Penny Mordaunt speech to Conservative Party Conference 2018

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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