Morning:
14°c
David Cameron: My faith and fear of failure
Geordie Greig and Joe Murphy06.11.09
David Cameron today revealed his faith in God, his fear of failure and his dread that another of his children could die.
In his most intimate interview so far, he said he prayed regularly but did not feel he had “a direct line” to God.
“If you are asking, do I drop to my knees and pray for guidance, no,” he said, adding that he had been a “questioning Christian” who struggled with tenets like the virgin birth.
“But do I have faith and is it important, yes. It's not always the rock that perhaps it should be.”
Speaking exclusively to Evening Standard Editor Geordie Greig, the Tory leader disclosed that anxiety about losing another child was always with him after the death of his eldest son, Ivan, this year. “That's fear Number One,” he said. “Particularly as it has happened already, it is a sort of permanent fear.”
Unusually for a politician seeking to become Prime Minister in six months, he candidly admitted that his greatest driving force was the fear of making a mess. “Fear of getting things wrong inspires me more than the wonder of getting things right,” he said.
Full interview: Would I sack George Osborne? Yes absolutely if I have to...
Mr Cameron admitted that George Osborne, his closest shadow cabinet ally, had had a “very, very tough time” after the “yachtgate” saga last year and said he would be prepared to sack the shadow chancellor if he felt he did not have the ability to run the nation's finances. The Tory leader also revealed that he had finally been successful at quitting smoking.
Mr Cameron gave his most frank insights into his relationship with London's Mayor, insisting he is one of Boris Johnson's biggest fans but that the Mayor also “occasionally puts his size 10 feet in it”.
He admits Boris caused a problem by suggesting on the eve of the Tory party conference that they should have a referendum on Europe. “We managed to extinguish the fuse he lit. What it did not show was a deep split in the Conservative Party. It was more cock-up than division.”
Did Boris apologise? “I do not want to go into private conversations but all is well in the Dave/Boris relationship.”
Is the Mayor too much trouble? “Would I rather have some faceless bureaucrat running London who could not pull a crowd at the Tory conference? Or would I rather have a swashbuckling, charismatic, irresistible character who will, yes, occasionally put his size 10 feet in it? In the end I would rather have the latter.
“He is doing a fabulous job running London. I think what's happened in terms of security on public transport, trees, cutting waste, and the optimism and sense of dynamism he brings to the job, he is doing a fantastic job.”
Are they still on good terms? “We call each other, text each other, have dinner with each other's wives, we get on very well. It's a very good relationship — and a fun relationship. It's got a serious side, but it's light-hearted.” And when people say Boris should be in No 10? “Great! Good! I want people to look at the Conservative Party and say there is a huge amount of talent. It's not a one-man band, a two-man band, a three-man band.
“People who say what next for Boris?', I say the sky's the limit. He has got huge talent. I want the Conservative Party to have big figures in it.”
CAMERON ON CROSSRAIL...
David Cameron gave his strongest backing yet to London's long-awaited Crossrail scheme.
He said he had studied "all the economic arguments" and concluded that Crossrail could transform the capital.
"I think Crossrail has that transformational capability, to make London a more effective and economically successful city," he said.
"I back Crossrail. I want Crossrail to go ahead."
His comments will be a huge boost to Mayor Boris Johnson who is fighting to ensure the £16 billion east-west line is under construction in time for his re-election campaign.
However, Mr Cameron also made clear that shadow chancellor George Osborne must give final approval.
He said: "Obviously everything has to pass the value-for-money test and all the rest, but we want it to go ahead."
CAMERON ON AFGHANISTAN...
The Tories will back a troops surge to Afghanistan, even though it will mean higher numbers of casualties.
"The status quo is not acceptable because we are not making progress," he said.
He warned it would take "real leadership" to maintain public support, adding: "I believe there is a lot of disquiet, uncertainty and worry.
"It won't be easy and we do have to prepare the public for the fact this will be difficult and that there will be casualties."
Mr Cameron defended Barack Obama against critics accusing him of "dithering" over reinforcements. But he added: "It cannot go on forever."
Pulling out would be wrong as there would be "a Taliban takeover", with terrorist training camps returning and a threat of Pakistan's nuclear weapons falling into extremist hands.
