Elections

Last weekend, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg claimed that it was 'stating the obvious' to suggest that a hung Parliament was in Britain's interest. He claimed that Greek style unrest would result unless all parties were involved in resolving Britain's economic woes.

This is absurd. All three parties have different views on how best to improve the economy. Conservatives want to bolster employment through stopping National Insurance  increases. Our view has been backed by scores of business leaders. The present Labour Government wants to continue borrowing into the future, but have no plans to pay for it. The Liberal Democrats want to raise taxes even further, in order to continue spending. The idea that we need a forced compromise is wishful thinking. There is no guarantee that agreement would be reached, and a period of indecision could cause further damage.

What is needed is not a Government made up of all the parties, but one that actually includes the people of the country in decision making.  The Conservatives have put this approach at the heart of their manifesto. In each and every policy area, the Party has drafted plans that will increase citizen participation - in education, the environment, and even foreign affairs.  Our "Invitation to join the next Government of Britain" will help guard against public disenchantment with politicians, by providing people with a real sense of involvement. After thirteen years of top down policies, it is long overdue.

Sir Malcolm was born in Edinburgh in 1946.

He was educated at George Watson's College and Edinburgh University where he studied law before taking a postgraduate degree in political science. While at University he took part in an overland expedition to the Middle East and India. He, also, appeared on University Challenge.