During his party conference address, Rishi Sunak criticized the project as a result of a “false consensus” that prioritized connections between major cities. Instead, he pledged to invest in nationwide transportation projects. He also unveiled plans for a new post-16 qualification and a gradual phase-out of smoking.
This marked Prime Minister Sunak’s first speech at the party conference as Conservative leader, signifying a more daring approach from him. The speech outlined a significant shift, with Sunak acknowledging the public’s desire for change after 30 years of politics. The move presents both opportunities and risks, as Sunak aims to bridge the polling gap between the Tories and Labour.
The conference was overshadowed by discussions about the cancellation of HS2, with some senior Tories expressing opposition. However, the government redirected nearly £4 billion toward transport initiatives in northern city regions.
Sunak’s speech also addressed raising the legal age for purchasing cigarettes and the merger of A-levels and T-levels into a new qualification called the Advanced British Standard.
It’s clear that Sunak’s speech was framed with an eye on the upcoming general election, as he positioned himself as a candidate for change. His policies, including the HS2 decision, will be part of his record as he seeks to secure voter support.
Additionally, Sunak drew comparisons with Margaret Thatcher and emphasized the importance of combating inflation over immediate tax cuts. He also addressed gender issues, asserting that “a man is a man and a woman is a woman.”
The speech included personal anecdotes, with Sunak recalling his grandfather’s visit to Parliament and receiving support from his wife, Akshata Murty.
