The Rock Blog

On Sunday 13th April 2008 members from Conservative Future (CF) joined with other organisations to support the “Day for Darfur 5″ protest at the Sudanese Embassy in London; a protest against the crisis in Darfur with particular focus on the affect that the situation is having on the children of Darfur.

Speakers at the event included Andrew Mitchell MP, the Conservative International Development spokesman.

Anastasia Beaumont-Bott, CF National Management Executive member comments on the importance of the day:

“The situation in Darfur is now at a critical crisis point and action is needed.

“Over the last five years, the problem and conflict between the Sudanese government and the people of Darfur has escalated, slowly becoming more violent and more dangerous. But perhaps what is the most worrying is that the children of Darfur are being born in to this reality, growing up in this reality and accepting this reality as the “norm”.”

Michael Rock, Chairman of Conservative Future comments on CF’s support of the day:

“As CF National Chairman, my main objectives include increasing the appeal in what we do as an organisation and to increase our influence on political issues. I think it is essential that we become involved with the wider political community, particularly on important, prominent single issues.

“I hope, that Conservative Future’s involvement in the protest goes some way in stimulating a faster and firmer international response. This is not the time for well intentioned words; Conservative Future is now involved in, and supports, decisive action.”

www.conservativefuture.com
www.globefordarfur.org

Throughout the London Mayoral campaign CF members have made a real contribution to its success.

With the race entering the final stages we have been asked to help make the final push to aid Boris in his fight with Ken “Leaving-soon”. To that end, we are going to be holding two National Days for CF members from all over the country to come and campaign alongside the man himself – come along and Back Boris!

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The first National Day, on Saturday, April 19th, will be run in a slightly different format; we will be campaigning in four areas* of London:

1) HILLINGDON (Herts & CF London North West members)
– Meet Hillingdon tube station (10:30am)

2) HIGHGATE (CF London Uni members & CF members from outside London)
– Meet Kentish Town tube station (10:00am)

3) HAVERING (CF London North East members)
– Meet Hornchurch tube station (11:30am)

4) CROYDON CENTRAL (CF London South members)
– Meet East Croydon train station (10:00am)

*5) There is also an LGB Tory ‘Back Boris’ event:
– BFI Southbank (11:00am)

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Although we will be split into five groups during the day, we will all meet up together to finish the day (6:00pm onwards) at the SILVER CROSS pub, Whitehall. Map to pub: http://tinyurl.com/67k48j

Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=15679491065

The second national day will be on the following Saturday, April 26th 2008. More details to follow!

Through out the election campaign, all candidates agreed that CF needed change. The healthiest debate centred about how to achieve this. I personally argued that we needed to engage with the wider political community and the new executive have already begun that process. Becoming an organisation that appeals to a broader range of political activists, and becoming more accessible is the first step towards rebuilding Conservative Future so that we can expand in a whole new direction.

To that end, we are pleased to announce that we are official supporters of “Day for Darfur 5”, a protest against the crisis in Darfur with particular focus on the affect that the situation is having on the children of Darfur.

When David Cameron visited the region last year, he did so because the humanitarian crisis is affecting millions of individuals and we should be doing more to alleviate the suffering. It is unacceptable to stand aside whilst government back militia attack innocent civilians.

We hope you can join us, Conservative Future and Andrew Mitchell MP, Shadow International Development Secretary, in London on Sunday, April 13th. For more information please contact Anastasia Beaumont-Bott on 07719797344

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10682459754

I knew the first few weeks post-election would be busy but I had not quite expected the deluge to start before I had been elected!

Prior to Spring Forum, I met with many people involved with the Party and CCHQ. I’ve had to establish and negotiate the targets the new executive need to meet.

In Gateshead, I had the chance to meet CFers from Newcastle, York, Cheshire and Scotland. I was particularly pleased to meet so many members who had supported me and offer my thanks to them!

The National Convention was absorbing, with Caroline Spelman and William Hague giving speeches. I was introduced to the members, albeit from the balcony! I missed the opportunity to promote the CF event the next day but it was very well attended, with a tremendous range of attendees.

The CF social event had a great turnout, with members arriving from the TFA and TRG events then going on to the CWF event. Having lived in the North-East, it was great to go back and see such a strong Tory presence.

Looking forward to Birmingham already!

On Budget day this year we organised for CF members to go down and help the Party. Members dressed as “Darlings” were outside HM Treasury in protest at the amount of debt this Labour Government has saddled Britain with.