Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

New Year message

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Source: Conservative Monthly News, January 1978
Editorial comments: The corresponding press release (1350/77) was embargoed until 2100 31 December 1977.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 370
Themes: Conservatism, General Elections, Labour Party & socialism, Social security & welfare

CHEER UP, THE TORIES ARE COMING

This year promises to be one of the most crucial in our history. I am determined to make it one in which the British people decisively reject Socialism and go forward with the Conservatives towards freedom and prosperity.

That is not just rhetoric: it is the lesson of experience. Looking back over the years since the war we see periods of rule almost equally Conservative and Socialist. But what a contrast in their results!

Under the Conservatives living standards rose, inflation was mild compared with today, industry grew, employment expanded, taxes fell, and social services improved.

Under Socialism, Britain has become a country of low output, low pay, high taxes and high unemployment. As bureaucracy has mounted, the Welfare State has come under severe strain.

Yet I am heartened to see events moving our way. In recent months we have welcomed more and more refugees from Socialism.

Many of these have been distinguished public figures, but there have also been thousands of ordinary people who thought that Labour was the natural protector of their interests, but found themselves victims of a fraud.

Freedom

They have also come to us for the positive reason that they realise that what they want is what we Conservatives stand for.

They and we want a Government which concentrates on those things which only Governments can properly do, instead of endlessly meddling with all our lives, and confiscating the fruits of our striving.

And within this framework of freedom they, like us, want to have the chance of doing better for their families and themselves.

They want the opportunity of a worthwhile job, a house of their own, better choice in schools, and a chance to provide for old age.

Like us, they realise that these benefits are at risk, unless they are protected against crime, lawlessness and vandalism, and from attack by our country's enemies. We must be ready to pay the bill for upholding the law and defending Britain.

So let all Conservatives, whether old or new, greet 1978 gladly, and work to make it a year of decision—a year when the history books will say we not only cast out Socialism, but put our people on the way to a freer and better life.

Margaret Thatcher, MP