Michael Howard's New year message

Mr Howard said Blair's government is "out of date"

The text of Conservative leader Michael Howard's New Year message:

The Conservative Party enters the New Year in good heart, united in its purpose to offer the British people an alternative government.

In 2004, our task will be to speak up for millions of our fellow citizens who, though living in a first class country, too often have to put up with second class services.

This is not the fault of those who work in our public services. It is the systems in health and education - controlled far too much from the centre - which are wrong.

The Labour Government still believes that big government knows best.

That view of government stems from a bygone age and is now out of date. It is people themselves who know what is right for them and their families.

So, during 2004, the Conservatives will be putting forward our proposals to give people more control over the health care and education they want - policies suited to the needs of people in the 21st century.

We want to extend to everyone the choice that is now only available to those who can afford it.

And we have to get government off the backs of the people - whether in business or in people's everyday lives.

The same is true in Europe. In 2004, the Conservative Party will again stand up for a democratic Europe.

A Europe of nation states, not a European super state.

A Europe which represents the interests of the people, not the interests of the politicians.

Our responsibility in the coming year is to show people that we are able to bring about smaller government and give people greater control over the things which matter most to them.

It is a noble challenge and we are determined to meet it.