David Cameron Quotes

David William Donald Cameron is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016. He was the Member of Parliament for Witney from 2001 to 2016 and leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016. He identifies as a one-nation conservative, and has been associated with both economically liberal and socially liberal policies.

Born in London to an upper-middle-class family, Cameron was educated at Heatherdown School, Eton College, and Brasenose College, Oxford. From 1988 to 1993 he worked at the Conservative Research Department, latterly assisting the Conservative Prime Minister John Major, before leaving politics to work for Carlton Communications in 1994. Becoming an MP in 2001, he served in the opposition shadow cabinet under Conservative leader Michael Howard, and succeeded Howard in 2005. Cameron sought to rebrand the Conservatives, embracing an increasingly socially liberal position. The 2010 general election led to Cameron becoming Prime Minister as the head of a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats – the youngest holder of the office since the 1810s. His premiership was marked by the ongoing effects of the late-2000s financial crisis; these involved a large deficit in government finances that his government sought to reduce through austerity measures. His administration introduced large-scale changes to welfare, immigration policy, education, and healthcare. It privatised the Royal Mail and some other state assets, and legalised same-sex marriage in England and Wales.

Internationally, his government intervened militarily in the Libyan Civil War and later authorised the bombing of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant; domestically, his government oversaw the referendum on voting reform and Scottish independence referendum, both of which confirmed Cameron's favoured outcome. When the Conservatives secured an unexpected majority in the 2015 general election he remained as Prime Minister, this time leading a Conservative-only government. To fulfil a manifesto pledge, he introduced a referendum on the UK's continuing membership of the EU. Cameron supported continued membership; following the success of the Leave vote, he resigned to make way for a new Prime Minister and was succeeded by Theresa May.Cameron has been praised for modernising the Conservative Party and for decreasing the United Kingdom's national deficit. However, he has been the target of criticism surrounding his decision to hold the referendum on Britain's membership of the EU which led to period of political instability in the UK during the late 2010s. He has also been criticised by figures on both the left and right, and has been accused of elitism and political opportunism. Wikipedia  

✵ 9. October 1966
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David Cameron: 108   quotes 0   likes

Famous David Cameron Quotes

“One of the tasks that we clearly have is to rebuild trust in our political system. Yes, that's about cleaning up expenses, yes, that's about reforming parliament, and yes, it's about making sure people are in control and that the politicians are always their servants and never their masters.
But I believe it's also something else — it's about being honest about what government can achieve. Real change is not what government can do on its own, real change is when everyone pulls together, comes together, works together, when we all exercise our responsibilities to ourselves, our families, to our communities and to others. And I want to help try and build a more responsible society here in Britain, one where we don't just ask what are my entitlements but what are my responsibilities, one where we don't ask what am I just owed but more what can I give, and a guide for that society that those that can should and those who can't we will always help.
I want to make sure that my Government always looks after the elderly, the frail, the poorest in our country.
We must take everyone through us on some of the difficult decisions that we have ahead.
Above all it will be a Government that is built on some clear values, values of freedom, values of fairness and values of responsibility. I want us to build an economy that rewards work, I want us to build a society with stronger families and stronger communities and I want a political system that people can trust and look up to once again.”

2010s, 2010, First speech as UK Prime Minister (2010)

“Gary Barlow has done a huge amount for the country, he’s raised money for charity, he’s done very well for Children in Need so I’m not sure, the OBE was in respect of that work and what he’s done but clearly what this scheme was was wrong and it’s right that they’re going to pay back the money.”

On Good Morning Britain speaking about his view of tax avoidance schemes and if Gary Barlow should give back his OBE following claims that the singer took part in one - Prime Minister David Cameron speaks to Good Morning Britain, ITV (12 May 2014) http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/prime-minister-david-cameron-speaks-good-morning-britain
2010s, 2014

David Cameron Quotes about people

“If there is one constant in the ebb and flow of our island story, it is the character of the British people.”

Quoted from 'British strength and security in the world' speech (9 May 2016) - 11:50 -12:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_XSmiPezTE
2010s, 2016

“First, for years people have been talking about creating an Islamic bond – or sukuk – outside the Islamic world. But it’s just never quite happened. Changing that is a question of pragmatism and political will. And here in Britain we’ve got both. This government wants Britain to become the first sovereign outside the Islamic world to issue an Islamic bond.”

