David Cameron Debate Answers
1. What is your position on Brexit? If you support Brexit, how will you enact the actual policy of Britain leaving the European Union? If you oppose Brexit, what is your plan to reverse Articel 50 being invoked by then-Prime Minister Andrea Leadsom?
Well first, thank you for the question. Rarely has an issue been so important as this. And you know, my advisers have told me that I shouldn’t get too far into the weeds on this issue. They’ve said that the British people wouldn’t appreciate candidness on this. Well, you deserve an answer. Not on person on this stage is going to get everything they want on this issue, but the fact of the matter remains that we must carry out the will of the people on this issue.
First and foremost, new trade agreements ensuring that British goods actually have access to the vast European market. The Eurozone, for all its political flaws is a major economic player on the world stage, which should be obvious to the other party leaders. Moreover, an amenable agreement must be reached in Ireland to ensure that the region is not plunged back into large scale unrest. Ease of access between Northern Ireland and Ireland itself is critical. An open border for citizens of both Northern Ireland and Ireland is one of the many options on the table.
Finally, as I am sure you all know is the issue of the so called “divorce bill.” Obviously, we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed into paying an exorbitant bill. But, again, the fact of the matter remains that we must meet our expectations, we are British for goodness sakes! This is not a Goldilocks situation, but a Conservative government is the only government which can possibly navigate the tides ahead.
Also, if I may, I question the statements made by both Mrs. Swinson and Mr. Darling. How can one be both opposed to Brexit and support a deal to leave the Union? Moreover, Mr. Darling, how many referendums must we have until you get what you want? We are a democracy, and I intend to follow the will of the people on this issue, and I question those who refuse to do so.
2. More than 300,000 people are homeless in this country and scores more are living in temporary housing. If elected Prime Minister, what will you do to address this crisis?
Homelessness in our country is as you accurately describe as a crisis. The Conservative solution to this is two fold. On the one hand, as your Prime Minister we will allocate 150 million pounds to palliative measures, such as increased funding for social services and shelters. However, the root cause is a dirth in the supply of housing.
As such, my government will support new tax abatements for those companies building affordable, adequate housing. This approach will allow for us to finally get a grasp on this crisis.
3. Reform of the House of Lords has become a hot-button political issue in this campaign. How would you like to see the Lords reformed, if at all.
While I do appreciate that British constitutional practice has become a topic of debate, I cannot help but feel this is a distraction from the more pressing matters. Reform can best be discussed after the much more practical problems of Brexit, homelessness, and political violence have been addressed.
More on this issue, we also must remember that the House of Lords, for all its faults does serve a purpose. In addition to the speakership, it serves as a useful check on the willfulness of Parliament. I question if those who support reform would truly support it if their political opponents are reelected in a few weeks.
4. Britain has suffered several major terror attacks over the last few years, including the Manchester Arena bombing and the Westminster Bridge attack; Jo Cox was shot to death in 2016, and, just last week, Arder Carson was brutally stabbed to death in his constituency. How will a Government led by you ensure Britons remain safe in their own neighborhoods?
This is a complex and worthwhile question. On the one hand, all of us on this stage bear some responsibility for the rhetoric which we are our respective parties use. We must be cautious of the means we utilize to win political power.
On a more practical note, new funds can and will be devoted to domestic security under my Prime Ministership. This will include new investments in local police forces to ensure that every British citizen is safe.
1. Mr. Cameron, the Tories have been in Government since 2012. Why should Britain return you to Number 10 as the third Conservative Prime Minister?
Because quite frankly we are the only ones who can lead the United Kingdom through these trying times. We are the only party whose leadership has actually attempted to negotiate a Brexit and who seems to understand that a perfect deal is not a real possibility.
If you want the chaos of recurring referendums under a Labour ministry or a Liberal Democratic Prime Minister, then so be it, but I can assure you right now, no such antics will take place under my leadership.