David Cameron gave a “speech proving that he remains the best man to lead the UK” at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, according to NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Mark Brotherston.
“His speech contained good news for everyone who wants to work hard and get on in life”, Mark said. “David Cameron has now pledged to lift everyone who makes £12,500 or less out of tax altogether. There will be help for middle-earners too, as the 40p rate of income tax rises to £50,000. The purpose of all the Conservative Party’s efforts is to reward people who do the right thing. The economy has been transformed by our long-term economic plan and things are continuing to improve, because of strong leadership by David Cameron and George Osborne. These measures will do more to aid the economy in Northern Ireland than an ailing Executive has ever done.”
Mark also reiterated the Prime Minister’s call for welfare reform in Northern Ireland to be implemented.
“Uniquely among parties in Northern Ireland, Conservatives have been saying that we need to do this because it is right. Reforming welfare will target benefits at those who need them most, it will help people into work and out of dependency and it will deliver fairness for taxpayers. These reforms are even more important for Northern Ireland, because our problems with dependency are particularly bad. Speaking to local Conservatives in Birmingham, David Cameron made it clear that changing the welfare system is a key issue and he is absolutely right. There can be no excuse for the parties at Stormont to bury their collective heads in the sand any longer.”