UKPOL.CO.UK

Category: Speeches

  • Robert Buckland – 2019 Statement on Justice and Home Affairs

    Below is the text of the statement made by Robert Buckland, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, in the House of Commons on 16 October 2019.

    The Justice and Home Affairs Council of the Finnish EU presidency recently took place in Luxembourg. The JHA Counsellor at the permanent representation of the UK to the EU attended Justice Day on 7 October. The UK did not attend Interior Day on 8 October.

    The UK Government decided that from 1 September until Brexit day, UK Ministers and officials will only attend EU meetings where the UK has a significant national interest in the outcome of the discussions.

    Justice Day began with a discussion on the EU Action against corruption, in the broader context of the debate on rule of law and mutual recognition. All member states supported the need to take action against corruption. The presidency concluded that there was support for a new comprehensive EU strategy or action plan. The EU work should bring added value and as such should look first at using its existing tools. member states also supported the EU becoming a full member of the Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO), so that the EU institutions are held to the same standards as GRECO members.

    Ministers adopted the supplementary negotiating directives on EU accession to the ECHR. The Commission committed to restarting negotiations as soon as possible, whilst ensuring that the EU would reform its internal rules ahead of agreement with the Council of Europe.

    The Council conclusions on the “EU Charter of Fundamental Rights after 10 Years: a State of Play and future work” were waived through without debate.​
    During lunch, Ministers discussed the rights of victims of crime, particularly the most vulnerable, including children and victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) cited the 2.5 million children across the EU who are involved in criminal proceedings in different forms. The need for a multi-agency approach was noted, with care of victims being about more than the criminal justice system alone. It also entailed medical, social and psychological care. The presidency concluded that they would consider this issue further at the December Council.

    After lunch, the FRA director presented the ‘Fundamental Rights Challenges in 2020 and Beyond’ paper. Many member states touched on the importance of the link between rule of law and fundamental rights and the importance of the EU moving forwards on artificial intelligence with a fundamental rights focus.

    The Commission then welcomed the progress made following the introduction of the code of conduct but called for further work to be done by the next Commission on disinformation and online hate speech.​
    Ministers also approved the Council conclusions on Eurojust. Eurojust presented the counter-terrorism register which was launched in September. Member states agreed that the register would build upon the spirit of co-operation reached in the 2005 Council decision to support the work of Eurojust.

    The Commission briefed the Council on the latest EU-US senior officials meeting, reiterating the limited mandate due to the ongoing e-evidence negotiations. The second senior officials meeting would take place in early November to make progress before the EU-US Ministerial on 10 December. Security Commissioner Sir Julian King briefed on the progress made on the Budapest Convention. The presidency concluded that it would return to the issue in December.

    The Commission considered that the appointment of the European Public Prosecutor would give a boost to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) being set up and reminded participating member states to nominate their three nominees so as to be ready before November 2020.

  • Seema Kennedy – 2019 Statement on a Fair Immigration System

    Below is the text of the statement made by Seema Kennedy, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, in the House of Commons on 16 October 2019.

    People from all over the world have come to the UK and helped make this nation what it is today, and this Government welcome the contribution migrants make to the UK’s economy, society and culture.

    Leaving the EU allows us to introduce a new points-based immigration system and we have commissioned the independent Migration Advisory Committee to conduct a review of the Australian immigration system and other international comparators, as the first step in creating our new fairer immigration system.

    The new immigration system will be a single system, where it is people’s skills that matter, not where they come from. For example, our new graduate route will be open to international students who have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK higher education provider. It will build on action to help recruit and retain the best and brightest global talent.

    But a fair system also means a controlled system. My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, has confirmed he is not getting into a numbers game in respect of migration, but it is only fair to those who play by the rules and everyone else that those working, living and accessing public services are doing so legally. It is right that the system distinguishes effectively between those with lawful status and those here illegally.

    In that respect, we are keen to ensure that the experiences of the Windrush generation are not repeated. One of the key lessons we have learnt is that declaratory systems do not work. The EU settlement scheme means that, in years to come, EU citizens will always have the evidence that they need to continue living in the UK as they do now. Simply to grant all EU citizens a status in law, and not require them to obtain evidence of this, would significantly increase the risk of another Windrush.

    The EU settlement scheme, is a fair, simple and straightforward system for EU citizens to secure their immigration status in UK law. The system is working well, and the latest internal figures show we have received two million applications and are processing up to 20,000 a day.

    Settled and pre-settled status reflects the residence rights that EU citizens currently have under EU free movement rules. EU citizens resident in the UK for less than five years can get pre-settled status, which protects their current rights to live, work, receive benefits and access services, qualifying for settled status once five years residence is complete.

    Fairness also means ensuring we provide protection to those most in need of it. This Government have great respect for human rights and has evidenced this through ​a long and proud history of supporting refugees and other vulnerable people. Over 75,000 individuals have been granted some form of protection since 2010.

    In 2015 we committed to resettle up to 20,000 refugees affected by the conflict in Syria by 2020—and we are well over three-quarters of the way there, resettling over 17,000. We have re-affirmed this commitment to resettlement beyond the current commitments by creating a new consolidated global resettlement scheme, resettling in the region of 5,000 refugees in its first year of operation.

    Immigration is a reserved matter and this Government believe it is right that it stays that way, but we do recognise the need for some regional variation, which is why Scotland already benefits from a separate shortage occupation list.

    It is also why, earlier this year, we commissioned the MAC to advise on issues concerning potential future salary thresholds.

    This Government believe that a controlled immigration system that serves the best interests of the whole of the UK, that rewards hard work and talent, that is based on a person’s skills and what they have to offer rather than where they come from; and that provides protection to the most vulnerable, is a system that constitutes fairness. That is the system this Government are working to deliver.

  • Nicky Morgan – 2019 Statement on Online Harms

    Below is the text of the statement made by Nicky Morgan, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 16 October 2019.

    Protecting children is at the heart of our online harms agenda, and is key to wider Government priorities. Going online can be beneficial for children, who use the internet for connecting with peers, to access educational resources and for entertainment. However, the Government are concerned about the prevalence of adult content online, which is easily accessible to children, and believe it is vital that children are protected from accessing inappropriate, harmful content.

