Prime Minister David Cameron hails “great turnaround decade” in new year’s message
Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday promised to deliver social reforms, including a clampdown on terrorism, in what he described as a "great turnaround decade".
Cameron said the government will build on Britain's economic growth to give people "security at every stage" of their lives spanning education, employment and retirement.
He stressed the sole driver of his efforts to renegotiate Britain's relationship with the EU was what's best for the national interest, but ultimately Brits will have the final say in an in/out referendum due to take place by the end of 2017.
"[The in/out referendum is] written into the law of the land. I'm negotiating hard to fix things that most annoy British people about our relationship with the eu," he said.
Cameron added that this year would be the time to conquer "deep social problems" that he said had blighted Britain for too long. This includes addressing the country's housing crisis which is locking young people out of the housing market.
"With economic renewal and social reform we can make everyone's live more secure," he said.
As part of a wider plan for social reform, Cameron promised to address the causes of extremism in the UK. The national threat level is severe, indicating officials believe a terror attack is likely.
"When our national security is threatened by a seething hatred of the west, one that turns people against their country, and can turn them into murderous extremists, i want us to be very clear – you will not defeat us," he said.
"We will take on the underlying, poisonous narrative of grievance and resentment. We will come down hard on those who create the conditions for that narrative to flourish."