Scotland

[Redgrave]

For all campaigning in the Scotland region

[James McCrimmon (LAB)]

CANVASS

James canvasses in Edinburgh, with special focus in Edinburgh West and Edinburgh Pentlands.

On devolution
As a proud signer of the Claim of Right 1989, I believe that our devolution needs to be focused on what the people of Scotland want, and for it to be a collaborative process. Unlike the Tories, who have presented a vision that they want you to accept, I would work with my fellow Scottish MPs, our MEPs, and leaders from our regional, district, and island councils to create an authentically Scottish solution to the devolution question. A Labour Government will work with the people of Scotland to forge a new devolution deal, and put that deal to a vote of the Scottish people by the end of 1993.

On health
The Tories have systematically cut funding to the NHS over the last decade. To ensure that we quickly return to having one of the best healthcare systems in the world, Labour will inject £1 billion of new investment in the NHS over the next two years, ensuring that you can both get the medical care that you deserve and that we remain on the frontline of medical research world-wide. I’m invigorated by Robin’s idea of a Crusade Against Cancer - especially when we can partner our local NHS hospitals here in Edinburgh with researchers at the University of Edinburgh and replicate that partnership across the UK. We’re only going to win by working together.

On fisheries
The Tories were more than willing to sell out Scotland’s fisheries and fishermen so that they could get the Maastricht deal they wanted. A Labour government will go back to the negotiating table on the Common Fisheries Policy and negotiate for fishing quotas to be set at a regional level, meaning we can promote sustainability while ensuring better working conditions for this crucial industry. There’s nothing fishy about wanting better for our fishermen.

He makes sure to share a leaflet with information about Labour’s NHS plans with those he meets.

[Victor Wolfe (CON)]

Scotland - Isaac Westcott
Canvass

Isaac Westcott will make sure to ask local Conservative candidates to go out and canvass, speaking about plans for the economy and future investment under continued Conservative Government. He’ll have a leaflet prepared to hand out with the points of the day.

Regional Investment: “Our Government has put more money into local investments than any before. From mass transit to highways, from schools to hospitals, our Conservative leadership has been paying dividends to Scotland. And working with Bibi Lauria, a renewed Conservative Government will do more, dedicating funding to Scotland for the kind of projects that you need the most. Our investments, measured in the billions of pounds since 1990, will continue under a Conservative Government that is looking forward, not backward. And that means plenty of job opportunities, reduced congestion, and better care at local NHS hospitals. While Labour is making all sorts of promises, we’ve actually delivered on investment and we’ll continue to do so with your support: including hundreds of millions of pounds locked away securely for projects in Scotland. We’ll continue to invest in housing, in hospitals, in schools, and in the infrastructure that’s good for business, and good for growth.” 

Support for Small Businesses: “When the recession hit, Labour came forth with an economic plan that would only help businesses if they followed Labour’s rules to restructure, to sell out, and to shed jobs- while the Conservatives jumped in with meaningful support that helped keep the recession from getting worse and saving hundreds of thousands of jobs. Now, as we continue to recover, the Conservatives under Bibi Lauria are looking forward, not back. We’ll create a new basic tax rate for new startups and small businesses to cut their costs and lead to more investment and higher wages. We’ll continue to expand access to funding for new business startups. We believe that the health of local High Streets in Scotland are more important than City financial bottom lines, and that’s why we’ll support new businesses and job creation in Scotland though better funding, more investment, and through support for innovative technology that can help businesses meet their customers anywhere in the country.”

Support for Workers: “Workers are the backbone of our economy, and anytime there’s a recession, workers are the ones that have to pay the price first- often with their livelihoods. That’s why the Conservatives invested heavily in raising benefits for the unemployed- even more than Labour proposed- through higher payments, through greater investment in job placement programmes, and in investing in re-skilling. The results are already showing as we’re in the middle of recovery: wages are rising for every worker, and hundreds of thousands of Britons are going back to work in stable, high-paying jobs. As the Conservatives look forward, not back, under the leadership of Bibi Lauria, we’re going to build on that: continue to invest in adult education programmes and in job placement schemes to help people get connected with jobs. We’re going to protect workers from undue discrimination. And we’re going to continue to lower tax rates so that you can keep more of those growing wages you earn- because when we do well, it’s the workers that should benefit. It’s all a part of our plan, and what you’ll get with a continued Conservative Government.”

The following leaflet is handed out, focused on the themes of the day. There is a picture (and captions identifying names) for PM Bibi Lauria, local Conservative candidates, and outlines of major regional landmarks.

Regional Investment

• In the last 2 years, CONSERVATIVES have invested billions of pounds in Scotland: new schools, new hospitals, new roads, new homes.
  
• Only the CONSERVATIVES will continue to invest in Britain; our new national investment fund and our budgets will bring more construction and more opportunity to Scotland.
  