    The Government published the Online Harms White Paper in April this year. It proposed the establishment of a duty of care on companies to improve online ​safety, overseen by an independent regulator with strong enforcement powers to deal with non-compliance. Since the White Paper’s publication, the Government’s proposals have continued to develop at pace. The Government announced as part of the Queen’s Speech that we will publish draft legislation for pre-legislative scrutiny. It is important that our policy aims and our overall policy on protecting children from online harms are developed coherently in view of these developments with the aim of bringing forward the most comprehensive approach possible to protecting children.

    The Government have concluded that this objective of coherence will be best achieved through our wider online harms proposals and, as a consequence, will not be commencing part 3 of the Digital Economy Act 2017 concerning age verification for online pornography. The Digital Economy Act objectives will therefore be delivered through our proposed online harms regulatory regime. This course of action will give the regulator discretion on the most effective means for companies to meet their duty of care. As currently drafted, the Digital Economy Act does not cover social media platforms.

    The Government’s commitment to protecting children online is unwavering. Adult content is too easily accessed online and more needs to be done to protect children from harm. We want to deliver the most comprehensive approach to keeping children safe online and recognised in the Online Harms White Paper the role that technology can play in keeping all users, particularly children, safe. We are committed to the UK becoming a world-leader in the development of online safety technology and to ensure companies of all sizes have access to, and adopt, innovative solutions to improve the safety of their users. This includes age verification tools and we expect them to continue to play a key role in protecting children online.

    We will continue to engage with Members of Parliament on the provisions of the online harms regime to ensure the most comprehensive online harms proposals which deliver on the objectives of the Digital Economy Act.

  • Oliver Dowden – 2019 Statement on the Office of Veterans’ Affairs

    Below is the text of the statement made by Oliver Dowden, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, in the House of Commons on 16 October 2019.

    I would like to update the House on the work of the new Office for Veterans’ Affairs, which was announced by the Prime Minister in July.

    As the Minister attending Cabinet with responsibility for veterans, I have been appointed to oversee the Office with the Minister for Defence People and Veterans.

    Veterans have offered to make the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country, so the Government have a moral duty to them and their loved ones to provide the best possible support after they leave service.

    Our ambition is for the UK to be the best place in the world to be a veteran and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs will be a champion for our ex-servicemen and women at the centre of Government. It will promote the outstanding contribution veterans are already making to our economy and society and ensure no individual who needs help is left behind after they leave service.

    As part of the recent spending round, £5 million of Government funding was secured to staff and resource the new Office.

    Colonel (Retired) David Richmond CBE has now been appointed as the Head of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and has started work in the Cabinet Office this week. David Richmond was the most senior officer injured in combat in Afghanistan and subsequently became the Director of Recovery at Help for Heroes.

    One of the Office’s first tasks will be to produce a detailed work programme informed by the responses to the Government consultation on the strategy for our veterans. David Richmond and his team will be engaging widely with veterans, charities, the Devolved Administrations, local authorities and Parliamentarians so that the work of the Office reflects the needs of veterans and their families, with a particular focus on:

    Pulling together all functions of Government, and better collaboration with charity sector provision, in order to ensure this Nation’s life-long duty to those who have served.

    Ensuring that every single veteran and their family knows where to turn to access support if required.

    Helping to generate a ‘single view of the veteran’ by making better use of data to understand veterans’ needs and where gaps in provision exist.

    Improving the perception of veterans and showcasing the brilliant contribution they make after leaving service.

  • Conor Burns – 2019 Statement on No-deal Brexit Schedule of Tariffs

    Below is the text of the statement made by Conor Burns, the Minister of State at the Department for International Trade, in the House of Commons on 7 October 2019.

    I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question.

    On 13 March, the Government announced that they would implement a temporary tariff regime in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This regime would apply equally to all imports that are not subject to alternative trade arrangements and would apply for up to—I stress, up to—12 months while a full public consultation takes place to inform long-term tariff arrangements. The Government would prefer to leave with a deal and will continue to work energetically and with determination to get that better deal. This will require the European Union to show the same spirit of compromise that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is demonstrating in his engagement with our European friends and allies.

    As the UK leaves the EU, the Government are stepping up their preparations to get the UK ready to trade if there is no deal. The temporary tariff regime will maintain open trade on the majority of UK imports, helping to support consumers, business supply chains and sensitive sectors of the UK economy. Due regard has been given to the five principles set out in the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018: the interests of consumers in the UK; the interests of producers in the UK; the desire to maintain and promote external trade of the UK; the desire to maintain and promote productivity in the UK; and the extent to which these goods are subject to competition. It reaffirms our commitment to become a free-trading nation. It realises the benefits of an independent trade policy to support increased trade and investment with partners new and old around the world and increased choice for British shoppers.

    At the same time, Her Majesty’s Government recognise the importance of retaining some tariffs. Tariffs would therefore apply on just over 10% of imports, supporting sectors facing unfair global competition, mitigating otherwise significant adjustment costs for the agricultural sector, supporting the strategically important automotive sector and maintaining our commitments to developing countries. Preferential access to the UK market is important for our developing country partners, and tariffs are being retained on a set of goods, including bananas, raw sugar cane and certain kinds of fish, to demonstrate the Government’s ongoing commitment to countries in the developing world. During the article 50 extension, the Government have remained responsive to the concerns of business and have reviewed the tariffs that would come into effect if the UK left the EU without a deal.

    To answer the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Mr Leslie), the Government will publish the final tariffs shortly. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any amendments being considered prior to that announcement. As he will understand from his former guise as shadow Chancellor, to do so would be irresponsible. The Government will ensure that Parliament is informed as soon as is practically possible once a final decision has been made.

  • Andrew Murrison – 2019 Statement on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

    Below is the text of the statement made by Andrew Murrison, the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, in the House of Commons on 7 October 2019.

    May I start by congratulating the hon. Member for Hampstead and Kilburn (Tulip Siddiq) on her urgent question and thanking her for the passion and persistence she has brought to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s case? Her constituent can be sure that she and her family have been well served by the hon. Lady as a constituency MP.

    In recent weeks, we have seen further cases of unwarranted detention of foreign nationals in Iran. These cases are completely devastating for the individuals concerned and deeply and profoundly upsetting for their families. We are of course delighted to hear that Jolie King, a British-Australian national, has been released from detention in Iran. That is good news, but it invites us to think about others who are detained in Tehran.

    Equating the cases of foreign nationals in detention in Iran and cases of British-Iranian dual nationals is unlikely to be helpful, as Iran perceives the two to be quite distinct, and it is Iran with which we have to deal. We want to do everything we can to resolve Nazanin’s case. We also want to see the resolution of the cases of other British-Iranians detained in Iran. The trouble is that the Iranian authorities do not recognise dual nationality; they consider Nazanin simply to be an Iranian national. Consequently, they do not grant us consular access; nor do they give us sight of legal process or changes, despite all of our efforts.

