New Government, New Dawn?

By the end of June 2010, it looks increasingly likely that Britain will be led by a new Conservative government faced with old questions; the economy, Afghanistan, confronting crime and the environment to name a few. Then there are those issues that will come to the forefront in subsequent years. Will Britain align with the United States on the world stage and agree to co-operate on solving problems in the Middle East and quelling the threats from Iran and North Korea? How will the Western superpowers deal with voracious China and the simmering veiled menace of former foe Russia? Energy and food security combined with climate change (man-made or part of a natural cycle, you decide) are also increasingly complex subjects for Britain as a member of the internatonal community to contribute towards solving.

This week at their annual party conference in Manchester, the Conservatives have been busily outlining their vision of the future. There is a focus on work, graft and the neccessity for massive cuts and public sector pay freezes. Critics have labelled the Tories bleak, the counter argument is that they are merely offering a heavy dose of realism that the country appreciates having been forced to swallow the soundbites of spin that have emmanated from New Labour for far too long.

Not completely enamoured by the Tories or David Cameron but seemingly desperate for some form of change, the British public need to know what changes they can expect, if any, from a new government. It is not entirely clear whether the new dawn will be positive or disasterous, not just for Britain but for everyone.