Tories 2017
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
4. A RESTORED CONTRACT BETWEEN THE GENERATIONS<br />
No grandparent wants to see their grandchildren worse off than they<br />
were, yet that is precisely the fear many older people now have. No son<br />
or daughter wants to see their parents poorly cared for or their hard-earned<br />
assets whittled away, yet that is the reality for too many old people in care. We<br />
must admit that the solidarity that binds generations is under strain in our<br />
country.<br />
We will restore the contract between the generations, providing older people with<br />
security against ill health while ensuring we maintain the promise of opportunity<br />
and prosperity for younger generations. That contract includes our National<br />
Health Service, which is founded on the principle that those who have should<br />
help those who do not. It is a system of solidarity to which we all contribute, not<br />
just to help us and our families when we are in need but to protect others in our<br />
community when they need help too. This not just expediency: we do it because<br />
the support we give each other ties us together.<br />
This solidarity is a Conservative principle, growing out of family, community and<br />
nation – all things that Conservatives believe in and work to conserve. At times,<br />
solidarity will require great generosity from one group to another – of younger<br />
working people to pay for the dignified old age of retired people, and of older<br />
people balancing what they receive with the needs of the younger generation.<br />
Our United Kingdom can seize enormous opportunities but only if we make<br />
decisions for the long term. We trust the people of this country, who know that<br />
we face difficult choices – and demand the respect of politicians who should be<br />
honest about how those choices can be resolved.<br />
DEALING WITH THE DEFICIT<br />
The greatest impact a government can have on future generations is the amount it<br />
chooses to borrow to pay for current spending. Borrowing always means spending<br />
money you do not have; but government borrowing differs because the repayment falls<br />
to others – those who come later, including people not yet born. Conservatives believe<br />
in balancing the books and paying down debts – because it is wrong to pass to future<br />
generations a bill you cannot or will not pay yourself.<br />
The next Conservative government will continue the difficult but necessary work of<br />
restoring our public finances while still ensuring that we are investing for the future. As<br />
63
Change language