• CONSERVATIVES know that investment in our communities is good for workers, for businesses, and for families- and we’ll keep it up!
  

Support for Small Businesses

• CONSERVATIVES will support startups by cutting regulations and making special funds available to those business leaders of the future.
  
• CONSERVATIVES will establish a new lower rate for small businesses and allow them to invest in their workers rather than in taxes- all while Labour seeks to raise taxes.
  
• CONSERVATIVES will defend the ability of businesses to grow and hire- all while Labour has openly threatened to take businesses over and force them to follow burdensome rules.
  

Support for Workers

• CONSERVATIVES jumped in to expand funding for worker training programs and unemployment benefits when they were needed- even as Labour tried to object.
  
• CONSERVATIVES will continue to invest in workers’ training, in job placement programmes, and we’ll cut taxes to let you keep more of what you earn.
  
• CONSERVATIVES will protect the right of workers to work, to join trade unions, and to earn a fair wage- while Labour tries to sell you out to their trade union bankrollers.
  

[Edward Winter (CON)]

Scotland - Edward Winter
Speech

Defence Secretary Edward Winter visited Scotland today, and delivered a speech outlining the Conservative vision and policies on national defence for the next five years:

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!

May I start by expressing how pleased I am to be with you today, visiting this constituency to make the case for Conservative governance and outline our forward-thinking vision for our armed forces and our national defence.

It has been thirteen years since the Conservative Party was elected into power. In this unprecedented period in office we have not wasted a single year preparing for every eventuality, nor have we ever grown complacent when it comes to the subject of our national defence. We also haven’t shied away from confronting our foes directly, swiftly and with remarkable professionalism, even against the depressing chorus of a number of political defeatists who, at every turn, doubted our capabilities and our state of readiness. Let me say this directly and clearly: Conservative management of our national defence and security over these past thirteen years has been an unqualified success. More to the point, the Conservative Party has proven again and again that it has what it takes to keep Britain and all British citizens safe against terror, against foreign aggression, and even against fascist regimes.

In the course of the last parliament we were faced with important challenges, from the necessity to protect Kuwait from foreign aggression and the successful toppling of Saddam Hussein via an international coalition; to the cowardly acts of aggression inflicted by Argentina on our naval forces in the Falklands. The defeatists said we weren’t ready. We proved them wrong. Our Armed Forces displayed the outmost professionalism, skill and bravery in the line of fine, and much like the late, great Admiral Nelson once asked of his men at Trafalgar, they did their duty. Thorough the course of this campaign you will no doubt hear a lot of hysterics from opposition parties, hoping to diminish these accomplishments through a series of excuses, or pretending they stood strong all along.

In this they have not changed. The very same politicians who advocated unilateral nuclear disarmament, the very same who stood for massive cuts to our military, the very same who predicted doom in every conflict we faced, today seek to portray themselves as strong on defence. They are not.

This election, however, is not just about the past. After all, a decade that started with the ever present threat posed by the Soviet Union is now replaced by a new decade with different yet familiar threats and challenges, for which any government is duty bound to be prepared to face and overcome. Not only is the record decisive, so are the plans we have for the future. And I am more than happy to tell you that our defence policy for the next five, ten and fifteen years is a bold and exciting agenda of reform and investment that will support our Armed Forces and give them the capability to continue to keep Britain safe in a rapidly changing world. 

The first step is modernization. It is of the utmost importance that the British military retains a technological and innovative edge over any potential foe, ensuring our brave servicemen are effectively supported in the field with the very best equipment.

And this equipment, more important, will to a large degree be a direct product of British industry and skill, ensuring this ambitious programme of modernization is a net economic benefit which will also support thousands of current jobs. Among other key decisions, we will expand deployment of the Challenger II tank; we will continue to develop the Eurofighter alongside our European partners; we will continue to support the development of British-made hardware like the Merlin helicopter and the ASRAAM air-to-air missile. Crucially, we will also seek to expand the capabilities of the royal navy, both modernizing our current carrier forces and planning for the long term construction of a new and modern aircraft carrier class.

The second step is planning. The threats and challenges of 1992 are no longer the ones of the 1980s, and those at the turn of the millennium will probably be different than those of today. It is therefore vital that the next Government seeks to learn the valuable lessons to be learnt after our successful experience in the Falklands and Iraq, as well as to build on the success of thirteen years of Conservative defence policy. Therefore, we will conduct a wide ranging strategic defence goal to examine our goals and capabilities surrounding a large range of issues, seeking to maintain the capability to conduct at least two major deployments and increase the flexibility of the Reserve Forces.