    The House will be fully aware of the lengthy chronology of representations made at ministerial level on this issue. On 11 September, the Foreign Secretary again raised his serious concerns with the Iranian ambassador to London about Iran’s practice of detaining foreign and dual nationals. The Prime Minister raised his concerns with President Rouhani on 24 September, and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did the same with Foreign Minister Zarif on 17 September. My colleague Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon hosted an event at the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September to bring attention to these incredibly important issues, as I did in Tehran earlier this year. I can assure the House that our efforts to raise the plight of those detained with the Iranian authorities at ministerial and ambassadorial level will continue.

    It is a matter of deep regret that a country such as Iran, with such a rich and proud history, is failing to uphold its basic international obligations. That this sophisticated and cultured country is arresting individuals on unclear charges, failing to afford them due process and, in some cases, committing acts of torture and mistreatment on not only dual nationals, but its own citizens is deeply disappointing, to put it mildly. Dealing specifically with dual nationals, we are absolutely clear that Iran’s behaviour is beyond unacceptable. The treatment of our dual nationals, including Nazanin, is unlawful ​and unacceptable, and it must end. Be in no doubt: this matter remains a top priority for the UK Government. We will continue to lobby at all levels for Nazanin’s unconditional release, so that she can return to her patient, long-suffering family in the UK.

  • Simon Clarke – 2019 Speech at Charging Investment Conference

    Below is the text of the speech made by Simon Clarke, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, on 7 October 2019.

    It’s wonderful to be here in such august surrounds.

    And it feels fitting that this house of historic international accord is the stage for another – and another of immense importance to us all.

    Net-zero emissions

    In November of last year, I was one of 50 Tory MPs who wrote to the Prime Minister and urged her to set a target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

    We felt then as we do now – that that we could decarbonise through science, not economic sacrifice…

    …That our method would not be hair-shirted self-denial, but innovation and investment driven by the right incentives.

    Our past should give us confidence.

    This country’s ingenuity has kept the UK at the forefront of science and engineering for hundreds of years.

    And, provided we keep our ambitions high, we will lead the world for hundreds more.

    And the goal of net zero emissions will inspire us all to great heights of achievement.

    Entrepreneurs will see opportunities in new industries, and create jobs all around the UK.

    And the new technologies they create will clean the air we breathe, and cut the bills in our homes.

    In June this year, the government became the first major economy in the world to adopt the Net Zero 2050 target, which is fantastic news.

    I was made a minister a month later and – while this is possibly slightly less momentous – I can assure you all I will do everything I can to make sure the government keeps its promise.

    Why we’re here today

    The danger, as ever, with targets that lie 30 years in the future is that they are pushed to the bottom of the pile by the concerns of today.

    The trick, then, is to make constant, incremental progress – and celebrate it when it happens.

    To make sure that we keep chipping away at our long-term ambitions.

    That’s why today is so important.

    CIIF

    The Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund is in many ways emblematic of our approach to Net Zero.

    Our philosophy isn’t that government can solve everything.

    Of course, we have an important role to play – but we have to do it in partnership with the energy and expertise of the private sector.

    Our approach is therefore to set up the right incentives and conditions, and then allow a powerful green market to flourish.

    In this case, we wanted to encourage more people to buy and use electric vehicles, or EVs, which are far less polluting than traditional cars.

    We set up grants for cars, taxis, vans and motorcycles.

    But we realised that people looking at buying EVs were wary of getting marooned, without any battery in their car left and miles away from home or the nearest charging point.

    And handouts wouldn’t cut it – we needed to unleash the power of the market.

    So, with Zouk Capital, we set up the Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund as a catalyst, with government money matching any private capital that comes in to maximise impact.

    And we were delighted that Masdar chose to invest £35 million in the fund – which the government topped up to £70 million – for the installation of 3,000 rapid chargers across the country.

    This more than doubles the UK’s number of rapid chargers, producing a dense network of stopping points where family cars can be charged in 20 minutes flat – the time it takes for a sandwich and a coffee on the way to the seaside.

    And, further, it shows Masdar’s continued participation in the UK’s clean energy commitments.

    Masdar has invested more than £3 billion in the UK in the past ten years, predominantly in offshore wind.

    It’s a pleasure to welcome Mohamed Al Ramahi here today for the signing ceremony and to talk more about how we can work together.

    I hope you continue to discuss with my colleagues at the DIT to find strategic partnerships that work for both our countries.

    Together, we’re showing that change is possible. And providing leadership to governments and private companies around the world that by working together, we can effect real change.

    Thank you.

  • Chris Skidmore – 2019 Speech at Tech UK Conference

    Below is the text of the speech made by Chris Skidmore, the Universities and Science Minister, at the Tech UK Conference held on 8 October 2019.

    It’s a pleasure to be back in Manchester today, at Tech UK’s first flagship conference on skills and opportunities. And it’s a real honour to be addressing you as representatives of companies and technologies that, today, are defining the world we will live in tomorrow.

    As the Prime Minister said himself just last month in a speech to the UN, no one can ignore the gathering force of technology that is reshaping the future of each and every one of us.

    Every day, developments in digital technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. And, together, your companies and innovations are stretching the limits of what humanity can achieve, and what the UK can achieve as a nation.

    The Prime Minister has rightly acknowledged the UK as “one of the world’s tech leaders”. And the facts speak for themselves:

    The tech sector in the UK contributes over 7% of UK (GVA). And, last year alone, Venture Capital funds invested £6.3 billion in UK tech. That’s more than in any other European country.

    UK investment in AI has also grown almost 6-fold in the 4 years between 2014 and 2018.

    All of this adds up to more jobs and more fast-growing companies.

    Our tech sector is going from strength to strength in front of our very eyes, growing at 50% faster than the rest of the UK economy.

    And as it grows, it transforms more and more lives in ways we never thought possible in the past.

    Thanks to great British technologies, many of us got here on a modern day version of Stephenson’s rocket, we are browsing the web on a browser first invented by Tim Berners-Lee, we’ll dry our hands on a Dyson hand dryer, and we might get tonight’s dinner delivered by a Deliveroo rider.

    However, advancements like this don’t simply happen overnight. They don’t just pop up out of thin air like magic.