CAMERON ON... EUROPE
The Tory leader hailed his changes to European policy as a key test of the Conservatives' readiness to govern. Shrugging off the resignation of two MEPs from frontbench positions in protest at him dropping a vote on the Lisbon Treaty, he said: “This is hard-headed realism, practical and sensible. People can see a Conservative Party that is saying we are ready to roll up our sleeves and fix the country's problems.”
He criticised Foreign Secretary David Miliband for accusing him of forming an alliance with anti-Semites: “When you kick up against an elite, some of the elite likes to have a go at you . But when they do they damage themselves, not you.”
CAMERON ON VAT...
A strong signal that the Tories are willing to raise VAT was given by David Cameron.
“We are going to have to do difficult things,” he warned. “We don't rule out putting up taxes.
“Of course, we want spending to bear the brunt of the deficit reduction programme but no responsible government can ever rule out raising taxes.”
Mr Cameron said he thought Britain was “overtaxed” already with the new 50p top rate and rises in National Insurance.
Full interview: Would I sack George Osborne? Yes absolutely if I have to...
Reader views (35)
"Unlike Blair, Cameron clearly does do God." Blair clearly did do God, he was the most devout PM since War II. However, he was wise enough not to make it an election issue. Cameron does God lite: Prayer, but not on his knees; Christianity, but not the embarrassingly implausible bits. This is the religion of a spin Doctor, just enough to persuade us he’s a sincere believer, not enough to worry the sceptics. It’s the religion of a man who cycles to work with a chauffer driven car chugging along 100 feet behind him.
- Robin, Cambridge
tony bliar mk 2
- Kedge, marlboro wilts uk
I believe this faith business is cynical spin to attract the ethnic vote on the lines of; I may not have the same faith but at least I am a man of religion. Truly sickening, he will not attract my vote.
- Harry H, London UK
I find it encouraging that Cameron has a faith of some sort. It must be a very difficult thing to have a personal faith, and yet make decisions for our multi-cultural society. I think faith will give him greater strength to be able to make those decisions.
On the crossrail issue - I am really glad he has spoken of his support - Crossrail is needed in London and any party that didn't fully support the scheme I just couldn't vote for.
Unfortunatly his stance on Europe will cause problems with international investment in London. We need to be pro-europe as this strengthens our city. I fear he will fluff up that relationship.
- Peter, N5, London
Cameron has all ready lost his faith, his pledges are hollow just like blair
- John D Rooney, lincoln england
This is not Blair2. David Cameron is not making any great play about his religious beliefs (he simply resonded to question) and has no record of betraying the British people. The referendum was about acceptance of the proposed Lisbon Treaty and is obviously nullified by the acceptance of the Treaty by all members of the EU. The true treachery lies with Labour. David Cameron will make a fine PM. We should be grateful he is there.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK
God,kids and hearts and flowers don't mix with work. We want a hard-headed unsentimental leader who represents us not a missionary. Do the right thing Dave - stand by your 2007 "cast-iron" signed guarantee to give us a referendum on the EU - IN/OUT. If not, you've lost yourself an awful lot of votes, so you'd better start praying for salvation.
- Judith C, London, England
My heart sinks to read of this man spouting off his views of his faith-nothing wrong with holding religious beliefs I hasten to add, but we all know that strong religious faith means nothing when political expediency means more-after all, look at Tony Blair-the blood of thousands on his hands after supporting the illegal invasion of Iraq, but piously professing his religious faith. And 'Dave' is all in favour of sending lots more troops to Afghansistan, it seems, to continue an unwinnable campaign which looks likely to end as another Vietnam. If Cameron wants our votes he'll have to come up with some better ideas rather than seeming to be Blair Mk 2.
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
Well the Lisbon treaty is almost through - I fully support it. Neither the BNP or UKIP have a hope - as long as the "first past the post" system operates, minor parties like them will never get the seats to be involved in a coalition, let alone govern in their own right.
And yes, we do have a "Blair Mark II" here in Cameron - well, you're stuck with it. He's finally backing Crossrail, and it is commitments to infrastructure like this which make it more likely I will vote for him. Fluffy, cutesy - well, it's no bad thing.