The third step is support. On a more general sense, proper economic support via a strong stance against reckless defence cuts – for example, the Labour Party’s irresponsible proposal to dismiss 10,000 servicemen last year – and in favour of major investment, including a firm commitment to spending 3% of GDP in defence and ensuring a yearly pay rise for the Armed Forces. On a more specific one, via supporting our veterans. As Secretary of State for Defence I’ve had the opportunity to meet with countless servicemen and veterans, and therefore I find myself enraged whenever I hear so-called politicians like Mr. Saxon insult those who served this nation with bravery. It is crucial we expand our current efforts to support veterans, and we pledge a bold agenda of reform to expand access to employment, education, health and housing for current veterans. Not only that, we will also expand mental health support, and establish a “Veterans’ Day” to honour their service.

A final step is associated with the crucial matter of our nuclear deterrent. Over the last few decades it has kept us safe during the most difficult moments of the Cold War, and it is our belief that its continued existence and modernization will be an important step in keeping Britain safe in the years to come. There is only one major party with a record of standing up for our independent and sovereign nuclear deterrent, and that’s the Conservative Party. The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats have spent the last few years seeking to tear it apart regardless of the consequences, and they couldn’t be bothered to support the deterrent in parliament when given the opportunity. We will not hesitate not waver. We will build the fourth Vanguard-class submarine to safeguard the deterrent in the years to come, and protect it against the recklessness of the hard-left.

These are but a few of the crucial initiatives we seek to promote if given another term. By voting Conservative and supporting the Prime Minister, you will ensure Britain remains safe, led by a team with a proven record of success, and with an ambitious plan for the next few years. A vote for the Referendum Party will mean vindicating those who insult veterans and spit on their enormous sacrifice. A vote for the Liberal Democrats will both get Labour in through the back door and lead to defeatist indecisiveness. And a vote for Labour, as you well know, will lead to a hard-left government unable to stand up for the Armed Forces and for our national defence.

If you want a government that stands up for the nuclear deterrent, that honours and supports veterans, that takes a stand against foreign aggressors, that supports British industry, and that takes defence seriously, the best thing you can do is vote for your local Conservative candidate. My advice, should you be interested in it, is this: don’t let Labour or the Lib Dems set us back on defence. Vote Conservative, and we can continue to go forward, not back.

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Scotland - Edward Winter
Canvassing

Defence Secretary Edward Winter visited a target seat in the region today and went canvassing with party activists, encouraging people to support the Prime Minister by voting Conservative.

On Leadership: In this election leadership will quite literally be on the ballot as we elect a Prime Minister to lead us through the next five years, and it is very important that we get right. Having had the privilege to work alongside Ms. Lauria, I can tell you that she’s a woman of action. She has taken the lead to reform and clean up politics, defeat the Argentinian Junta and defend the Falklands, and serve as an example on account of her dynamic leadership. James McCrimmon, I must say, is merely a man of words. A man who, by his own admission, reads and observes instead of offering leadership. The best way to support Bibi Lauria in her tireless efforts on behalf of the nation is to vote Conservative.

.

On the Economy: The Conservative Party has an ambitious economic agenda with two simple but decisive goals: keep the economy strong and ensure we continue to create opportunities for all Britons. That’s why we want to cut taxes for 24 million people in this country, and why want to ensure our oil revenues are invested in Britain and its communities, and also why we intend to crack down on tax avoidance and offer proper support to the unemployed. Labour and its Shadow Chancellor have made it clear they’ll tax people up to 85% in their quest to spend money they won’t have; which they think you should supply. Voting for your local Conservative candidate is the best way to stop Labour from taxing you to oblivion.

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On Defence: Conservative policies on defence have been vindicated again and again during the last few years, supporting our Armed Forces to get the job done in Iraq and particularly in the Falkland Islands. We want to expand on this record of achievement over the next five years, expanding support for the British defence industry and its jobs, supporting the nuclear deterrent, developing British-made systems and supporting our veterans with increased benefits and a “Veterans’s Day”. You will hear a lot of talk from parties which not long ago advocated disarmament and/or outright passiveness, rushing to pretend they’ve been strong on defence all this time. Vote for the party that will keep Britain safe, vote Conservative.

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Winter also handed out a leaflet to would-be voters:

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FRONT: A picture of the local Conservative candidate, with a personal quote from him/her about a relevant economic issue of the constituency.

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LEADERSHIP: In just seven weeks as Prime Minister, Bibi Lauria has shown herself to be a woman of action, determined to get things done. While Labour, the Lib Dems and Referendum are all talk, she and the Conservatives lead. A vote for your local Conservative candidate is the best way to get a strong, effective government.

.

ECONOMY: The Conservatives believe in a strong economy that empowers people, which is why we propose an ambitious tax cut for 28 million people. Labour will have you taxed up to 85% in their pursuit to burn through money for their pledges. Don’t let them tax you into oblivion, vote Conservative for a strong economy that supports you and your family.

