What Conservative Future has achieved over the last year

Today it is one year since Conservative Future began a new term of office and what a great year it has been. Our main achievements so far have been:

-      The formation of 80 extra branches across the UK leading to a total of 290 which is more than Labour and the Liberal Democrats

-      Power has devolved down to Regional Chairman across the UK who have held a series of political, campaigning, fund-raisers and social action projects in their respective areas

-       The creation of a national CF database with Lord Feldman’s guidance and help

-       The formation of Northern Ireland Conservative Future

-       Rewarding Conservative Future members though the National Excellence Awards

-       The Prime Minister hosting a reception for all CF Branch, Area and Regional Chairman who helped to contribute towards the creation of our database

-       Providing campaigning support to the No to AV group that was victorious

-       Working with our sister parties internationally especially IYDU

-       Launching high profile campaigns such as #iwantafreeschool and ‘Facts on Fees’

-       Four Young Professional branches set up in London, Yorkshire, Birmingham and Manchester with guest speakers including high-profile politicians and business leaders

-       Engaging more in social action events including sending out activists to Project Umubano

This list is just a snapshot of what we’ve achieved this year and there have been many, many more. We could not have done it without the tireless support from our membership. The majority of members that I have met this year are passionate, enthusiastic and committed to the Conservative cause.

We are looking forward to conference and are looking forward to seeing everyone at our reception and fringe events that we are hosting. Click here for more details.

To read Ben Howlett’s analysis of the past year please click here

Wear Your Poppy With Pride Campaign

For the last decade my family and I have been knocking on doors in Purley selling poppies in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday. The British Legion's Poppy Appeal honours the immense contribution of those who gave their lives in both world wars and since then, in other conflicts around the world. Since losing my friend in a gun battle against the Taleban in Helmand in December 2006, this day has become all the more poignant for me and gives me a chance to reflect on the current servicemen in action in conflict zones around the world. The Poppy Appeal also plays a vital role in highlighting the needs of ex-servicemen and women who require help and care after their years of active service.

With this in mind it probably would not surprise you how dismayed I was when Harriet Phipps contacted me about her campaign, Wear Your Poppy With Pride. Last year whilst Harriet was at work she was asked by her employer to remove her poppy on two occasions. Harriet initially refused and felt upset, pressurised and confused. When she asked why she was informed that it wasn't part of her shop uniform and therefore was not company policy. She has set up a petition to amend the law and wants to get over 100,000 signatures so that it is debated in the chamber.

Please click here to sign it

Come to our Autumn Reception with Rt. Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP

We are delighted to be hosting a series of receptions over the next few months to welcome our newest, current and young professional CF members.

Our first event is an evening reception with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Rt. Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP.

Since Iain was elected as Member of Parliament for Chingford in 1992, he has been one of the leading lights of the Conservative Party leading the most radical welfare reforms since WWII- attempting to mend “broken Britain”. Iain was promoted to William Hague’s Shadow Cabinet in 1997 and as Shadow Secretary of State for Social Security, he exposed Labour’s hypocrisy and failure on welfare reform.

In 2001, Iain was elected Leader of the Conservative Party. After stepping down in 2003, he set up the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), an independent think tank committed to tackling poverty and social breakdown. Iain worked tirelessly as Chairman of the CSJ until the 2010 General Election, when he was appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

This is a great opportunity to meet new members from across the country and mingle with our growing young professionals group who will share their views.

We look forward to seeing you there.

To buy your ticket please click here

To RSVP via facebook, click here

John Piper: "Get involved in the Waddon Public Art Project"

Local Waddon resident John Piper has lived along Bramley Hurst for 12 years and wants to encourage local residents to get involved in the Waddon Public Art Project. He said:

An example of public art panels

"At a recent meeting of the Waddon Forum it was put forward to us that some public art would be around the area of the new leisure centre. So I am calling all local residents out there to get involved- it could be a mural, a local artists work or different things for different panels.Please do get involved as it'll be a great boost for Waddon- in particular for Purley Way residents!"

The Waddon Public Art Project will oversee the design and installation of public art for the development on the Purley Way. Croydon Council will commission artists to integrate public artworks into the development and are seeking volunteers who have a real understanding of the Waddon area and experience of how public art can make a positive impact on local communities. The community panel will assist the organisers to shape the project to make sure it connects with the local area as well as create inspirational landmarks that a new community can be proud of.

For more information or to be involved in the community panel please contact John at: johnkpiper@yahoo.co.uk

We Must Stand Firm in the War on Terror

Ten years have passed since over three thousand innocent people were massacred in a series of brutal terrorist attacks designed to divide and destroy our way of live. The victims were from all backgrounds, cultures and ethnic groups – a fact which symbolised that Al Qaeda’s terrorism is aimed at all innocents, regardless of their faith. Back then, the world was united in taking down this brutal terrorist leader and dismantling the corrupt and cruel Taliban regime.

In that time, events such as the war in Iraq, the insurgency, ongoing military casualties have shaken public opinion in battling against the war on terror. When you see anti-war banners being waved and mass protests calling on our troops to come home, it’s sometimes easy to forget what they are out their fighting for. Today is a reminder of that cause, and one which none of us should ever, ever forget.

Many hundreds of British troops have given their lives to liberate the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan. The battles have indeed been challenging, with a huge loss of military and civilian life that have knocked public opinion and triggered many people to turn against the efforts of our brave soldiers. But now one can argue that we world is better place without Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden.

We must stand shoulder to shoulder with our American cousins in this time of remembrance. The special relationship must endure and we must stand firm in the war on terror. Today we remember the thousands of innocent civilians whose only crime was to go into work on September 11^th, 2001. Although the road ahead poses many more challenges, we must come together and face this menace together.

If we forget why we are fighting this war, then we dishonour the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives ten years ago.