Make Cameron Think

Just as the Republicans are all in favour of socialised medicine when Bob Dole or Mitt Romney thinks of it, and will be when it has actually come to pass, so it is amazing what the Conservatives will support if they either thought of it or can be flattered into believing that they did.

Their expansion of welfare provision and of public ownership between the Wars remains greatly to their credit. As does the inclusion of the NHS in all three manifestos in 1945 and the refusal of the Conservatives (yes, even under Churchill) to dismantle it when they returned to office in 1951, very early in its life and when it was practically bankrupt. John Major magnificently kept this country out of the dismemberment of Yugoslavia. And now, they are back, offering electoral reform, preparing to restore the link between pensions and earnings, dismantling the surveillance state pioneered by Michael Howard, and even accepting the principle of the maximum multiple.

So let's get to work on them, and see if we cannot expose New Labour as the only party opposed to a merged tax and benefit system that guarantees no one's tax-free income to fall below half national median earnings. Abolition of prescription charges, and restoration of free eye and dental treatment. Making employment rights begin on day one of employment and apply regardless of the number of hours worked, as promised by John Smith. Saving council housing, and bringing all council services back in house. Renationalising the utilities and the railways, and building a national network of public transport free at the point of use. And many, many more.

All that we have to do is make Cameron think that he thought of them first. Over to you, Simon Hughes, Charles Kennedy, et al.