Aspiration, it seems, is in danger of becoming the preserve of the wealthy.
Government cannot do it all. As we work hard to break welfare dependency and get young people ready for the labour market, we need businesses to give them a chance and not just fall back on labour from abroad.
The future of Conservatism lies in our beliefs and values, not by throwing them away. We need to shed associations that bind us to past failures, but hold faith with those things that make us Conservatives.
That thing, 'You must stay together for the kids', is out of fashion but is right. It's not arguing parents that children don't like, it is having one parent.
With the right support, a child growing up in a dysfunctional household, who was destined for a lifetime on benefits could be put on an entirely different track - one which sees them move into fulfilling and sustainable work. In doing so, they will pull themselves out of poverty.
With participation in politics so low at the moment I think Christians should ensure their views are represented at all levels and not leave it to others.
Every parent wants to know that their children are protected against those who have a particular agenda until they get old enough to make decisions for themselves.
Too many couples break up without understanding the consequences for their families.
There are few more powerful tools for promoting stability than the institution of marriage.
Over the years the political establishment has frowned if a mainstream politician mentions marriage.
The financial costs of family breakdown are incredibly high.
No I'm not a great believer in getting back over things and saying if only, or if, or buts because I don't think we actually get anywhere on that.
I think almost every political leader is always told that the next speech they make is the most crucial one.
What happened I think on Sept. 11 was we were given graphic and clear evidence that things had changed.
People work hard.
You know in my own area of Waltham Forest, we've had many murders as a result of the gang violence and often innocent bystanders get caught up in it.
With high underemployment - currently over one million part-time workers in the UK want to work more hours - sanctioning clients who cannot increase their hours seems to be both unworkable and unfair.
If you look at the footballers, you look at our celebrity culture, we seem to be saying, 'This is the way you want to be'. We seem to be a society that celebrates all the wrong people.
Kids are meant to believe that their stepping stone to massive money is 'The X Factor.'
We do not celebrate people who have made success out of serious hard work.
