Tories pledge to 'turn back tide of political correctness'

The Tories have pledged to change culture of government and turn back the tide of political correctness if the party ascends of office at the next general election.

In a speech in Stafford, Conservative leader Michael Howard acknowledged that not all the answers to the problems posed by political correctness lie in the hands of politicians but pledge to pursue "specific measures that we can and will take to challenge it".

The Tories propose to carry out a review of the Human Rights Act which, they say, is being "roundly abused". A consultation will also be carried out on how the Children Act is working in practice to "restore the balance of power between parents and bureaucrats".

The culture change would also mean greater classroom "protection" for teachers and a freeze on civil service recruitment so that there would be "fewer bureaucrats to push out regulations".

Mr Howard said that the next Conservative government "will say, loudly and clearly, to the people of this country, we are on your side. We will support doctors, teachers, nurses, policemen and the ordinary man and woman on the street. We will say to them, we agree with you".

He added: "Enough is enough. You should be free to lead your lives as you see fit. We will only intervene when the need to do so is clear and necessary. We will end the culture of regulation, interference and centralisation which is destroying our sense of community. Once again, government will serve the people. It will no longer be its master."

(gmcg)