I have welcomed the first statement made by the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, in which she set out her priorities for Government.
The Prime Minister set out her commitment to “a union not just between the nations of the United Kingdom but between all of our citizens, every one of us, whoever we are and wherever we’re from.”
"That means fighting against the burning injustice that, if you’re born poor, you will die on average 9 years earlier than others. If you’re black, you’re treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you’re white. If you’re a white, working-class boy, you’re less likely than anybody else in Britain to go to university. If you’re at a state school, you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you’re educated privately. If you’re a woman, you will earn less than a man. If you suffer from mental health problems, there’s not enough help to hand. If you’re young, you’ll find it harder than ever before to own your own home.
We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives. When we take the big calls, we’ll think not of the powerful, but you. When we pass new laws, we’ll listen not to the mighty but to you. When it comes to taxes, we’ll prioritise not the wealthy, but you. When it comes to opportunity, we won’t entrench the advantages of the fortunate few. We will do everything we can to help anybody, whatever your background, to go as far as your talents will take you.”
I backed Theresa May from the first round of voting and I am very pleased she is our new Prime Minister. I am also proud that she is the second Conservative female Prime Minister.
I am delighted that in her first speech as Prime Minister, Theresa May placed such a big emphasis on social justice and social mobility. I am confident that Theresa May will continue and expand upon the progressive policies of her predecessor, David Cameron.
We await the full details of the cabinet reshuffle, but the Prime Minister has already shown she is prepared to make difficult decisions while uniting the party by giving roles to senior politicians on both sides of the EU referendum debate.