This Government's driving mission is to help Britain succeed in the tough global race we're in. That means reversing years of decline under Labour. Building a buoyant economy that invents, makes and sells things again. Creating the good, decent jobs that young people need.
That's why I gave a speech yesterday making clear that there can be no turning back from the course we are on.
Yes, times are tough, and yes, there are calls for us to turn back, give up, give in. But as Conservatives know, nothing worthwhile is easily won. We need to hold our nerve and stick to our economic plan:
 | Showing the world that Britain is open for business. Corporation tax cut, red tape stripped back, new tax breaks for start ups. |
| Dealing with the deficit. Getting a grip on our deficit and keeping interest rates low - to make life easier for homeowners and businesses across the country. |
| Sorting our banks out. Taking tough action to make sure our banks are lending to small businesses - and making sure they can't collapse in the way they did before. |
This is our plan - and we're making progress. Over a million private sector jobs have been created since the election. The deficit is down by a quarter. Exports to Brazil up by half; to India more than half; to China almost doubled.
And that's why more than ever we've got to reject Labour's calls for quick fixes. They say we should borrow more. But do you know how much? £200 billion more borrowing - £3,200 more debt for every person.
So we are rejecting the easy ways out. We are sticking to the course. We are going to finish the job we started to get our economy - and our country - fighting fit and standing tall.
David Cameron
Foreign Secretary William Hague: 'We call on all parties to show the leadership and vision needed to restore and renew Egypt’s democratic transition.'
Responding to events in Egypt this evening, the Foreign Secretary said:
The situation is clearly dangerous and we call on all sides to show restraint and avoid violence. We continue to advise British citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Egypt apart from the Red Sea resorts, and to monitor travel advice from the Foreign Office.
The United Kingdom does not support military intervention as a way to resolve disputes in a democratic system. The chance of a democratic future was hard won for Egypt by the Egyptian people two and a half years ago. But looking forward, we call on all parties to show the leadership and vision needed to restore and renew Egypt’s democratic transition. It is vital for them to respond to the strong desire of the Egyptian people for faster economic and political progress for their country.
In our view this must involve a political process that includes all groups on an equal footing leading to early and fair elections which all parties are able to contest, and civilian-led government.
I urge Egypt’s leaders to show a real determination to work together to make this happen in a way that they have not done in recent months.
In the long run only democratic processes and government by consent will bring the stability and prosperity that the people of Egypt seek.
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