Rayleigh and Wickford

What this coalition has undertaken since the General Election can be summed up in one phrase - a rescue mission. Just eight months ago, we were on a similar track to Ireland, Greece and southern Europe. Having maxed-out one credit card, Labour's big plan for the economy was to take out another one, putting the economy at risk and leaving our children to pay off the debt. The country was in the danger zone - but the difficult decisions we are taking are now pulling us out of that danger zone.

Of course, it hasn't always been plain sailing. We don't agree on everything. We never said we would. And the political risks are greater when you are in a coalition. But the rewards for our country of having a strong and stable Government - two parties working together in the national interest - are infinitely greater too.