Howard: Unite behind a new leader

Speech to Conservative Party Conference 2005

"I was always taught that it doesn't matter what you do in life, as long as you do it to the best of your ability.

And that is what I have always endeavoured to do.

When I became leader I knew we had ...

Howard: Liberal democracy is worth fighting for

Speech to Policy Exchange

"Sixteen years ago Francis Fukuyama proclaimed the end of history.

His ideas were more complex than many imagined. But the basic thought seemed to catch the public mood. Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and subsequently the Soviet Union itself, the West felt relatively peaceful ...

Howard: Our country needs a rejuvenated Conservative Party

Address to the Conservative Party's National Convention

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to say a few words to you to explain why I think it is so important for the future of our Party - and yes for our country - that we change the rules for electing the ...

Howard: One of the political giants of the twentieth century

House of Commons tribute to Sir Edward Heath

"I join the Prime Minister in paying tribute on behalf of this side of the House, to the memory of Sir Edward Heath.

Ted Heath was one of the political giants of the twentieth century.

As Chief Whip during Suez, as a ...

Howard: Securing a lasting legacy from the G8 Presidency

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement in the House of Commons in the G8 Summit

"May I at the outset congratulate the Prime Minister on what he achieved at the G8 summit. Though it was overshadowed by the atrocity in London, substantial progress was made. This was, in large ...

Howard: Terrorists should never profit by their embrace of evil

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement in the House of Commons about the terrorist attacks in London

"Can I begin by paying tribute to the Prime Minister for the calm, resolute and statesmanlike way in which the Government responded to the attack last Thursday on our capital city, our ...

Howard: Reflections on the election - tax

Speech at the Centre for Policy Studies

The General Election

"Seven weeks ago the Conservative Party suffered its third consecutive General Election defeat.

In terms of seats gained we did make some progress - the first significant Parliamentary advance for 22 years. We won more votes than Labour in England. And ...

Howard: A more flexible, more accountable European Union

Speech in the House of Commons in response to the Prime Minister’s statement in the House of Commons

"When the Prime Minister returns from an EU Council, it is customary to start with those aspects of his statement that we can agree with. On this occasion, I am delighted ...

Howard: What matters now is delivery

Speech in the House of Commons in response to the Queen’s Speech

"I start by warmly congratulating the proposer and seconder of the Loyal Address.

Both spoke with fluency and wit, and both are renowned as tireless campaigners for the causes in which they believe.

The Rt Hon Gentleman ...

Howard: It's not about talking and promising. It's about doing and delivering

Speech in Loughborough

"In two days' time, people will go to the polls.

They can vote to keep things as they are. Or they can vote for a positive change.

If they do, on Friday May the sixth, they will wake up to a brighter day for our country.

Think ...

Howard: Our hope is for a better Britain

Speech at campaign rally at the Excel Centre in London

"Thank you for being here today on this Bank Holiday weekend.

In three days' time, people will go to the polls.

They can vote to keep things as they are. Or they can vote for a positive change.

If they ...

Howard: I have given my team its orders

Speech at election rally in Newquay

"In four days time, people will go to the polls: to make a choice. They can keep things as they are. Or they can make a change. And if they do, on May the sixth, they could be waking up to a brighter day ...

Howard: I'll roll up my sleeves and get the job done

Speech in Ashford, Kent

"Thank you for being here on this Bank Holiday weekend. In six days time, it will be May the sixth.

We could be waking up to a brighter day for Britain.

The first day of a government that starts taking action on the things that matter ...

Howard: Action for controlled immigration

Speech at a campaign press conference in Cardiff

"Bore da - it's great to be in Cardiff again for the third time in less than two months.

We're in the final few days of campaigning.

And it's time to focus on the wider choices that people face in ...

Howard: Taking a stand on the issues which matter

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"This election is about some fundamental issues: our hospitals; the fight against crime; the tax we pay; our immigration system; accountability and trust in government.

Today, we are setting out how we will take a stand on an issue that matters to many families: discipline ...

Howard: Conservatives will keep historic Scottish regiments

Speech in Edinburgh

"It's wonderful to be here in Edinburgh today.

For the last few weeks, Conservative candidates have been setting out our action plan for Scotland.

Two issues stand out.

First there is the question of tax. And second, Scotland's historic infantry regiments.

They've both been ...

Michael Howard: £10 million technology to fight hospital superbug

Speaking about Conservative action to deliver cleaner hospitals in London today, Michael Howard will say:

I've always said accountability makes Mr. Blair angry.

