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Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

4 October 2007

 

Party conferences, it is safe to say, are not everyone’s cup of tea. I imagine that, to most people, the prospect of spending three or four days cooped up with thousands of activists with a near-obsessive interest in politics would be a very big turn-off. Just seeing extracts hog the television headlines is probably too much for many of you.

So how do I view what may just, possibly, be my last Conservative Conference as a Member of Parliament?

The truth, sadly many of you may think, is that I have always enjoyed our Party Conference. But then, of course, I share that keen interest in politics with my fellow representatives.

And there is a point to party conferences, whatever party you support. A healthy parliamentary democracy needs healthy political parties and vigorous debate between them. After all, parliament exists, as I was reminded shortly after I entered the House of Commons by a wise old veteran, to resolve the disagreements which would otherwise be decided by fighting in the streets.

And these disagreements are more effectively decided if the policy positions of the parties themselves are refined and resolved by proper internal debate and discussions.

That is why David Cameron set up a number of policy groups to look at some of the most important challenges facing our country. Of course he never expected to accept all their recommendations. But now he has made his choices and the electorate can make theirs.

On non-political post-script.

Warmest congratulations to Hythe Town Football Club on their victory over Dover in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the F.A. Cup. I spent a very enjoyable afternoon at Reachfields last Saturday watching this game which will, I am sure, go down in the history of the club as one of their most glorious results. Well done!