The CPF consultation on Our Relationship with the State was the first of three CPF discussions on topics decided by the members. We received submissions from 83 CPF groups, representing at least 686 members from 142 constituencies plus one Conservatives Abroad group. Of those who participated, about one-in-seven (14%) had not participated in CPF discussions before. Thank you to everybody who let us know their views.
Below is a snapshot of the top themes raised by CPF groups. A more detailed collation of responses has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Policy Unit, the Party Chairmen and the CPF Chairman. As usual, we look forward to publishing a formal response to members’ ideas in due course.
Overview of Top Themes
Two-in-three CPF Groups (68%) agree that “Government intervention has fostered a sense of entitlement” and warn of the “uphill task to restore expectations.”
Members stressed the importance for policymakers of “the fundamental Conservative principles enumerated in the consultation brief” in order to “build a lasting Conservative majority of voters right across the country.”
Groups want the UK to be “a self-confident, optimistic, self-reliant and resilient society.”
Groups believe that “we need to work towards a smaller government with fewer laws and regulations” and that “the tax system is too complicated and must be reformed.”
Groups are concerned about “the backlogs in health and education.”
Members would encourage government in its efforts to “pursue a policy of strong economic growth through incentives for free enterprise.”
Many Groups are “still unclear what ‘levelling up’ means in practice."
Groups agree, “it should be a based on Conservative principles: encouraging business development, providing skills training, providing infrastructure, improving town centres.”
Groups warn, “Be careful of the effect that compulsory online systems have on small businesses and individuals”: “A preference for online interactions must not introduce inequalities with the non-digitally capable or those inadequately connected” and “What might be convenient for corporations can be onerous and costly for small businesses.”
Groups support Government in its rejection of “the negativity and divisiveness of ‘woke’ identity politics in favour of a One Nation Conservative ideal.”
Other top suggestions include:
“Undertake a thorough strategic review of national defence vulnerabilities, including critical industries, agricultural capacity, energy, steel manufacturing, ship and aircraft manufacture, computer technology and water supplies.”
“Ringfence COVID Government debt and issue long-term bonds to repay over 50 years.”
“Create a world-leading pharmacovigilance tracking system to improve on the existing Yellow Card system.”
“Make provision in the Government’s Green Book for individuals to apply for medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination and asymptomatic testing based on individual risk assessment and conscientious objection.”
“Security of government-held data should be challenged/tested on a regular basis by a ‘red team’ employed by GCHQ – and the results published!”
“Much cohesion comes from the family, so support families.”
“We need a UK academic freedom league table like https://rankings.thefire.org” (and like Spiked published for a couple of years).
I agree with all these comments, but would add;
all media that circulates to more than 100,000 to be 100% factual and balanced
all universities to monitor and ensure lectures are teaching politically neutral and on the desired outcome, not the minimum stated specification.