    Instead, they are nurtured and cultivated through weeks, months, years and often decades of hard work, perseverance and dedication.

    What’s more, the path to success is not always clear. I’m sure most you in this room today have overcome obstacles and setbacks.

    But you persevered. And you found ways to succeed.

    Summoning ingenuity and imagination. Originality and determination. Cleverness and creativity.

    It is, ultimately, these very human values that allow technologies to emerge and flourish.

    And it is, therefore, people – people like you – that have made every single one of our tech successes in this country possible.

    People who have dedicated their entire lives to pushing forward the frontiers of knowledge and human capabilities.

    I am keenly aware that our tech sector won’t go on thriving if we don’t concentrate on people.

    On putting people and skills at the centre of our innovation system. On ensuring that our regulatory system is as modern as the technologies that it supports. And on ensuring that the whole of the UK benefits from our growing technology sector.

    So, let’s take keeping the brightest and best people in the sector first. How do we do it?

    Well, we need to recognise and address the challenges researchers and innovators face on a day-to-day basis.

    Developing a people-first research strategy is just one part of this.

    Last month, I was pleased to support the launch of the revised Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. This encourages signatories from across higher education and innovation to work together on the challenges facing researchers in the world today.

    A world where research positions are shorter and more precarious than they used to be.

    A world, which relies on the continuous transfer of talented people between academia and industry.

    And a world where individuals may find themselves balancing heavy workloads with poor mental health and wellbeing.

    It is on all of us to ensure we are supporting people across the entire innovation and tech sector to be the best they can be. From researchers, academics and innovators, to technicians, postgraduates and post-docs.

    All of these people together are integral to the overall strength and prowess of UK tech.

    Embracing diversity in the sector is crucial to getting this right.

    As some of you may know, today is Ada Lovelace Day – an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology engineering and maths.

    And In a world where half the population are women, it isn’t right that the UK tech sector is still seen by many as a man’s world, despite recent improvements in the number of women entering STEM careers.

    On this, it’s great to see the work you’re already doing with the Tech Talent Charter, which is supported by government and aims to deliver greater inclusion and diversity in UK tech workforce – one that better reflects the make-up of the wider population. Over 400 organisations – from international tech giants right through to start-ups – have already signed the Charter, including the organiser’s of today’s event, TechUK.

    This government is determined to address the gender imbalance in tech careers, in particular by improving girls’ take-up of maths, computing and physics at all stages of the education system from primary school through to university.

    Initiatives like the ‘Women in Innovation’ programme from Innovate UK are also helping to get more women with excellent ideas innovating in UK businesses and boosting the economy.

    We’re keen that more people from currently under-represented groups, including those with disabilities and those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, realise a career in tech can be for them as much as anyone else.

    That’s why schemes like the ‘Bristol and Bath Creative R&D Partnership’ are key to supporting businesses to find new ways to engage the audiences of the future and develop a diverse new talent base. Their aim is to make creative technology innovation available to the widest possible cross-section of talent.

    And that takes me on nicely to talk about how the sector can make the most of this and ensure it has the skills it needs.

    Investing in high-level technical skills for the whole country is paramount.

    I’m proud that this government is pumping millions into improving the UK’s STEM skills-base.

    Included in this is the £20 million invested by the Department for Education in the Institute for Coding. This was set up in 2017 specifically to address the high demand for skilled IT and digital specialists, and to better equip graduates with industry requirements.

    I’m delighted that the Institute for Coding consortium, led by the University of Bath, has now grown to include 37 higher education institutions and over one hundred employers. And it’s a pleasure to see 22,000 students having started on Institute for Coding courses in September.

    What’s more, it’s great to see the Institute for Coding continuing to make links to other government initiatives – not least the new Institutes of Technology we’re opening, with the express intention to provide students with university-level technical qualifications and a clear route to technical employment.

    Just last week the Secretary of State for Education announced we will make available up to an extra £120 million so we can have an Institute of Technology in every part of the country, and provide different regional economies with the unique mix of digital skills they t need to flourish.

    Here in Manchester, for example, government has invested £3 million in a pilot ‘Fast Track Digital Workforce Fund’, lead by GMCA. This brings together employers and training providers to find the digital skills solutions that meet their needs – while also helping local people move into better jobs.

    This will mean everybody, in every part of our great nation, will get the chance to gain the high-level digital skills both they and your businesses need.

    And we’re not just talking about young people here. About those who are taking A-Levels or indeed the new T-Levels, who want to progress to technical education.

    We’re also talking about adult learners. Those people who, later in life, want to access the further technical training they need.

    This latter point is something that is going to become ever more important as technology develops and the world of work as we know it changes.

    In the digital age, education is going to become a lifelong endeavour, not just something you do until you’re 18 or 21. But something individuals may want to revisit as our lives and circumstances change.

    Education in the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution is not just about providing young people with skills. It’s about providing everyone with opportunities to re-skill and up-skill, at whatever age and whatever level they need it.

    That’s why we’ve put in place now a commitment to introduce a national entitlement to adult basic digital skills training from 2020. Adults without the digital skills needed for life and work will have the opportunity to study new qualifications free of charge, so that nobody gets left behind as the world around us inevitably moves on.

    Education in the digital age is ultimately about enabling society to adapt to new technologies and developments, and make the most of the opportunities they bring. AI is just one case in point.

    This government has already invested heavily in AI – most notably through the new Alan Turning AI Fellowships aimed at attracting and retaining the very top tech talent. And we will soon be launching the call to recruit the next cohort of fellows.

    This month will also see the first PhD students starting at our new AI Centres for Doctoral Training.

    A total of £100 million has been allocated for additional doctoral training focused on AI – providing training for around 1,000 additional PhD studentships in AI over the next 9 years. This will ensure that we have the AI experts we need working both in ground-breaking research and in innovative tech businesses across the country.

    But, if we’re serious about meeting our target to invest at least 2.4% of GDP in R&D by 2027 then we can’t just rely on home-grown talent alone.

    Creating a climate based on the free movement of talent is obviously going to be key to generating the numbers and diversity the sector needs.

    It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that, later this month, we are set to leave the European Union.

    I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Brexit may well mean that we are leaving the EU, but it certainly does not mean that we are leaving our European friends and partners behind.

    I’m going to be speaking on this very issue in more detail at a speech to the British Academy in London tomorrow, but for the purposes of this event, today, it is worth emphasising this government’s intention to remain open and international as we commit to getting Brexit done.