Speech at the ninth World Islamic Economic Forum in 2013 - "World Islamic Economic Forum: Prime Minister's speech" Gov.uk (29 October 2013) https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/world-islamic-economic-forum-prime-ministers-speech
2010s, 2013

David Cameron Quotes about homeland

“We are a shining example of a country where multiple identities work. Where you can be Welsh and Hindu and British, Northern Irish and Jewish and British; where you can wear a kilt and a turban; where you can wear a hijab covered in poppies. Where you can support Man Utd, the Windies and Team GB at the same time. Of course, I’d rather you supported West Ham.”

Speech in London, which caused derision as Cameron had previously claimed to support Aston Villa. Various sources including The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/25/david-cameron-mocked-for-aston-villa-gaffe (April 2015)
2010s, 2015

“I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.”

Speech delivered outside outside 10 Downing Street, announcing that he would resign as prime minister after British voters chose to leave the European Union in a referendum (June 24, 2016), see David Cameron's resignation speech in full http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/24/europe/david-cameron-full-resignation-speech/ (published by CNN)
2010s, 2016

“If he came to visit our country, I think he would unite us all against him.”

Regarding Donald Trump's proposal to prohibit expatriate Muslims from entering the U.S., as quoted in "Donald Trump debate: Could UK really ban him?" http://www.edition.cnn.com/2016/01/18/politics/donald-trump-uk-united-kingdom-ban/index.html (18 January 2016), by Max Foster, CNN, Georgia: Cable News Network.
2010s, 2016

David Cameron: Trending quotes

“It is here in Britain where in one or two generations people can come with nothing and rise as high as their talent allows. It is here in Britain where success is achieved not in spite of our diversity, but because of our diversity.”

2010s, 2015, Speech on extremism (20 July 2015)
Context: It is here in Britain where different people, from different backgrounds, who follow different religions and different customs don’t just rub alongside each other but are relatives and friends; husbands, wives, cousins, neighbours and colleagues. It is here in Britain where in one or two generations people can come with nothing and rise as high as their talent allows. It is here in Britain where success is achieved not in spite of our diversity, but because of our diversity.

“I joined this party because I believe in freedom. We are the only party believing that if you give people freedom and responsibility, they will grow stronger and society will grow stronger.”

Speech to Conservative Party Conference http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/oct/04/conservatives2005.conservatives3 (4 October 2005)
2000s, 2005

David Cameron Quotes

“I am Conservative to the core of my being, as those who know me best will testify.”

As quoted in Daily Telegraph, (23 January 2006)
2000s, 2006

“The extremist world view is the gateway, and violence is the ultimate destination.”

2010s, 2015, Speech on (20 July 2015)

“Above all we are obstinately practical, rigorously down-to-earth, natural debunkers. We approach issues with a cast of mind rooted in common sense, we're rightly suspicious of ideology and sceptical of grand schemes and grandiose promises.”

Quoted from 'British strength and security in the world' speech (9 May 2016) - 11:50 -12:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_XSmiPezTE
2010s, 2016

“Humanitarian goods and people must flow in both directions. Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp.”

Speech (27 July 2010), as quoted in The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jul/27/david-cameron-gaza-prison-camp.
2010s, 2010

“Too many twits make a twat.”

Expressing his views on Twitter during an interview on Absolute radio (29 July 2009), David Cameron says sorry for 'twat' comment during radio interview http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jul/29/david-cameron-apology-radio-twitter.
2000s, 2009

“Lots of people call me Dave, my mum calls me David, my wife calls me Dave, I don't really notice what people call me.”

Interview with Richard Bacon on XFM, 28 September 2006), as quoted in "Labour in shambles over leadership, says Cameron" in Western Mail (29 September 2006), p. 4.
2000s, 2006

“Countering the extremist ideology by standing up and promoting our shared British values. Taking on extremism in all its forms – both violent and non-violent.”

2010s, 2015, Speech on extremism (20 July 2015)
Context: This is how I believe we can win the struggle of our generation. Countering the extremist ideology by standing up and promoting our shared British values. Taking on extremism in all its forms – both violent and non-violent.

“We just thought people in Yorkshire hated everyone else, we didn’t realise they hated each other so much.”

Unguarded comment in Leeds while discussing rival devolution bids — "Cameron caught on camera making 'people in Yorkshire hate each other' jibe" Press Association, The Guardian (11 September 2015) http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/11/david-cameron-yorkshire-people-hate-each-other-caught-camera?CMP=fb_gu
2010s, 2015

“This is something I feel very strongly and very passionately about. Together I want us to pave the road from Ankara to Brussels.”