Yesterday you saw it for yourselves.

When held to account for the one issue on which he has taken a stand, Mr. Blair got irritated.

Don ...

Howard: £10 million technology to fight hospital superbug

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"I've always said accountability makes Mr. Blair angry.

Yesterday you saw it for yourselves.

When held to account for the one issue on which he has taken a stand, Mr. Blair got irritated.

Don't question my integrity he said - this isn't about ...

Howard: A Britain in which business can flourish

Speech to the British Chamber of Commerce

"It's good to be here. First, I want to thank you, companies up and down the country, for what you do. You are the job creators and you are the wealth creators. Without you, there would be no health service, no schools ...

Howard: Make poverty history

Speech at the Tabernacle Christian Centre in London

"I want to thank Pastor Derrick Wilson, and all of you, for giving me the opportunity this afternoon, in this marvellous church, to address global poverty.

And what a wonderful sunny afternoon it is.

It's the kind of day that inspires ...

Howard: Its time to take a stand

Speech in Hastings

"Today I want to cut to the chase. There'll be none of the usual pleasantries, I'm afraid.

Eighteen days ago, Mr. Blair announced that he had decided to call an election because he wanted five more years in power.

Since then, a much loved Pope ...

Howard: Local say for local people on planning

On the campaign trail in Milton Keynes

"It's great to be here in Milton Keynes this afternoon: out of Westminster, away from London - meeting people; listening to their concerns; addressing the challenges facing our country.

And what do people tell me?

Everywhere I go, people say they are tired ...

Howard: Conservative help for homebuyers

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"Two weeks today, Britain will give its verdict on Mr Blair's government.

In schools and church halls, millions of people will go into polling booths, pick up that stubby little pencil, and put a cross against the name of one candidate.

When you vote ...

Howard: You can vote for a better, brighter tomorrow

Speech at a Youth Rally in Leeds

"It's great to be in Leeds.

And it's great to see so many local Conservative candidates here - candidates who've been campaigning hard on the issues that matter to local people: more police; lower taxes; cleaner hospitals; school discipline; and controlled ...

Howard: Lower taxes and value for money from Conservatives

Speech at launch of the Conservative 2005 local elections campaign

"Today I am setting out how we are going to help families.

Apparently, Mr Blair is talking about helping families too.

That's it - more talk.

He has spent the last eight years talking but he has failed to act ...

Howard: It's all about respect

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"All my political life I have stood up for people who do the right thing and play by the rules.

Respect for the law, respect for others and respect for property: these values are at the heart of a successful society.

They are my values ...

Howard: Rewarding people who save

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"Encouraging people who help themselves; rewarding families who do the right thing; helping tomorrow's pensioners today - that is what a Conservative Government will do.

We all know that we should start putting money aside for our retirement in our twenties and thirties.

But when ...

Howard: The Britain I Believe In

Speech to a campaign rally in his Folkestone and Hythe constituency

"It's a great pleasure to be here with so many friends in Folkestone this morning.

During this election campaign I have been travelling all over the country. But there's one thing I never forget, wherever I am ...

Howard: Fair play and equal treatment under the law

Addressing an election campaign meeting of Conservative candidates and activists in Watford

"It's a great pleasure to be here in Watford this morning.

I'm 63 years old.

So why, you might ask, haven't I decided to hang up my boots, enjoy my retirement and spend more time ...

Howard: Conservative action on education

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"My driving ambition is to give people real opportunity - the opportunity to make a success of their life. And education is the key to all opportunity. I know.

I come from an ordinary family. My parents ran a clothes shop in Llanelli.

If the teenage ...

Howard: New status for vocational education

Speech in Nottingham

"I am delighted to be here this afternoon in Nottingham at the Djanogly City Academy.

My driving ambition is to give people real opportunity - the opportunity to make a success of their life.

And education is the key to all opportunity.

I know.

I come from an ...

Howard: Labour's early release scheme has led to 4,500 extra crimes

Speech in Rothwell

"It's great to be here in Rothwell this afternoon: out of Westminster and away from London - meeting people; listening to their concerns; addressing the challenges facing our country.

Yesterday I published our Manifesto - our Timetable for Action.

It focuses on people's priorities: school discipline; cleaner ...

Howard: This is our manifesto

Speech at the 2005 manifesto launch, Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"I'm 63 years old.

I've fought many battles in my life.

I battled the union bullies that once crippled our economy.

I battled the judges and the legal establishment that said crime couldn't be confronted and beaten.

I ...