I think you will find the creation and expansion of the European Union is the result of the fear of the major wars that so many British (and other European) soldiers died fighting. Despite all the EU bashing, it is now inconceivable that a major European war will occur, something that people could not have imagined at the end of either World War II or the Cold War. European nations now have to rely on each other, with shared laws, and the major parties recognise it - and yes, that includes the Tories.
- David, N10
Bluff and bluster but the man is a fraud.
- Steve S, London
Cameron needs to get votes,but by ignoring the wishes of the voters he will find it very difficult to win the next election.He could win hands down by giving the people a vote on the European Union itself,but he seems to believe on gambling that they will vote for him just to get rid of Labour.This election will be like no other,never before has so many issues angered so many people.I see protest voters on Expenses,immigration,European Union and the war.This election does not seem to be the best time to gamble,but there again,im just the average voter.
- Carlos, richmond,london
"Let's be optimistic and hopefully look forward to the re-establishment of democracy"
@ Laura, Sutton. Instead of the "re-establishment of democracy" you will get a government controlled and funded by tycoons like Lord Ashcroft (of Belize?) and run by/for a clique of Etonians/Oxonians. They wouldn't know democracy if it came up and bit them on their well-padded behinds.
- Robert C, London UK
I will vote for him as the lesser evil, but will hold my nose whilst I do so... His decision on a Lisbon Treaty referendum is inevitable and I don't hold that against him, sad though it is. But: (i) I really don't want to hear that he prays- it was bad enough having Tony B-liar do that god nonsense without a reprise; (ii) he doesn't need to employ Chris Grayling to be even more ostrich-like than Alan Johnson re. Prof Nutt in exaggerating the dangers of cannabis and (iii) his party's opposition of the iniquitous (brothel closure and strict liability) prostitution clauses of the Policing & Crime Bill has been luke-warm at best.
- David, London, UK
Why is it that it's always the politicians who protest their faith who lie the most? First Blair, now Cameron. He cannot be trusted after this week.
- Nick, China
Why is Mr Cameron a member of 'friends of Israel?' How can he morally aspire to be Prime Minister of the UK and yet be a member of this very powerful Israeli lobby group? Who will he be representing Israel or the UK? I have written to him to ask him this same question but he refuses to answer my e mails. I notice no question on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, I wonder why?
- Des Egan, london UK
Blair mark II, seems to be the theme. Judging by the policies we also have New Labour mark II. The political class rules OK.
The question is what are people that support democracy, responsibility of the individual and light touch slim government supposed to do now? Voting for Dave Cameron’s New Socialists is no different than voting for Brown.
You can vote for control and enslavement, but you can’t vote for freedom and democracy.
- Ian B, Reading, England
How can you struggle "with tenets like the virgin birth" when God SPOKE the cosmos into being?
- Mike, Newbury
Well, Mr Blair-Mk-II, now you have EUrinated all over us, it's nice to know God told you to,
- Ian E, Bedford, Bedfordshire
Has Tony Blair been cloned ?
- Richard, London UK
What a lot of pessimistic comments about Cameron on this site.Well, I suppose that's perfectly understandable after years of the odious Blair etc.Cameron seems to be an honest and caring politician. Let's be optimistic and hopefully look forward to the re-establishment of democracy so sadly eroded under New Labour.
- Laura, Sutton
I really am starting to tire of you UKIPers claiming Cameron has let us down on Europe. Are you really that stupid? Let's remind ourselves what happened:
2005 - Labour election manifesto pledges to hold referendum on what we now know as the Lisbon Treaty
2008 - Gordon Brown ratifies the Lisbon Treaty.
2009 - EU treaty ratified by all member states, becomes Law. Referendum becomes a pointless waste of taxpayers money as there is no treaty left to hold a referendum on.
How is any of that David Cameron's fault?
If you vote for UKIP you are handing Gordon Brown the keys to another term in number 10. Wouldn't that be a hoot! Another few trillion down the drain anyone?
- Johnny, Bath, England
The charm offensive will only go so far Dave. You upset a lot of people this week. Wait till the next opinion polls come in and then reconsider certain commitments regarding the EU. Nigel Farage seems like a very nice man too.