    The International Research and Innovation Strategy I launched earlier this year best evidences our commitment to global engagement in the science and tech sectors.

    And the International Education Strategy, launched the same month, sets out our ambition to increase the number of international higher education students studying in the UK by over 30% to 600,000 by 2030.

    This will undoubtedly increase the talent pool that will furnish our business and industries with the people, knowledge and ideas they require.

    And thanks to the hard work of my successor-come-predecessor, Jo Johnson, the introduction of the Graduate Route, or 2-year post-study work visa, will hopefully incentivise much of this talent to stay on our shores, work in our companies, and set up their own businesses.

    As a government, we know we must do everything we can to make the UK the most attractive place to come and start a tech business, to undertake new research directions, and to test and develop new technologies.

    That means having a dynamic, fit-for-purpose regulatory environment – an environment that enables new technologies to develop faster, to be tested at pace, and implemented and adopted in new and exciting ways.

    This isn’t just about removing the hurdles created by out-of-date rules and regulations. It’s about creating new standards and frameworks that provide confidence to investors and customers.

    I saw a great example of this when I visited the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington the other week. The important work they are doing with electric engines, with their hydrogen fuel cell testing rig, is all about taking this new technology and measuring its response to different qualities of hydrogen supply – stress-testing it, finding its limits, and developing new performance benchmarks and new standards.

    These will become the benchmarks and standards that others will build on, providing confidence to wider industry partners and investors, and in turn speeding up adoption of that all-important green technology.

    This is modern, smart regulation in action – regulation that can lift technology up, not squash it down.

    There are numerous similar examples of where our regulatory environment needs to adapt and where the old rules just don’t make sense – for instance in personalised medicine, autonomous vehicles and, of course, AI.

    This isn’t about creating the Wild West in tech.

    I firmly believe that standards and regulation, when done well, can allow new technologies to flourish. And these are the lessons that we will learn as we implement further regulatory reforms, building on our white paper on regulation in the fourth industrial revolution, which I welcomed earlier this year.

    This innovation is something that we are also seeing in the fintech sector – a sector that has grown considerably over the last few years, where smart and modern regulation has combined with investment and new technology to create a boom in new financial products and services in the UK.

    We have embraced this technology much faster than other nations, It is a shock to go to the US and still sign for a card purchase, for example. And when I went to the bank recently to complete my house purchase, it really felt like going back in time.

    It doesn’t have to be this way. And it’s not this way in many sectors and areas.

    But, while parts of London and the South East are now completely cash-less, this can’t be said of the whole country – and that brings me on to my last point.

    It cannot have escaped anyone’s notice that our Research and Innovation sector is incredibly concentrated in London and the South East. Per-capita spending on Research & Development in the North East is way under half that in London.

    The Golden Triangle is of course an incredible strength of ours – a magnet for foreign investment and talent, and a true national asset. But it is not enough to have this activity continue to be so concentrated.

    If we are to become an innovation nation, then we must learn from this, ensuring that the whole of the UK benefits from our tech revolution.

    This means ensuring that our most innovative SMEs can scale up and access seed funding as well as large grants, enter the market, and even shape new markets.

    And this is not just about investment. It is about ensuring that we create the kinds of spaces that tech firms want to be in, with the partners that they need to work with, and with the planning rules that allow for this. Not just in the Golden Triangle, but also developing and redeveloping new and existing spaces – in universities, cities and towns, bringing spill-over benefits and opportunities to communities right across the UK.

    I want us to build on the work we’ve done with University Enterprise Zones, which I launched last month, and to build on our amazing network of incubators, accelerators, catalysts and catapults – spreading the benefits right across the UK. To create a truly business-friendly environment. To join together research, development, and innovation. And to create a new unity of purpose.

    I also recognise that the UK doesn’t operate in isolation. And there is a real opportunity to learn from the best of what works abroad, from the Engine at MIT, to Station F in Paris. But I don’t just want one Station F – I’d love to see a whole alphabet of Stations, right across the UK, leaving no part of the UK behind.

    For as long as I’m Universities and Science Minister, I want to help the UK to find a new gear, to put the UK tech sector in the fast line, and to grow an incredible tech ecosystem that can accelerate into the future.

    I – like many of you – want to see a world where the UK is an innovation powerhouse. A powerhouse where the most talented people are not only free to come to, but actively want to come to.

    A powerhouse where people from all walks of life can take their inspiration and ideas forward.

    A powerhouse where ideas are nurtured and transformed into booming new businesses.

    And a powerhouse which gives us a platform on the global stage, and an edge in a rapidly developing world.

    As your Universities and Science Minister, I can assure you I am committed to building this powerhouse in the way I’ve just described. And I look forward to working with you to ensure the UK tech sector has the people and talent it needs for an ever digital future.

    Thank you.

  • Liz Truss – 2019 Speech to the World Trade Organisation

    Liz Truss

    Below is the text of the speech made by Liz Truss, the Secretary of State for International Trade, at the International Chamber of Commerce Global Dialogue on Trade Reform on 9 October 2019.

    Britain & free trade

    We know that free trade, facilitated by the rules based multilateral trading system, is an engine of global growth and prosperity.

    When the UK leaves the EU later this month, we will have a golden opportunity to determine our own trade policy for the first time in almost half a century and retake our seat at the WTO as a fully independent, sovereign nation.

    And we will use our new-found freedom to champion free, fair, rules-based international trade with the WTO at its centre.

    Because there is no greater ally of the WTO than the United Kingdom.

    From the repeal of the corn laws in 1846, to hosting the world’s first industrial revolution, to being one of the original signatories of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, signed here in Geneva in 1947, the UK has long been a champion of free trade and trade liberalisation.

    For those of you worried about where we might have been for 45 years, let me reassure you Britain is back.

    Some may be content to live in a world of rising trade tensions and tit-for-tat tariffs, a world in which, for example, the good people of America are deprived of the chance to sample excellent Scotch whisky.

    But this is not a world that I want to see, and when we take our independent seat around the WTO table, I can assure you we will be unapologetic in fighting the forces of protectionism, in favour of genuinely free trade.

    Reforming and modernising the WTO

    Since its inception, the WTO has been the ultimate heavyweight freedom fighter for a multilateral approach to trade liberalisation and a more prosperous world.

    But though successful in many bouts, the WTO now needs to prepare for the new battles of the modern globalised world.

    I would like to see reform of the dispute settlement system, and I was encouraged that at both of the major G20 and G7 summits this year, world leaders committed to addressing this issue.

