Penny Mordaunt, Secretary of State for International Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, speaking today at Conservative Party Conference at The ICC, Birmingham, said:
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When we watch the news or scroll through our social media
The world looks like it’s falling apart.
I’m here today to talk about those things and those people that pull the world together.
Whether at home or abroad, when you volunteer to Help, you put someone else’s needs in front of your own.
Doing that, Stepping up, well, it’s the parent of heroism.
And often it takes great courage and sacrifice
It is the finest instinct of humanity.
By any measure, rather than falling apart, the world actually it is getting a better place,
Thanks to people stepping up
Billions lifted out of poverty
Health improving
More than twice the number of kids in school than a decade ago.
And that progress has been made because of the things we stand for:
The liberalisation of trade
Scientific and medical discovery
Rule of law, and property rights
Education and our unshakeable belief in the power of human potential
democracy
And Freedom
What our party stands for …
What you stand for..
Is heroic
And those who defend those values and beliefs
Are heroes
Putting others first.
Standing up for what you know to be right
Especially when you do so in the face of intimidation or violence
That takes courage and heart.
Heroism can take many forms
Creating jobs is heroic
Scientific endeavour
Medical breakthroughs
Protecting people
Campaigning or Raising funds
Or being one of my ministers!
I am fortunate to work with some amazing people
At dfid, Ministers Alistair Burt, Harriett Baldwin, Lord bates-my PPSs Micheal Tomlinson and David Warbuton
And at The Equalities Office, Ministers Vicky Atkins, baroness Williams and our PPS Rachel mcclean.
And I’m privileged to work so many other talented and brave individuals who put others first.
Some are scientists
Some farmers
Others healthcare professionals, or emergency responders
Teachers
Investors
Entrepreneurs
Humanitarians
Our armed forces
What our nation has and is contributing to the advancement of humanity is breathtaking.
This afternoon I could tell you about it I could
But I’d rather show you
So shortly I’m going to clear off this stage
And turn it over to some people who really deserve the spotlight this afternoon.:
Heroic Britons who are changing the world of the better.
Dedicating their lives, Sometimes risking their lives to save others
Why do they do it?
Why do we do it ?
Because that is what great nations do
Conference prepare for your hearts to swell with pride and welcome to the stage, Theo, James, Dom and Eve.
ENDS
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