- Kevin T, Beckenham, Kent
I think he'd make a good PM and i will vote for him.,
I would like to see the Thames Estuary Airport be built, and Heathrow closed down for re-development, i think it is a good idea and about time too..
- Mr. A. Traverston, London
Bless, isn't he just such a sensitive flower.
- Charles, Kennington
Every day this idiot sounds more like tony bliar, he also believed in God, as does Bush.
The last thing the UK needs is cameron
- P Staker, London
Pity there are so many with the idea that a protest vote will change things. It won't - we can only see the back of Gordon and his corrupt undemocratic party by giving David Cameron a strong vote and a decent majority in Parliament.
If he doesn't keep his promises on Europe then complain about him and the Torys. Voting for one of the minor parties will prolong the agony of the country. The country needs a strong Government with new ideas of how the generate wealth not mortgage the future still further for our children and their decendants.
This is the third time in my working life that Labour has trashed the economy. Believe what the Left spin machine tells you and future generations will have the same excuse for moaning.
- Greychatter, England. Great Britain.
Cameron can offer Britain nothing new,just more of the same misery.He cannot talk about immigration controls,referendum on the EU,the Iraq/Afghan wars,or any other topic that deeply concerns the people of this nation,whats wrong with the man?,he's had enough time in the job to grow a spine by now, surely?.
- General Lee Wright, Bent Kent , fragmented UK.
All very nice and fluffy. Unfortunately, it only serves to reinforce a growing impression that what we have here is a Blair Mark II. Indeed after this week's Europe climbdown, his words appear to have as much value as so many of those uttered by the Mark-I version.
And they wonder why people are drawn to the odious BNP when the leading parties offer so little in the way of choice or principle.
UKIP looks more attractive by the hour.
- John C, Leatherhead, UK
His an idea:Cameron should stand up and tell the people he wants to be the leader of a Democratic Britain,therefore once elected he will give the people a democratic vote on whether to stay IN or get out of the EU.He can then give his reasons why we should vote to stay IN,the benefits we will gain and the advantages of being part of the EU Superstate.This would wipe Labour of the political map for centuries to come.The only problem with this is,like the other main parties,they know only to well that 75% of the British public would vote to get Out of this Communist EU Superstate.
- Roy, london
Tony Blair MK2, has about as much personality as
Dermot O'Dreary on the X factor. Please what ever happens don't let this man get his hands on the keys to number 10.
- Wayne, Brixton
Puhleeeees! Bliar did,didn't,did do god and look where we ended up.
- Steve, Brentford
Boris and Dave "have dinner with each other's wives"
Blimey, THAT'S a bit dodgy!!
- Fresh, London
Dave, if you happen to fail just HALF as much as Brown and his bunch of chancers, charlatans and halfwits, you'll be doing FINE by me, pal.
- Ted, London
Cameron would have been the best person to lead the country,if he stuck with honesty and integrity.However,he lied by saying he would get back lost powers for the UK,we all know they will not change the Lisbon Treaty one bit to accommadate the UK.Why not be honest with the people,the UK is in the EU,we have to abide by all its rules and this includes following every aspect of the Treaty.The British people have only one decision to make,In or Out,very simple.Honesty is vital,he has shown he can not be trusted to tell the trueth,he talks about future treaties and ensureing the British public they can vote on them,but there is no need for any future Treaty,the Lisbon Treaty covers everything.He,along with all our politicians,have adopted a communist dictatorship,whereby the people no longer have a democratic say in how they our governed.There was no Mandate from the British public to hand power of goverment over to a foreign party,yet a few hundred politicians decided against the wishes of tens of millions,to do just that.This is the end of democracy in the true sense here in the UK,a sad day,and a waste of millions of British servicemens lives who had fought and died for our democratic rights.
- Dave, london
CAMERON.....ON EUROPE
"This is hard-headed realism, practical and sensible. People can see a Conservative Party that is saying we are ready to roll up our sleeves and fix the country's problems."
He's as deluded as Brown ! Maybe that's what Cameron's think-tank of yes men tell him. However, the people can see that Cameron is as frightened as Brown to ask the public what relationship they want with the EU. No wonder people are turning away from the Tories and Labour !
- Doug Watt, london (EUSSR)14
