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Welsh Affairs

I am most grateful for that positive intervention. To conclude, I see Wales as poised at a crossroads. For many years, Labour blamed any problem in Wales on the Tories but now, after 10 years of a Labour Government, there is nowhere to hide. The Secretary of State has entered his post at a time when standards in schools are low, crime is rising, prisons are overflowing, taxes are rising and manufacturing jobs are falling, and when we have burgeoning hospital waiting lists. Labour said that things could only get better, but that has not proved to be the case. Conservatives have been building their support steadily, winning and providing a growing alternative to Labour and now the new Labour-Plaid Government in the Assembly. I want Wales to share the hope and optimism, which was referred to earlier, that is evident in the fantastic performance of our rugby team in the six nations tournament. I will join the Secretary of State in wishing the team well this St. David's day, and I believe that they are going to win. Our party has increased its votes at every election since 1999. We offer the hope and optimism that Wales deserves. We are fighting more seats than ever before in local elections throughout Wales. I hope that we can build on our success. I believe that we offer the alternative to the right hon. Gentleman's Government. When it comes to the local elections, I hope that people will look closely at our candidates and give us a chance to prove it.