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Birmingham has witnessed a bout of Brexit backslapping as Conservative conference has got underway in a buoyant mood.
Theresa May’s confirmation that Article 50 will be invoked by the end of March 2017 has been enthusiastically received, as has her ‘Global Britain’ vision of the country seeking trade opportunities beyond Europe. For many party delegates, Sunday’s speech has seen May transform from a seemingly ‘reluctant Remainer’ to a Prime Minister fully grasping the opportunities that pro-Brexit campaigners believe the referendum result represents.
That a Conservative Prime Minister is using the party’s conference to set out a timetable for the UK to leave the EU has created a slightly surreal atmosphere. Deep down, many activists never expected it was something they would witness. Of course, the hard work of negotiating a deal is yet to begin in earnest. For the time being though, the grassroots are happy.
In general, there appears widespread support for the new Prime Minister and her emerging agenda. Whilst soundbites focusing on delivering a society that ‘works for everyone’ and prioritising those who are ‘just managing’ may not be revolutionary, there is a feeling among delegates that the PM genuinely means it; that is an authentic ambition rather than something to emerge from a focus group session.
Consideration of how to deliver this ambition has already been in evidence. This morning’s announcement by Hammond and Javid to deliver large-scale housing investment to improve supply are one such example. On the fringe, events are focusing on how various markets – from rail and energy to financial services and property – can be made to work.
Many Conservatives in Birmingham may be congratulating themselves delivering a Brexit vote, but a focus on a reforming domestic agenda remains.