    President Trump has said he wants the WTO to modernise, and I agree. We must work together to resolve the Appellate Body impasse and we fully support the Walker process aimed at finding solutions that all members can be happy with.

    In particular, we should look to ensure that time limits are met for Appellate Body adjudication on appeals to avoid future unauthorised overrunning of cases.

    And clarification must be made that the Appellate Body’s role in jurisdiction should be constrained to issues of law, and not drift into reviewing issues of fact.

    There is also an urgent need to strengthen the rules on industrial subsidies, state-owned enterprises and forced technology transfer. Addressing these issues will not only level the playing field for the vast majority of member states, it will help tackle the underlying tensions which threaten the survival of our global trading norms.

    And as the world’s second largest services exporter, and Europe’s preeminent destination for tech investment, it will come as no surprise that the UK is particularly interested in the WTO’s work in services and digital trade.

    We believe it is high time to reform digital trade rules so that they are fit for the 21st century, reducing restrictions to market access to support e-commerce and ensure the free flow of data across borders.

    We also want to see progress in the fisheries subsidies negotiation, tackling the causes of illegal fisheries, over-fishing and overcapacity.

    As an island nation of seafarers and fishermen, the UK has a strong interest in this area. Indeed, one of the key arguments made for leaving the EU was to reinvigorate our fishing industries– and we want to see fair and effective rules in force.

    We also intend to work with all WTO Members to foster greater transparency in our global system, as part of our commitment to free and fair cross-border trade.

    We would like to see more progress on domestic regulation in services, investment facilitation, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and especially on advancing e-commerce.

    And we intend to engage meaningfully with our partners in each of these areas prior to the next WTO Ministerial Conference in Kazakhstan in June 2020.

    Delivering on our aims

    So there is much to do – and in the UK, the WTO has a steadfast friend. Britain can be relied upon to be a strong voice in all these discussions: both here in Geneva and through our global networks.

    We will be leveraging our strong bilateral relationships with other major world powers and we will be using our leading roles in international fora to drive the change we want to see.

    For instance, tomorrow in London, I will be making the case that the Commonwealth can be a powerful voice in supporting the rules-based international system.

    The Commonwealth’s 53 member states comprise 2.4 billion people with a shared heritage, shared values and a shared desire to drive prosperity. I believe this historic organisation represents a real opportunity to remake the case for free trade within the multilateral system that we all depend on.

    Working together

    It is up to all of us not to pull our punches, and fight the siren calls of protectionism with all our might.

    But Governments can’t do it alone. That’s why the work of the International Chamber of Commerce is vital in championing this cause.

    Whether it’s setting rules for buyers and sellers around the world; providing leadership on the biggest global issues like climate change and sustainability; or your important role as the leading arbitration institution, the ICC is on the front line in the world’s trading battles.

    It will take time, energy and determination, but by working together, I am confident we can deliver a knockout blow to the forces of protectionism and usher in a new golden era of free trade. In all these fights ahead, Britain is in your corner.

  • Sajid Javid – 2019 Speech to Conservative Party Conference

    Below is the text of the speech made by Sajid Javid, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on 30 September 2019.

    Thank you for that welcome…

    And can I welcome my mum.

    You saw her in that video and she is here with us today for her first conference. Twenty years ago, Mum thought it was a big deal when she watched the first Asians move into Coronation Street, here in Manchester. Well, now she’s watched as the first Asians move into Downing Street. Once again, we’re living above the shop… And I’m so happy to make her proud.

    It might be my mum’s first Tory conference…

    … but I’ve now been coming for thirty years.

    Every year, we talk about what is at stake for our country.

    But never in my lifetime has there been a political moment like this.

    We will be remembered for how we respond.

    And we will do our duty. Responsibly, firmly, and democratically. That starts with getting Brexit done. We are leaving the European Union. It’s not a matter of if – it’s a matter of days. 31 days – deal, or no deal.

    We understand that preparing to leave without a deal is not only the responsible thing to do but also the best way of leaving with a deal.

    In all my years negotiating multibillion pound international deals…

    … I never once walked into a room without being able to walk away.

    That’s why on my first day as Chancellor

    I gave a speech to the Treasury…

    … about making No Deal preparations my top priority.

    A few days later I doubled funding for it…

    … taking our Brexit spending to a total of £4 billion this year.

    And to give organisations and Devolved Administrations extra certainty for the year ahead, in the event of No Deal I have now agreed to guarantee all £4.3 billion of EU-directed funding that they would have been expecting. That doesn’t mean that a No Deal would be without significant challenges. I know that some businesses and households are concerned about what a No Deal outcome might mean for them. I recognise that.

    And I understand that the uncertainty around Brexit is challenging.

    But our step-change in preparations has made a Deal outcome more likely…

    …and a No Deal outcome more manageable.

    Every department now has the resources available to prepare for No Deal.

    That means more Border Force staff…

    Better transport infrastructure at our ports…

    More support for business readiness.

    I’ve tasked the Treasury with preparing a comprehensive economic response to support the economy. Working closely with the Bank of England we’re ready to draw on the full armoury of economic policy if needed. And the Bank has already revised its assessments because of the actions we’ve taken.

    Deal or No Deal: We will be ready.

    All that is important –

    but Brexit is not just something to manage or mitigate.

    We understand this is ultimately a question of trust in democracy.

    A strong economy can only be built on the foundation of a successful democracy.

    And by definition, democracy isn’t just for when it suits you.

    Like the Lib Dems – who called for a referendum for years.

    Then sort of changed their mind.

    Then said they’d respect the result.

    Then sort of didn’t.

    Then called for a second vote.

    Then changed their mind again and now want to somehow pretend the whole thing never happened.

    Going back on our promises to the British people isn’t “liberal”.

    And it certainly isn’t democratic.

    And then there’s the Labour Party.

    They’re so split down the middle that even their leader and their Shadow Chancellor don’t agree on whether they support Brexit. So they’ll hold another referendum with two options: perhaps, and maybe. What a leader. A man for the many Brexit positions, not the few.

    What they don’t seem to understand is that millions of people voted in good faith over three years ago.

    The biggest democratic exercise in our country’s history.

    And they always forget one group of those voters:

    The millions who voted not to leave the EU but now completely respect the result and want us to get Brexit done.

    Yes, there are splits of opinion, and strong views on all sides.

    I passionately believe that we need to heal the divisions in our society.

    But the way to do that isn’t to carry on arguing about Brexit forever and ever.