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DEFENCE: We have led the way in keeping the Armed Forces strong and effective, their professionalism and bravery in Iraq and the Falklands making us proud. The Conservatives will pursue a bold agenda of modernization and support which will honour veterans and servicemen, empower British defence industries, and keep Britain safe. Don’t let Labour’s all-talk politicians ruin that record.

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“FORWARD, NOT BACK”

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BACK: A picture of a smiling PM Bibi Lauria, with a quote: “Let us, together, unleash the future.”

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In Just Seven Weeks, we have achieved the following:

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1.- Defended the Falklands against the Junta.

2.- Increased NHS spending by £1.7bn.

3.- Secured Britain’s Sovereignty.

4.- Protected our streets with 5,000 extra police.

5.- Giving pensioners a 7% income boost.

6.- Created a Sovereign Wealth Fund for oil revenue.

7.- Invested £1.7bn in our education system.

8.- Protected your Right to Roam.

9.- Affirmed our commitment to the nuclear deterrent.

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"IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE WITH FIVE YEARS"

[Alex Cardigan MP (LD)]

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT LEAFLET: HIGHLANDS TARGET SEATS

The Liberal Democrats announced a new leafleting campaign in their top Highland target & held seats this morning. Charles Kennedy commented that "The Liberal Democrats are the party of the Highlands, and we understand the communities we represent. Voters know how hard we work for them and the value of first class local representation better than most in our part of the world."

Front of leaflet: https://gyazo.com/63d75c12716e873eb28bf0341278031b

Back of leaflet: https://gyazo.com/0995f9e873d4fb4c7280b57684b65646

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CANVASS: ARGYLL AND BUTE

Alex Cardigan today joined local MP Ray Michie for a tour of Oban distillery, which the party had pledged to cut taxes on, before heading out to canvass in the town.

To a Labour voter: "Round here, it's Liberal Democrat or Conservative, Labour came in fourth! If you don't lend us your vote, it could be wasted, and mean that we lose first class local representation in favour of a Tory MP. If you would consider lending us your vote to make sure that Argyll and Bute doesn't elect a Conservative, then our area would still have a great local MP."

To an SNP voter: "The Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives are the only ones in the race here, sadly. The SNP and Labour may have some good ideas to some, but they just can't win. We're committing to a Scottish Parliament and cutting taxes here at the local distillery, that would be enormous for the southern Highlands, and for Scotland. Why don't you lend us your vote and keep a great local MP in office?"

To a Conservative voter: "Ray Michie is a top class local MP and we're working to cut rates for rural business and cut taxes on whisky production. That'd be great for business round here and for the local economy. Bibi or James might end up as PM, but the question is really about whether you want a great local MP who will stand up for Oban when it comes to getting a coalition together - you won't be ignored if youv vote Liberal Democrat!"

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LIBERAL DEMOCRAT SPEECH: SCOTTISH TARGET SEATS

Join the Liberal Democrat fightback and put Britain on the right course

Alex Cardigan today spoke in key Scottish target seats about the vital importance of the centre-ground politics of the Liberal Democrats, and how Britain needed the party if it wanted to prosper. Press had been briefed that the party felt the election wasn't just about who was going into Number 10, but whether it's the Liberal Democrats alongside them, or Harry Saxon, the SNP, or Northern Irish parties.

"We have an absolute mountain to climb between now and election day. An absolute mountain. But you know what, as I look across this room of people here who really care, who really believe, and who know exactly how important this election is - well, I'm glad I brought my hiking gear. The Liberal Democrats as a party are characterised by one thing before all else - hard work. We work harder than any other party, we care about every single vote, we risk our fingers to barking dogs behind letterboxes to get our message out there. And as long as we keep working hard, this party can succeed. This election, success is not an option, I am here to tell you that it is mandatory, because what happens if we don't win, and don't work hard, is not something I can allow to happen to this country, because I really love Britain.

"I won't lie to anyone here when I tell you that leading a party like the Liberal Democrats is bloody difficult. We are often overlooked, often jeered at, and in Parliament, due to our ludicrous system, we are too often shouted down. Well, you know what, I'm tired of all that. I'm tired of the centre-ground being overlooked in favour of the mad personality politics of Harry Saxon, the ideologically swivel-eyed politics of Tommy Dawson, and the chaos of the merry-go-round in cabinet. I'm tired of the lunatics running the asylum. The Liberal Democrats are not an opposition party that exist for the sake of opposing. We are proposing responsible, moderate government, policies that everyone can get behind, and are unashamed about our commitment to curb the extremes. Yes, I know it isn't the coolest thing in the world, but imagine waking up the day after election day to Tommy Dawson as Chancellor unchecked? Or Harry Saxon propping up the Tories? Or another five years of tired, limping Tory chaos? It can't happen. We need adults in the room in the next cabinet. And I am here to win seats, here to govern, and here to make sure our country is on the right course. Our fightback has already started - now we just need as many people as possible to join us and fight with the moderate majority in this county, who support common-sense policy imbued with a sense of British decency and fair play.

