Union, Commonwealth and our commitment to the Nations.
You know, there is a thread of common humanity that across and faiths binds us together and can light the darkest corners of world. And the message should go to anyone facing persecution, anywhere from to Zimbabwe: human rights are universal no injustice can last forever.
I that people will look back on in Darfur as they did in and say why did you the powerful countries in the world fail act, to come to the aid those with least power?
Who can to be moved by the mother Darfur who saved her two youngest from the militias and hid them ? She then rushed back to her to find her husband and older murdered - and then was repeatedly by the Janjaweed. All for being member of the wrong tribe, all acting upon that shared human impulse protect her own children. Her story our deepest conscience; it summons us act. In my first weeks I to the United Nations where we for and secured a clear and UN-resolution. And we have sent a directly to the government of Sudan: progress or face tougher new sanctions. we will not rest until there an end to the aerial bombings, ceasefire, a lasting political settlement and for the women and children of .
One of the great challenges we face is to work together for and security in the Middle East. Blair - for thirteen years the of our Party - is now in the Middle East peace effort let me here acknowledge the contribution is making now and the debt owe as a party and as country to the leadership of Tony .
And with the Northern Ireland Assembly meeting, thanks also to the work Tony Blair, let us celebrate that Ireland is now building prosperity because is now enjoying peace.
And working for understanding and reconciliation across borders, us today, Neil Kinnock chairing the Council and let me also acknowledge debt of gratitude I and this owes to Neil.
Because we will our duty internationally and we’ll discharge obligations, we will work in Iraq Afghanistan for three objectives: for security, political reconciliation and for economic reconstruction, at all times we will do to ensure the security of our armed forces.
Let me say: there be no hiding place, no safe anywhere in the world for Al and terrorism.
To prevail in this it will require more than military and we will work with our to isolate extremism and win the of hearts and minds.
I tell today: there is a global poverty . Today 80 million children are not to school. I want us, inspired Nelson Mandela's lead, to take a to every corner of the world - that we will be the generation to ensure every child in country in every continent has the to go to school.
And every 10 million die from diseases that could have the medicine and science prevent. If in the 20th century ingenuity could put a man on face of the moon, then surely this 21st century human compassion can the pain from the face of suffering child.
So let us be first generation to ensure that every child and every mother is protected , and that we eliminate, tuberculosis, polio, , malaria - and then HIV/aids.
I that for sixty years Britain has the way to health care not a privilege to be paid for as a fundamental human right. Better any other endeavour the NHS expresses mutual obligation to each other: all us need help some of the , it is the best insurance policy the world.
I've been round the and I've been visiting hospitals, GP , health centres. I have listened to I have heard the British people. know when they have a medical the NHS is there for them at its best. And they tell of their huge admiration for our , our nurses and our NHS staff - we do not thank them , and we should do so now.
I know too there are real about basic things that need to : getting in to see your GP you need to; being confident the in your hospital will be clean; every stage being treated as an with respect. So yes there is to do. But let us be : the British people do not want remove the NHS bit by bit; want to improve the NHS year year.
And why shouldn't all British and not just some be able see their doctor at the time want, at the hospital or clinic want - not at a time else wants. So let me set how we take the NHS into new era.
Our great achievement of 1940s was a service universal to . In 2007 we need a service is accessible to all and personal all. Our great ambition now: a Health Service that is also a health service. And we now have make big practical changes to set new standard of service. MRSA and -Difficile are this century's hospital diseases which modern country is now having to out. And to make sure every is clean and safe, following best around the world, there will be funds direct to every hospital for deep clean of our wards. We more than double the number of matrons to 5,000. We will give and ward sisters in all 10,000 the powers to report cleaning contractors safety concerns directly to hospital boards a stronger health care commission.
And can announce that matrons will have power to order additional cleaning and out a message - meet the standards of cleanliness or lose your .
I want an NHS: personal to because you are seen by a in a matter of days, not ; personal to you because there is right to be given x-ray results and time to discuss your treatment; to you because we know that unwell is not a nine to problem only. And so we will GP hours more friendly to families, up opportunities to see a GP your place of work as well your home, expand walk in centres, services at pharmacies and ensure a service from NHS Direct.
I know most worrying time for women is breast cancer is suspected. That's when need an NHS personal to you. best medical advice, we will now the ages for breast cancer screening six years, treat every suspected breast as urgent and guarantee your consultant fast track you into treatment.
And men and women, we will also colon cancer screening right up the scale into your seventies.
I can say that, following the review by Darzi, my aim for the next of an NHS personal to you: every adult a regular check up the NHS.
In July I met Fairhurst, he’s a twelve year old who won the Diana Princess of medal for raising money for cancer leukaemia research. And he was raising in memory of a childhood friend died from cancer even as he - - himself is fighting the . And I believe this too is mission for our generation. Over the ten years: I am proud to that through the medical research council the NHS together, Britain will invest than ever before - £15 billion public money - financing the genius British researchers and doctors as they breakthroughs in genetics and stem cell and new drugs into cures and to combat cancer and the deadliest diseases.
That’s my vision of the - an NHS that is both new cures and personal to you.
why do I believe so strongly the NHS? When I was at it was football, rugby, running, sports: were what I did all the and so I was fitter then. when I was sixteen, when I playing for my school rugby team our former pupils, someone accidentally kicked near my eyes. And from the of 16 to 21, I spent lot of time in hospital as NHS worked to save my sight. learned that with a simple twist fate life can change. It was skills of a surgeon, the care wonderful nurses, the attention and yes, love and care of the NHS that managed to save one of eyes. And it is because of NHS that I can read the that I am reading today.
The we live through shape the way think of the world. Experiences like have made me the person I . Sometimes people say I am too and I fight too hard and that's true. But these experiences taught what families all across Britain know: things don't always come easy and are things worth fighting for.
Like many people across this country I the best of reasons to believe the life-saving power of the NHS - the liberating power of education - for making them both the they can be.
So this is pledge to the British people:
I not let you down.
I will up for our schools and our .
I will stand up for British .
I will stand up for a Britain.
And I will always stand for you.