Howard: It's time for action in Wales

Speech at the launch of Welsh Conservatives general election manifesto

"Prynhawn da.

It's great to be back here in Wales - it was only a few weeks ago that I was in the magnificent Millennium Stadium for our Welsh Conference.

Wales is a great country, full of talented, hard-working people ...

Howard: It's time for action in Scotland

Speech at the launch of Scottish Conservatives general election manifesto

"It's great to be back in Scotland again so soon after our Scottish Conference.

Scotland has everything going for it:

- Creative flair;

- A talent for enterprise; and

- Hardworking and industrious people.

But today Scotland is taken for granted by ...

Howard: It's time to set an annual limit to immigration

Speech in Telford

"It's wonderful to be in Telford today - I'm grateful for the opportunity to talk to you.

Thanks to all your efforts the Conservative Party has had a great start to this campaign. For the first time in many years, we're now in a position ...

Howard: The issues that matter to hard working Britons

Speech launching election campaign in the South, in Winchester

"The choice before voters on May the fifth is very clear.

They can either reward Mr. Blair for eight years of broken promises and vote for another five years of talk.

Or they can vote Conservative, to support a party that ...

Howard: Put Matron in charge

Speech at press conference at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"Florence Nightingale once said that "the very first requirement in hospital is that it should do the sick no harm".

Under Mr Blair our hospitals are failing in that most basic duty.

Let's be clear. MRSA is avoidable.

We live in ...

Howard: Taking a stand against yob families

Speech at press conference in Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"I'm delighted to be here today with David Willetts and Sandy Bruce Lockhart, Leader of Kent County Council.

The first duty of government is to protect the public.

Mr Blair promised that he would be "tough on crime and tough on ...

Michael Howard - Election Launch

Birmingham

"What this election is all about"

The choice before voters on May the fifth is very clear.

They can either reward Mr. Blair for eight years of broken promises and vote for another five years of talk.

Or they can vote Conservative, to support a party that's taken ...

Michael Howard- Election launch

"What this election is all about"

The choice before voters on May the fifth is very clear.

They can either reward Mr. Blair for eight years of broken promises and vote for another five years of talk.

Or they can vote Conservative, to support a party that's taken a ...

Howard: What this election is all about

Launching the Conservative Campaign for the 2005 General Election at The Renaissance Hotel, Holborn, London

"The choice before voters on May the fifth is very clear.

They can either reward Mr Blair for eight years of broken promises and vote for another five years of talk.

Or they can vote ...

Howard: Cutting back on regulation and bureaucracy

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"Millions of families across the country strive every day to do the right thing.

They work hard to buy a home, to save for the future and to raise their children to respect others.

Their efforts deserve to be rewarded and recognised.

But Mr Blair ...

Howard: Taking a stand against the yob culture

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"In Britain today there are millions of hardworking people who do the right thing.

They abide by the law.

They teach their children to respect others.

They go out to work so that they can provide for their families.

They take pride in their homes ...

Howard: Conservatives will invest in Britain's armed forces

Speech in Blackpool

"It's great to be with you today.

Earlier this morning I visited BAE Systems' Warton factory. I was hugely impressed, as anyone would be, by Warton's world class technology and the evident pride of everyone working there.

BAE Systems is a great British company. It ...

Howard: We can control our borders

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"Fair play matters. I believe in a Britain where government upholds the rules - not turns a blind eye when they are bent and abused. And let's be quite clear. Our immigration system is being abused - and with it Britain's generosity.

Firm border controls ...

Howard: Supporting parents

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"Governments cannot do everything - but if they govern with the right values they can make a real difference.

The Britain I believe will reward people who do the right thing: the people who work hard, pay their dues and bring up their children to respect ...

Howard: The Britain I believe in

"It's a great pleasure to be here with so many friends.

Two years ago when I launched my leadership election campaign I said "We must look forward not backward".

It was such a good phrase … that I repeated the same sentiment again a week later when I became leader ...

Howard: Fair play on planning

Speech at Conservative Campaign Headquarters

"I believe in fair play. The same rules should apply to everyone - whatever your background, whatever the colour of your skin, whatever your sex or religion. I don't believe in special rules for special interest groups.

We are all British. We are one nation ...

Howard: Fairness is at the heart of good government

Speech to the Scottish Conservative Party Conference

"It's a great pleasure to be here in Scotland amongst so many friends. On Wednesday I replied to the Budget. It was a "Vote Now and Pay Later" Budget; a Budget that took with one hand and gave with the other; a ...