    It is to finally deliver on the original decision…

    … and move the whole country forward.

    People talk a lot about the risks of Brexit.

    Some understandable, some not.

    But the truth is this:

    and it isn’t acknowledged as often as it should be… The most reckless course of all would be to not deliver Brexit at all. If we fail to deliver on the instruction of the British people we are in danger of tearing the very fabric of our democracy. A fabric that has been carefully woven together over centuries.

    And if we do that,

    I fear we may not be able to stitch it up again.

    If people are going to have faith in the ballot box…

    … we absolutely have to follow through on that vote.

    No more second-guessing

    No best of three.

    One vote.

    One mandate.

    One nation, moving forwards together.

    As we get Brexit done and leave the EU…

    … it’s the right time to ask ourselves some big questions:

    Who are we as a country?

    How do we see ourselves in the years ahead?

    How will we shape our economy for the future?

    Last week we saw Labour’s answers to those questions.

    Jeremy Corbyn sees this as an opportunity to bring in nationalisation, protectionism and state control. Let’s be in no doubt about the biggest threat to the UK economy. Whenever I speak to businesses and international investors, the number one concern they always raise is not the form of our exit from the EU.

    The real “project” to be fearful about is the agenda of the Labour Party.

    If they had their way, whole sectors of the economy would be renationalised.

    People’s taxes would rise to the crippling levels of the past.

    People’s jobs would be put at risk with sectoral pay bargaining.

    The return of trade union militancy would once again hold the government to ransom…

    …wasting hundreds of billions of pounds…

    …and hitting families and businesses around the country.

    The British Chambers of Commerce said last week that Labour’s plans will:

    “send an icy chill up the spines of business-owners and investors”.

    And it’s no wonder.

    We have a Shadow Chancellor who says businesses are “the real enemy”…

    … and openly admits he wants to overthrow capitalism.

    Given how much damage they’d do every single day they’re in office…

    I’m glad they say they would only be working four days a week.

    You know, when I arrived at the Treasury…

    … I did have a letter on my desk waiting for me…

    … but it didn’t say there was no money left.

    That’s because we took the difficult decisions needed to get the deficit down by four-fifths.

    We have now taken back control of our financial destiny just as we take back control of our laws and borders. It’s easy to forget how bad things were when we first came in. Labour lost control of our public finances – as they always do. And this was when they still believed in the basics of capitalism.

    Our country borrowed £150 billion in their last year in office the highest level in our peacetime history. And it fell to the Conservatives once again to wipe up Labour’s mess. And I’d like to pay tribute to both my immediate predecessors for their role in that. We may disagree on our approach on Brexit but as Conservatives we can be very proud of what they helped us to achieve.

    Labour left behind a bankrupt Britain – and we’ve fixed it.

    They don’t like to hear it.

    But when the opposition stop hiding from that election…

    … I promise you, it won’t be like last time.

    We won’t shy away from talking about our hard-earned record on the economy.

    And we won’t shy away from telling everyone…

    … about the threat their divisive…

    … backwards…

    … bankrupt…

    …immoral, incompetent, ideological experiments…

    will pose to everyone’s way of life.

    They try to claim the only alternative is a race to the bottom.

    Letting everyone fend for themselves.

    That’s not our conservatism.

    I’m not sure it’s anyone’s.

    We are forging ahead with our positive, One Nation vision for our country’s future.

    We believe in levelling up, skilling-up, and opening up.

    Embracing talent from around the world. And as we look towards a future outside the EU I’m very optimistic we can build on our extraordinary economic strengths and reshape the British economy to seize the opportunities that this new chapter has to offer. We’ll be able to pursue a genuinely independent trade policy. We’ll be able to replace inefficient EU programmes with better, home-grown alternatives. And from retail to green tech, we’ll have the opportunity to design smarter, more flexible regulation. To help us do that, I will launch a Brexit Red Tape Challenge to help identify EU regulations that we can improve or remove.

    Liberating our entrepreneurs, small businesses and consumers….

    … from the burden of over-bearing bureaucracy, wherever we see it.

    Doing what a good pro-business government does.

    After the decade of recovery from the last Labour government…

    … we are now bringing in a decade of renewal.

    With this government’s new leadership…

    …we have the opportunity to hit fast-forward on that renewal.

    It is an opportunity the Prime Minister and I are seizing.

    We are not just neighbours, or even sometimes dog-sitters.

    We are partners.

    We share the same determination on Brexit…

    … the same vision of One Nation conservatism…

    … and we both spend the same amount of time brushing our hair.

    Our vision is based on the people’s priorities, and on Conservative principles.

    Conservatives understand that a dynamic free market…

    … is the only way to fund world-class public services.

    For me, like so many others around the country…

    …public services were my lifelines.

    The teachers who made my career possible.

    The police officers who kept us safe when the street I grew up on became a centre for drug dealers.

    The NHS that cared for my dad in his final days.

    These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – they are the beating heart of our country. That’s why public services are at the heart of this government’s agenda. Earlier this month, I announced our spending plans for Britain’s first year outside the EU. A New Economic Plan for a new era.

    Thanks to the hard work of the British people…

    … and our responsible economic management…

    … we are able to invest an extra £13.4 billion in our public services.

    This Spending Round will make a real difference in people’s lives.

    That includes recruiting 20,000 new police officers…

    …restoring our rightful reputation as the party of law and order.

    Increased funding for every school in the country…

    … and a renaissance for further education.

    Continuing our record investment in the NHS…

    … and making a large down-payment on social care.

    These are the people’s priorities.

    These are our priorities. And it’s our Conservative government that is delivering on them. Brexit was a wake-up call that we need to be better connected both across our country, and beyond our shores.

    One of the things I remember most from my international career is the energy in the air you can feel in places like Southeast Asia.

    The quick turnaround between vision to implementation – from new towns to new airports. It echoes our industrial revolution of the Victorian era which laid the foundations for over a century – from the railway network to the electric telegraph. That’s the spirit we need to rekindle in Britain.

    But the truth is, successive governments failed to invest enough for the long-term. We’ve started to put that right, but we can do more – a lot more. This government is going to build Britain’s future, and bring in a new infrastructure revolution.

    Infrastructure is the foundation of everything. It’s the new road that connects local communities. The bus you need to get to school. And the broadband that helps your small business trade around the world. The full benefits of our infrastructure revolution may not be felt for some time. But the work must start here and now.

    So today I can announce the first wave of this revolution…

    … the good kind of revolution.

