"Your nine principles are right: indeed I believe that they
are the common ground of the Conservative Party today."

The Rt Hon David Cameron MP, October 2005

Democracy

The exercise of political power, with the consent of the people - through regular elections on the basis of universal suffrage and a secret ballot.

Capitalism

The most effective system of wealth creation. Free markets are blind to gender, race, class or religion.

Deregulation

Domestic and global - to maximise freedom of choice and individual responsibility in an improved society

Freedom

For responsible individuals, guaranteed by the rule of law administered by an independent judiciary and minimal state activity.

Community

Defined by geography, tradition, inheritance and sense of identity.

Enterprise

Fostered by a low tax, low inflation economy - with currency exchange rates determined by the free market.

Nationhood

Each nation must be free to determine its policies to the benefit of its citizens.

Security

The first duty of the state is to provide external and internal defence of the citizenry.

Choice

For individuals must be maximised - even if the state accepts responsibility for provision of a safety net.