"Scotland is vital to the formula here, the plan to anchor our next Government to the centre-ground and curb the extreme ideals of both Labour and the Conservatives. We have strong local MPs here, especially in the Highlands and borders, who understand the rural issues that we champion, and who know their communities inside out. I have often been annoyed in Parliament by the fact that being a great constituency MP, caring about your local area, is often looked down upon by the other parties. In the Liberal Democrats, it is rewarded, cherished and understood. And I am serious about getting into Government and getting things done - if that happens, I want Scottish MPs at the top table, and I hope that voters will reward our fantastic local champions for their work with another term of getting things done.

"Our message this election has been put together for us. We don't want to continue the high unemployment, recession-ridden economic policies of the Conservatives, and nor do we want to scare investment away from Britain with 85% tax rates. I want to keep this campaign positive, but when the options in front of us are so lacking, and so thoughtless - as if to appeal only to core party bases, not to the majority of people - it is hard to remain the optimist I am. On education, on our armed forces, on local government, on health, on political reform, we are light years ahead of the other parties. But that isn't new. What is new is the fact that I am not going to sit down and exist in self-indulgent opposition when there is a country to run. I'm not going to make promises I can't keep. I'm not going to keep voters in the dark. Politics is murky and dark - I want it to be open and transparent, and I want to put trust in the people, not politicians. If there is a hung Parliament, we can lead the way in doing politics differently. We can curb the extremes and anchor the Government to the centre-ground. This election, for those tired of how things are done, there is only one choice - the Liberal Democrats, Britain's real alternative."

[Ege (LAB)]

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS BILLBOARD IN SCOTLAND

[Dr Mary MacAndrews (LAB)]

Alun David Williams, Home Secretary, joined by local candidates, party members and voters, delivered a speech on law and order and the future under a Conservative Government.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for joining me today.

I want to speak to you about the values I espouse as Home Secretary and the values of the Conservative Party led by the Prime Minister, Bibi Lauria. They are values of law and order that have been the hallmark of the Conservative Party for decades, we understand what it means to ensure that the British people are safe and feel safe.

In our last budget of the Parliamentary term the Conservatives delivered an extra 5000 new police officers to patrol our streets, keeping us all safe, and if you elect us to a fourth term of office we will deliver another 20,000 new police officers over the course of the next Parliament. With our good stewardship of the country’s finances we are able to deliver on these promises and we will continue to ensure that police forces up and down the country have the staff needed to put dangerous criminals and keep our communities safe.

But hiring more police officers will not solve the problems we face overnight, it will take a concerted effort of all communities to come together and fight the causes of crime we see on our streets. If you return the Conservatives to Government on election day we will introduce greater community focused policing, and will explore the introduction of a new law enforcement officer called a Community Police Officer that will be able to assist Police Officers in community relations, tackling anti-social behaviour and being key points of contact between communities and the police.

If we are to tackle crime, we must look at ourselves and take action to correct the mistakes we have made. Bibi Lauria has been clear that the Government and Party she leads are distinct from the previous administrations that have been plagued by scandal and deceit. I was outraged by the actions of members of my party that should have known better. At best they were misguided, at worst they have been criminals that have abused a system that is in desperate need of reform, and I know that Bibi Lauria is the woman to bring about the change we need in this country.

As Home Secretary, my focus has been on delivering reform to the Security Services after the level of abuse we saw. Politicians bugging other politicians, deceit and deception. These are not the values of the Conservative Party I know and love and that and I am resolute that these men and women did not represent the majority of conservative people and the people of this Country. What I am clear about is that this abuse can never happen again, never again can a politician have access to such unfettered power where they feel no fear of reproach and never again can we have security services that are willing to break the law because a politician has ordered them too. Too many times in history has the defence “I was just following orders” been used to justify the most heinous and treasonous acts. Never again.

Our first piece of domestic legislation will be a bill to clean these security services up. Our intention is to ensure that the security services have the tools and capabilities to protect and defend our nation from those who would seek to threaten our way of life. That they are able to act effectively and quick to stop threats against our people. But no longer will they have unfettered power to act in the shadows and at the whims of powerful men who wish to stroke their own egos and play at James Bond. Such behaviour threatens the very nature of our democracy, and our democracy and way of life has existed for centuries and will continue to exist for centuries and will never be threatened again by the egos of a few weak-willed men.