    Our roads are the arteries of our country.

    We will soon launch the new Roads Investment Strategy…

    … with £29 billion committed for strategic and local roads over the next five years.

    And today we are getting the shovels out early on several important road projects…

    … including upgrading the nearby M60 Simister Island…

    … dualling the A66 Transpennine,

    and starting work on the A428 between Cambridge and Milton Keynes.

    Now buses they haven’t been given the attention they deserve from politicians but they are still the backbone of our public transport in most of the country.

    Well, not only do you have a Chancellor with a well-known family connection to buses but a PM who likes to paint them! At the Spending Round we allocated £220 million to buses alone. This will form part of a National Bus Strategy next year.

    Rolling out new ‘superbus’ networks…

    … expanding our fleet of low emission buses…

    … and delivering better value for money for passengers.

    And last but not least: connecting us to the modern, global digital economy with gigabit broadband.

    We have rolled out superfast broadband but we have fallen behind many European countries on the next generation of technology. And as we catch-up I don’t want any part of our country to fall behind others.

    So I can announce we are committing £5billion to support full-fibre rollout to the hardest to reach 20% of the country. All of these measures will level up areas of our country that feel left out. There are three principles that will underpin our approach to them.

    First, we will be smart and responsible in the way we invest for the long-term. We can do this by taking advantage of incredibly low interest rates and borrowing-to-build, not borrowing-to-waste like the Labour years.

    Second, we will have a bias towards anything that brings our country together.

    For a start that means protecting our United Kingdom. And I’d like to pay tribute to Ruth Davidson, for all she did to prevent a socialist-separatist alliance from running, from ruining – our country. Thank you Ruth.

    Bringing our country together also means rebalancing our economy… That’s why the first big policy decision of this government was to support the development of Northern Powerhouse Rail. And we know it’s no good just decreeing from on high what local areas need. Too many people already feel power is distant to them – be it in Brussels or Westminster.

    So I can announce today we will bring forward a White Paper on further devolution in England.

    Giving more local areas more local powers…

    … to drive investments in the infrastructure and services they know they need.

    We already have four brilliant Conservative metro mayors…

    Let’s get one in Manchester too!

    And third, we will take a dynamic, market-driven approach to driving down our carbon emissions.

    Not only are we the first large economy to commit to Net Zero by 2050.

    Last week at the UN General Assembly…

    … our Prime Minister committed to doubling Britain’s funding

    for global environmental and climate change programmes.

    They are the approaches we will take in building Britain’s future.

    And with so much at stake for our country right now…

    … I’m impatient to get on with it.

    We have achieved so much in just ten weeks.

    And I’d like to thank our brilliant ministerial team in the Treasury… Rishi Sunak, Jesse Norman, John Glen, Simon Clarke. And our parliamentary team… Rachel Maclean, Lee Rowley and Mike Freer.

    The final Conservative principle I want to talk about today is this. We believe in a society where everyone knows that if they work hard, and play by the rules then they will have every opportunity to succeed. They are our values. It’s our mission to help people to get a job, get a home, get ahead.

    But we do have to acknowledge that not everyone in every part of the country feels that they have all the opportunities they should have. Not all parents feel that their children will have it better than they did.

    We need to do more to level the playing field between regions and generations and give all young people the best start in life. Last year I announced the Youth Endowment Fund helping at-risk young people get off the conveyor belt to crime. And I can announce today a new Youth Investment Fund.

    This ambitious £500 million programme will roll out youth centres and services right across our country helping millions more young people get on the conveyor belt to a better life and career. Of course, one of the biggest concerns for the next generation is being able to buy a home.

    To claim their stake in our society.

    We’re on track to increase housing supply to its highest level since 1970.

    But I know from my time as Housing Secretary that we need to do so much more…

    …and the accelerated planning proposals Robert has announced today are just the start. Getting ahead. Getting a home. The best way to achieve both those things is getting a good job.

    On our watch… 1,000 extra people have gone into work every day since 2010.

    And this applies to all corners of our country…

    … with most of the new jobs being created outside London and the South East.

    150,000 more people are in employment in Greater Manchester alone…

    … whenever I meet my counterparts in Europe, they ask me how we are doing it.

    Real wages and household incomes are rising…

    … putting more money in people’s pockets.

    And with full employment and strong public finances…

    … we are now in a position to see what more we can do to help workers…

    … and reduce the cost of living.

    In 2016, we introduced the National Living Wage…

    Giving Britain’s workers the biggest pay rise in two decades.

    In April, we increased the rate again…

    …making 1.8 million workers better off…

    Putting the number of low paid workers at its lowest level in four decades.

    Today, I’m delighted to announce that we will take this much further.

    Over the next five years, we will make the UK the first [major economy in the world] to end low pay altogether.

    To do that, I am setting a new target for the National Living Wage:

    Raising it to match two-thirds of median earnings.

    That means, on current forecasts, this ambitious plan will bring the National Living Wage up to £10.50.

    Giving four million people a well-earned pay rise.

    And to help the next generation of go-getters to get ahead…

    … we will reward the hard work of all millennials too…

    By bringing down the age threshold for the National Living Wage…

    …to cover all workers over the age of 21.

    The hard work of the British people really is paying off.

    It’s clear it’s the Conservatives who are the real party of labour.

    We are the workers’ party.

    Delivering Brexit.

    Boosting public services.

    Backing enterprise and hard work and bringing our country together by levelling up across the nation and across generations.

    That’s the direction we are setting for our country.

    That’s what will be on offer at the next election:

    A decade of renewal, or a decade of reversal.

    We in this room are today’s representatives of the most successful party in the Western world. An institution that has helped to build Britain for over two centuries. And now in 2019, we have a duty to see the country through the challenges ahead.

    We are the only party that can get Brexit done.

    We are the only party that can call ourselves democrats.

    And we are the only party that will truly deliver for workers.

    We are the Conservative and Unionist Party – and we will unite this country.

    We are a responsible, one nation party that focuses on what we have in common, not what divides us.

    We believe in building on the best of the past.

    Not just putting up with modern Britain, but embracing it.

    Saying loud and clear that we love our country.

    We are a welcoming, tolerant and fair society.

    The most successful multiracial democracy in the world.

    We are an open, global, trading nation.

    One of the most prosperous in the world.

    And we are a compassionate, caring, country.

    Not just for those close to home, but also for some of the poorest in the world.

    That’s who we are.

    That’s what this party stands for.

    And that’s what we are delivering for our country.