From the beginning of his candidacy for the Conservative leadership, David Cameron has argued for modernisation of the Conservative Party’s approach to politics. His initial approach to leadership, party organisation and policy development have all reflected this emphasis, and provoked widespread debate about the longer term implications of this approach and its impact on the British political landscape.

In a speech to Demos, David Cameron set out the philosophical basis of modern, compassionate Conservatism, putting it in its historical context and explaining its relationship to the politics of the Thatcher, Major and Blair governments.

In a period where the public’s disengagement from politics has become a major issue, and where there will be intense competition to define the central issues on the British political agenda, the Conservatives’ approach is crucially important to the shape of our next political landscape.