Many will say I am not being truthful, that as Home Secretary and, God-willing, the Home Secretary after the election, I would not take direct action to reduce the power that I have. But I make this commitment here today that I will deliver this legislation to ensure that no politician again has the power to abuse such power again. I also make the commitment that I will support reforms to the Security Services to ensure this can never happen again, no matter who is in Government.

As we look to ensure we have stronger community policing, we must redouble our efforts to push forward with integration across our varied communities. I welcome the diverse nature of British communities, tied together by the historic and unending dedication to Britain and our British way of life. A Conservative Government however, will take a stronger and firmer position on immigration ensuring that Britain only accepts a sensible number of immigrants that are required to fill in employment gaps and not just anyone who wishes to come here and fill our country to the brim.

The Conservatives will take a firmer stand on those who seek to sow the seeds of discord in our society. We will empower the Police with new powers to seek out, investigate and arrest those suspicious of terrorist activities. We will give no quarter to those who threaten our very way of life of freedom, democracy and liberty.

When it comes to election day, vote for the Conservatives so that we can get to work under Bibi Lauria’s strong and decisive leadership as Prime Minister. Thank you

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After his speech, Alun David Williams, joined candidates in canvassing key marginals

On leadership: Bibi Lauria is the woman to lead the nation through difficult times, she showed strong and decisive leadership when it came to the Argentine Junta that wanted to flex its muscles, but all they got was another resounding defeat. Bibi sent them packing and we made it clear for the world to see that the Falklands is British and Britain will always defend itself against any would-be aggressor. And while Bibi Lauria was defending our country against attacks, Labour wanted to appease Argentina when Argentina were the aggressors. Labour cannot be trusted to defend our nation when it really comes down to it.

On employment: I saw in Labour’s manifesto they want to give the unions more power again and implement a four day week. Well, I can tell them now that if they submit to control of the unions we will find ourselves in a three day week all over again. Under the last Labour Government in 1979, 29 million working days were lost due to strikes they could get under control. When compared to last year, under a Conservative Government we had the lowest level of strikes in 50 years. That is because Bibi Lauria will never bow down to the unions like McCrimmon and Dawson will. British people want to work and the Conservative ensured they got back to work, they do not want to be strangled into poverty by the Marxist dogma of the Labour party and their union paymasters.

On policing: The Conservative have just hired 5000 new police officers and we have committed to hiring another 20,000 police officers over the course of the next Parliament. These men and women will be essential to fighting crime up and down our country and building stronger community ties to bring together our country to tackle crime once and for all.

While canvassing the following leaflet was delivered to voters

FRONT: A picture of the local Conservative candidate, with a personal quote from him/her about a relevant economic issue of the constituency.

LEADERSHIP: In just seven weeks as Prime Minister, Bibi Lauria has shown herself to be a woman of action, determined to get things done. While Labour, the Lib Dems and Referendum are all talk, she and the Conservatives lead. A vote for your local Conservative candidate is the best way to get a strong, effective government.

ECONOMY: The Conservatives believe in a strong economy that empowers people, which is why we propose an ambitious tax cut for 28 million people. Labour will have you taxed up to 85% in their pursuit to burn through money for their pledges. Don’t let them tax you into oblivion, vote Conservative for a strong economy that supports you and your family.

DEFENCE: We have led the way in keeping the Armed Forces strong and effective, their professionalism and bravery in Iraq and the Falklands making us proud. The Conservatives will pursue a bold agenda of modernization and support which will honour veterans and servicemen, empower British defence industries, and keep Britain safe. Don’t let Labour’s all-talk politicians ruin that record.

“FORWARD, NOT BACK”

BACK: A picture of a smiling PM Bibi Lauria, with a quote: “Let us, together, unleash the future.”

In Just Seven Weeks, we have achieved the following:

1.- Defended the Falklands against the Junta.
2.- Increased NHS spending by £1.7bn.
3.- Secured Britain’s Sovereignty.
4.- Protected our streets with 5,000 extra police.
5.- Giving pensioners a 7% income boost.
6.- Created a Sovereign Wealth Fund for oil revenue.
7.- Invested £1.7bn in our education system.
8.- Protected your Right to Roam.
9.- Affirmed our commitment to the nuclear deterrent.

"IMAGINE WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE WITH FIVE YEARS"

[Bibi Lauria (CON)]

Regional Billboards (x2)



Regional Leaflets (x2) [nb. all details changed for each constituency]

[Ruan Preston (LAB)]

Canvassing

Ruan Preston went canvassing with local candidates in Edinburgh:

• On devolution: "Truth be told, it's a relief the Tories have abandoned their crackpot plan to replicate the Strassburg moving circus to Scotland. At least they're being honest that they don't feel Scotland deserves a Parliament fully devoted to its needs. But let's be honest: Scotland wants and deserves such a Parliament, to take decisions close to home. A Labour majority is the only safe way to deliver it."
  