Quoted from 'A speech about Turkey's EU membership process'; "Turkey must be welcome in EU, insists Cameron" http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-must-be-welcome-in-eu-insists-cameron-2036190.html
2010s, 2010, First speech as UK Prime Minister (2010)

“For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone.”

Planned speech to the National Security Council — Various sources (e.g. The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/13/counter-terrorism-bill-extremism-disruption-orders-david-cameron, BBC http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32714802) (13 May 2015)
2010s, 2015

“I believe that Britain will be safer, stronger and better off by remaining in a reformed European Union”

Quoted on Yle.Fi (February 20, 2016), "Finland responds positively to Britain's EU deal" http://yle.fi/uutiset/finland_responds_positively_to_britains_eu_deal/8688531
2010s, 2016

“There is such a thing as society. It's just not the same thing as the state.”

Speech after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4504722.stm (6 December 2005)
2000s, 2005

“I think some of these schemes - and I think particularly of the Jimmy Carr scheme - I have had time to read about and I just think this is completely wrong.”

About comedian Jimmy Carr's tax arrangements, speaking to ITV News during a round of TV interviews during his trip to Mexico - " David Cameron Brands Jimmy Carr's Tax Arrangements 'Morally Wrong' http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/06/20/david-cameron-jimmy-carr-tax_n_1612757.html", The Huffington Post UK, 20 June 2012
2010s, 2012

“Picture by picture, these criminals are being identified and arrested, and we will not let any phony concerns about human rights get in the way of the publication of these pictures and the arrest of these individuals.”

On the 2011 England riots, August, 2011. (Andrew Sparrow. " David Cameron: Police can use water cannon to control riots http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/10/david-cameron-water-cannon-police-riots", The Guardian, 10 August 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2011.)
2010s, 2011

“I have also always believed that we have to confront big decisions, not duck them. That is why we delivered the first coalition government in 70 years, to bring our economy back from the brink.”

Speech delivered outside outside 10 Downing Street, announcing that he would resign as prime minister after British voters chose to leave the European Union in a referendum (June 24, 2016), see David Cameron's resignation speech in full http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/24/europe/david-cameron-full-resignation-speech/ (published by CNN)
2010s, 2016

“The root cause of the threat we face is the extremist ideology itself.”

2010s, 2015, Speech on (20 July 2015)

“If you are a boy, they will brainwash you, strap bombs to your body and blow you up. If you are a girl, they will enslave and abuse you.”

Message to teenage Britons wanting to join ISIS — "David Cameron tells teenage jihadists they are 'cannon fodder'" by Tim Ross, The Telegraph (19 July 2015) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11748953/David-Cameron-tells-teenage-jihadists-they-are-cannon-fodder.html
2010s, 2015

“This coalition has a clear new year's resolution: to kill off the health and safety culture for good.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-i-will-kill-off-safety-culture-6285238.html, The Independent, 5 January 2012
2010s, 2012

“Britain is a special country. We have so many great advantages: a Parliamentary democracy where we resolve great issues about our future through peaceful debate; a great trading nation, with our science and arts, our engineering and our creativity, respected the world over. And while we are not perfect, I do believe we can be a model for the multi-racial, multi-faith democracy, where people can come and make a contribution and rise to the very highest that their talent allows.”

Speech delivered outside outside 10 Downing Street, announcing that he would resign as prime minister after British voters chose to leave the European Union in a referendum (June 24, 2016), see David Cameron's resignation speech in full http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/24/europe/david-cameron-full-resignation-speech/ (published by CNN)
2010s, 2016

“You should not be walking through the lobbies with Jeremy Corbyn and a bunch of terrorist sympathisers.”

During a private meeting of Tory MPs the evening before a crucial debate and vote on whether Britain will go to war in Syria - "David Cameron brands Jeremy Corbyn a 'terrorist sympathiser' for opposing Syria air strikes" The Independent (2 December 2015) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-calls-jeremy-corbyn-a-terrorist-sympathiser-for-opposing-syria-air-strikes-a6756731.html
2010s, 2015

“I want to talk about the future. He was the future once.”

On the subject of Tony Blair at Prime Minister's Question Time (7 December 2005)
2000s, 2005

“We will reflect the country we aspire to govern, and the sound of modern Britain is a complex harmony, not a male voice choir.”

Speech aimed at Liberal Democrats: join me in my mission http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2005/dec/16/conservatives.liberaldemocrats (16 December 2005)
2000s, 2005

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