Rishi Sunak Promises to Be Bolder and More Radical in First Speech to Tory Party Conference

Rishi Sunak, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, has promised to bring back "common sense" as he announced significant changes to various policies. In his sweeping first speech to the Tory conference, Sunak vowed to reform A-Levels, scrap sections of the controversial HS2 project, and take a stand against woke extremists. He also took the opportunity to criticize Labour leader Keir Starmer and the enemies of change.

Reforming Education: Scrapping A-Levels and Introducing Advanced British Standard

As part of the government's education reforms, A-Levels will be replaced by an Advanced British Standard. Under this new system, students will be able to "major" and "minor" in subjects, with a focus on English and math. Vocational classes will also be included. Sunak believes that this change will lead to 195 extra hours in the classroom compared to A-Levels or T-Levels. Additionally, he plans to tackle the issue of "rip-off" degrees that burden students with debt and little benefit.

HS2 Section to be Scrapped and Reinvested in "Network North"

Sunak confirmed that the Manchester leg of the HS2 project will be abandoned. He cited the project's escalating costs and repeated delays as reasons for this decision. Instead, the £36 billion allocated for HS2 will be reinvested in "Network North," which will fund the development and upgrade of road, rail, bus, and train projects. Sunak plans to connect 50 stations in the North and Midlands, including Manchester and Liverpool. Road upgrades, such as widening the A1, will also be pursued.

Cracking Down on Smoking: Banning Youngsters from Buying Cigarettes

Another major policy change announced by Sunak is the banning of young people from purchasing cigarettes. Under new laws, 14-year-olds today will never be able to legally buy cigarettes. Sunak argues that this decision will save lives and highlighted the substantial costs of smoking to the UK economy. He also emphasized the need to educate parents about what their children are being taught in schools, particularly in relation to relationships.

A Stand Against Woke Extremism: Rejecting Trans Activism

In his speech, Sunak vowed never to succumb to pressure from trans activists. He rejected the notion that people can choose their own sex, stating that "a man is a man and a woman is a woman." This statement was met with applause from the crowd. Sunak believes it is important for teachers to inform parents if their children are considering changing gender.

An Attack on Labour's Status Quo: Hammering Keir Starmer

Sunak didn't hold back when criticizing Labour leader Keir Starmer, describing him as the "walking definition of the 30-year political status quo." He accused Starmer of wanting to bring the UK back under Brussels rule and relying on people's apathy. Sunak stressed that it was time for a change in politics and vowed to be bold and radical in his approach.

A Development Zone and Quoting Thatcher: Other Key Points Addressed by Sunak

Aside from his major policy announcements, Sunak also mentioned several other topics. He pledged to create a development zone in London's Euston station, where thousands of new homes will replace the current building site for an HS2 terminal. Sunak also criticized striking BMA doctors and their demands for unaffordable pay rises. He channeled former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher by highlighting their shared working-class backgrounds. Furthermore, he made a jest at the expense of SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, who is currently under investigation for alleged financial misconduct.

Labour responded to Sunak's speech by calling it a "desperate attempt" to reset his weak leadership.