• On the security services: "The Home Secretary's jetting up and down the country telling people he'll tackle the security services. No, really, trust him. But can we, without details? This is a man whose predecessors abused the powers of the security services for their own political agenda and lied about terrorism to cover it up. This is a party that has left the British people waiting for an apology so far. Luckily, there is an alternative: a concrete, ironcast pledge from Labour to subject the use of the security services to the same parliamentary scrutiny as everything else, but in private to ensure operations aren't compromised. Labour's plan is clear: end the sleaze, bring in scrutiny. The same can not be said for the Tories."
  
• On crime: "The truth is that despite all the tough talk, crime's been rising year on year on year of Tory government. The reason is simple: their methods may make good PR, but they're bad policy. Their manifesto just shows they've run out of ideas - just more bobbies, and that's it. We offer to hire more police than they do, and we have a solid no-nonsense crime-fighting plan that tackles it root and branch. We'll get tough on crime by reforming sentencing, but we'll also get tough on its causes. We'll get firm with young offenders, get tough on drugs and go to the grassroots to effectively prevent crime. Let's stop the Tory posturing and bring in a no-nonsense crimefighting strategy that works."
  

Leaflets:
https://imgur.com/p2ilGTi
https://imgur.com/dU1uxjh

---

Canvassing

Ruan Preston went canvassing with local candidates in Glasgow:

• On devolution: "We all know the Tories aren't fans of giving Scotland a say in how Scotland is run. The short while they tried, it was a half-baked plan which would dilute the say of the representatives of the Scottish people rather than strengthening it. The Scotland's Strassburg plan is a thing of the past, and we can all be glad for it. But this election, you can send the Tories a message: we Scots deserve a say. You don't have to put up with a government running the Scottish NHS without a Scottish majority. You can have a Scottish Parliament - if you vote Labour."
  
• On public services: "The Tories have run our public services into the ground by cutting their funding and trying to turn them into markets against their very nature. The people who rely on these services have been left in the cold. We have an ambitious plan to combat understaffing in the public services from the police to our schools to our hospitals, reversing Tory cuts and upping the quality and accessibility of these services. You can only get it with Labour."
  
• On industrial policy: "Scotland and Glasgow have seen the worst of the Tories' failed deindustrialisation project, seeing thousands out of their jobs and shuttering factories without a proper replacement. It's time for this forgotten sector gets revitalised and for jobs to get back to Glasgow. We have an ambitious plan to improve infrastructure and create thousands of well-paying industrial jobs across Britain. Don't let them tell you your jobs are a thing of the past - vote Labour."
  

Leaflets:
https://imgur.com/p2ilGTi
https://imgur.com/dU1uxjh

---

Leaflet - Devolution

https://imgur.com/p2ilGTi

https://imgur.com/dU1uxjh

[Victor Wolfe (CON)]

Scotland - Isaac Westcott
Speech

This event will feature large screens around the area for the audience to see what’s going on- it appears to be linked to a large, bulky, and impressive (well, back then anyway) computer on the platform near the podium near Westcott. The screens will project both his image as well as images of what’s on the screen for the event as well. The image on the screen looks very similar to the first-ever webpage ([url=http://info.cern.ch/hypertext/WWW/TheProject.html]http://info.cern.ch/hypertext/WWW/TheProject.html) that was unveiled in August 1991. The language on it is different. Instead of explaining the W3 project, instead, there’s language about “identify financing opportunities” or “find a job opportunity” in blue to look like links.

“Last August, a British scientist- because of course- Tim Berners-Lee showed the world a new tool: the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web, or the W3, is a revolution in communication for sure, but it also has the promise to be a revolution in business and employment. It’s a technological leap forward with so many possibilities. It may not look like much now- some words and text that you would pull up with a computer hooked to your phone line. But go beyond just this surface level and you’ll see the real potential. 

“Our Government did, and that’s why we’re setting up funding to develop this potential- and to make sure that it can be accessed by everyone in Britain. And they say Conservatives are always looking backwards… well, not this time. Our programme will award competitive grants to anyone who has ideas on how to make this W3 work for the people, work for business, and how to make sure it can be fostered and spread. 

“I know the news as of late has been focused on some of the economic figures. Years and years of growth in productivity, in wages, in business output caught up with us, prompting an economic readjustment. But this Government was not content to just sit back and let jobs be lost, to let incomes dry up for those in need. We stepped in and acted. There was plenty of outcry from all sides: even Labour criticised us for spending too much on investing in people and in small business. But the results are showing themselves as people are going back to work; as of today, 300,000 more Britons are working than they were a year ago. Wages have gone up by 6.5% and are outpacing the growth in prices; workers are bringing home more now than they have at any point. We saved jobs on the high street and in smaller businesses through investments- and helped relieve those who were due to lose their homes. And we’re pouring more into helping train workers, helping people find jobs, and helping small businesses get off the ground than ever before. 

