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Cameron outlines agenda as new cabinet meets

David Cameron is due to meet his new Cabinet for the first time as his Government starts putting ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.34 12 May 2015


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Cameron outlines agenda as new...

Cameron outlines agenda as new cabinet meets

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.34 12 May 2015


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David Cameron is due to meet his new Cabinet for the first time as his Government starts putting together legislation which will be a test of his authority.

The Prime Minister will tell his newly appointed ministers they should aim to "give everyone" in the UK "the chance to make the most of their life".

He will also outline plans to create two million jobs, to help people with childcare, to reform welfare and to provide more apprenticeships.

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It follows the completion of his Cabinet on Monday, with many of those who had previously been Secretaries of State in the last government staying in place.

The Tory leader will tell his first Conservative-only team: "I want everyone around this table to remember who we're for.

"Every decision we take, every policy we pursue, every programme we initiate, never forget: we're here to give everyone in our country the chance to make the most of their life.

"I call it being the real party for working people: giving everyone in our country the chance to get on, with the dignity of a job, the pride of a pay-cheque, a home of their own and the security and peace of mind that comes from being able to support a family.

"And just as important - for those that can't work, the support they need at every stage of their lives."

The first Queen's Speech, which sets out the new Government's priorities, will be part of the State Opening of Parliament on 27 May.

Downing Street said it will include the introduction of a legal duty to tell Parliament what progress has been made in the areas of achieving full employment and providing three million new apprenticeships.

The speech will also include a Bill to cap benefits at £23,000 and a new scheme which will see young people with no work experience required to take part in training or work placements or have their benefits removed.

A Bill increasing free childcare for three and four-year-olds to 30 hours a week will also be prioritised by the new Government, as will plans to introduce tax-free child care for every child.

Mr Cameron will have to get the legislation through the House of Commons with a majority of 10 - the smallest Government majority at the start of a Parliament since 1974.

One of the most significant challenges facing him is the EU referendum he has promised before the end of 2017. Mr Cameron has said he will reform the UK's deal with the EU before giving voters the say on the country's continued membership.

Many of the most senior Cabinet figures remain in post, with Theresa May staying on as Home Secretary, Philip Hammond as Foreign Secretary, George Osborne as Chancellor and Michael Fallon as Defence Secretary.

Others who kept their jobs included Nicky Morgan as Education Secretary, Jeremy Hunt as Health Secretary and Iain Duncan Smith as Work and Pensions Secretary.

New faces include John Whittingdale, who was given Mr Javid's old job as Culture Secretary, Greg Clark who takes over from Eric Pickles as Communities and Local Government Secretary and Amber Rudd who becomes Energy and Climate Change Secretary.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, who also became MP for Uxbridge in the election, is allowed to sit in on Cabinet meetings but does not have a cabinet post.


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