Cameron: 'UK Not On Path Of Certain Decline'

David Cameron has pledged "strong leadership" through the economic crisis as he addressed the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

The Prime Minister said the country is not on a "path of certain decline" but "if we put in the effort...I know we can turn this ship around".

He added that "clear instructions and clear objectives" are needed "during these difficult economic times" and called on the British people to show the can-do optimism" needed to fight their way back to prosperity.

Mr Cameron told delegates: "You hear pessimism about our economic future, our social problems, our political system, that our best days are behind us. Well, I'm here to tell you that isn't true.

"But if you put in the effort to correct those mistakes, confront those vested interests and take on the failed ideas of the past we can turn that ship around. Nobody wants false optimism."

In his call for optimism, the PM will said: "Right now we need to be energised not paralysed by gloom and fear. That's why so much of my leadership is about unleashing your leadership."

He added: "Some say to succeed in this world we need to be more like India or China or Brazil. I say, we need to become more like us. Hard-working, pioneering, independent, creative, adaptable, optimistic, can-do."

Mr Cameron delivered his speech against uncertainty over the future of the euro and figures revising down UK growth in the first half of 2011.

He warned that the threat to the British and global economy is "as serious today as it was in 2008 when world recession loomed", with the eurozone in crisis, France and Germany at near-standstill and questions over US debt.

But it was vital not to be "paralysed by gloom and fear" in the face of the economic storms.

The Coalition has "led the way" in fighting for recovery, the PM added. "Our plan is right. And our plan will work," he told activists.

"I know you can't see it or feel it yet. But think of it like this. The new economy we're building: it's like building a house. The most important part is the part you can't see - the foundations that make it stable.

"Slowly, but surely, we're laying the foundations for a better future. But this is the crucial point: it will only work if we stick with it."

Mr Cameron said there was a lot of "sogginess" and "pessimism" about Britain's economic future, social problems and political system, with suggestions that "our best days are behind us, that we're on a path of certain decline".

But he said: "I'm here to tell you that it isn't true.

"Of course, if we sit around and hope for the best, the rest will leave us behind. If we fool ourselves that we can grow our economy, mend our society, give our children the future we want them to have ... without effort, without correcting past mistakes, without confronting vested interests and failed ideas, then no, we're not going to get anywhere.

"But if we put in the effort, correct those mistakes, confront those vested interests and take on the failed ideas of the past, then I know we can turn this ship around.

"Nobody wants false optimism. And I will never pretend there are short cuts to success.

"But success will come: with the right ideas, the right approach, the right leadership.

Earlier Mr Cameron had to rewrite his speech at the last minute after being accused of lecturing voters to pay off their credit card debts.

In eve-of-speech briefings by the Tory high command, journalists were told that Mr Cameron would call on households to tackle their personal debt for the sake of the economy.

He was due to say: "The only way out of a debt crisis is to deal with your debts.

"That means households - all of us - paying off the credit card and store card bills."

But the PM changed that to say: "That's why households are paying down their credit card and store card bills."

The change came in response to embarrassing headlines and claims by Labour that Mr Cameron is out of touch with ordinary people.

Senior party sources denied that the change to Mr Cameron's speech was a U-turn or that he was lecturing voters. "It's in response to a misinterpretation of the briefing by some people," said a top Tory insider.

Mr Cameron also announced a new focus on children in care and a stronger emphasis on marriage.

"Today I can announce this: a new focus on the 65,000 children in care. Do you know how many children there are in care under the age of one? 3,660. And how many children under the age of one were adopted in our country last year? Sixty.

"This may not seem like the biggest issue facing our country, but it is the biggest issue for these children.

"How can we have let this happen: we've got people flying all over the world to adopt babies, while the care system at home agonises about placing black children with white families.

"With the right values and the right effort, let's end this scandal and help these, the most vulnerable children of all. But for me, leadership on families also means speaking out on marriage.

"Marriage is not just a piece of paper. It pulls couples together through the ebb and flow of life. It gives children stability. And it says powerful things about what we should value. So yes, we will recognise marriage in the tax system."