“But, I’m not here to continue to look backwards. This is a Conservative Government that is looking forwards to new opportunities, new programmes, and new ways of doing business- like W3. When it comes to helping workers, families, and businesses, our continued Conservative Government will look forward, not back.

“That’s why with a continued Conservative Government you’re going to see us investing more in what works: from job training and job placement programmes, to lowering the costs and easing the burdens for starting and running small businesses; from letting workers keep more of their money to providing continued assistance to the unemployed as we have done over the last two years. And we’re going to invest more in this innovative W3 technology that brings so much promise.

“I live on a farm in Wales- and I want you to imagine I have a neighbor, Morgan, who has her own small sheep farm as well. Now Morgan has this incredible knack at turning wool into a high-quality, beautiful yarn using some really innovative practices. If she wants to go into business now it would be a series of phone calls, filling out government forms to set up her ability to establish her legal entity. She’ll need to find customers- which at best would be hoping to find connections in our local high street or in a boutique where she could maybe access a small bit of shelf space. Or she might need to straight cold-calling retailers to work through. Morgan might enjoy making her yarn, but looking at all these barriers, particularly coming from a more rural Northern Wales, one could hardly blame her if she chose to just give up. What she needs is someone to look forward- to making business easier, rather than harder.

“But imagine instead Morgan could go to her computer- or one in a local library.”

At this point a campaign worker comes out- a young female who’s playing Morgan- and she goes to the computer, clicking on one of the blue text links- making sure to go slow. He’ll narrate as she does it. YES, this will have been tested ahead of time so he doesn’t look like a goober.

“A continued Conservative Government will work with businesses to set up a platform like this, where Morgan can find information right at her fingertips. No calling. No need to muck about with forms. Not only with a continued Conservative Government make it easier to find, but we’ll cut the regulatory hurdles that make it hard to start up your own business.

As she clicks a link, there is an official-looking page that comes up. This is not an actual website- rather a mockup- but it looks like it’s actually a form!

“Morgan puts her particulars in here- what she wants to do. And in Government, Conservatives will continue to expand programs that help businesses start up. Just last year we waived capital requirements for people wanting to start a business- which would have meant Morgan here needed investors or a large bank account to get started. Now all she needs is an idea. And when we’re elected, we’ll cut through all the red tape to make starting a business as easy as filling out one form.”

She’ll click another link. 

“That done, Morgan starts to advertise herself. She can apply for a W3 address so that people find her. And she can even find the sites that retailers have set up to instantly set up communications. Consumers will start coming to her, letting Morgan make sales right away. And we’ll cut the taxes on businesses like Morgan’s brand new one- establishing a new, low, basic rate on small businesses so Morgan can invest more in her business or provide higher wages to her workers.”

Morgan looks up and turns to Westcott- as scripted, anyway.

MORGAN: “You know, my brother Richard wants to learn a new trade- what are you doing for him?”

“Our Government has invested more in adult reskilling than any Government before ours- and that’s an investment we’ll continue to make. Working with trade unions and businesses alike we’ll establish adult apprenticeship programs to let those who want to try something new- or who are looking for a job in a new field- learn the skills while earning wages. And Richard too will have access to W3 so that he can get access to these educational tools- and then get job opportunities.”

MORGAN: “Oh, you know what? My cousin Angus in Scotland has been wanting to find a job for awhile… sadly he’s just not had the luck. What about him?”

“This Government’s commitment isn’t just to businesses or other workers: it’s to the unemployed. People have lost their jobs recently, and there are many who have been looking for work for a long time but just haven’t found the right opportunity. That’s why this Government raised unemployment benefits- because we know that people who are unemployed can be so because of no fault of their own. And we expanded job training and placement funding. We’ll double-down on our investments in job placement programmes to let people find the opportunity that’s right for them. We’ll use W3 and other resources to create a national job-searching and job-placement network. And for those who have to move, we’ll create an incentive scheme to help reduce the costs of moving across the country for a new job.

“As part of our plan to look forward, not back, a continued Conservative Government will bring the promise of W3 to help people start businesses, learn new schools, access benefits, and find lasting jobs. And we’ll continue the investments we’ve made over the past two years in job creation, job growth, and wage increases for workers and their families throughout Britain. We’ll make it easier for businesses to start up and to make sales, putting more people to work and supporting our communities. 

“We’ll tackle the problems of skills mismatch by giving new tools and resources to workers and to businesses to find the right job for them.

“These are the promises of a Conservative Government that looks forward, not back. And by 1997 we’ll have a strong program to get everyone hooked up to W3, get businesses booming, and usher in a real revolution in the way people work and the way businesses operate. 

“Thank you!”