New prime minister Theresa May promises to build a better Britain

Image credit: Hannah McKay/PA Wire/Press Association Images

In her first speech as prime minister yesterday, Theresa May vowed to "build a better Britain".

Addressing the nation on the steps of 10 Downing Street, she vowed to stand up for the many against "the privileged few" and railed against the inequality which holds back the most disadvantaged in society.

Referring to the full name of her party, the Conservative and Unionist Party, the Prime Minister also promised to "maintain the precious, precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland".

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The former home secretary said: "We believe in a union not just between the nations of the United Kingdom, but between all of our citizens - every one of us, whoever we are and wherever we are from.

"That means fighting against the burning injustice that if you’re born poor you will die on average nine years earlier than others. If you’re black, you’re treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you’re white.

"If you’re a white working class boy, you’re less likely than anybody else in Britain to go to university. If you’re at a state school, you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you’re educated privately.

"If you’re a woman, you will earn less than a man. If you suffer from mental health problems, there’s not enough help to hand. If you’re young, you’ll find it harder than ever before to own your own home."

Addressing ordinary voters directly, she added: "I know you’re working around the clock, I know you’re doing your best and I know that sometimes life can be a struggle.

"The government I lead will be driven, not by the interests of the privileged few, but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives.

"When we take the big calls, we’ll think not of the powerful, but you. When we pass new laws, we’ll listen not to the mighty, but to you. When it comes to taxes, we’ll prioritise not the wealthy, but you.

"When it comes to opportunity, we won’t entrench the advantages of the fortunate few, we will do everything we can to help anybody, whatever your background, to go as far as your talents will take you."

Theresa May said her government would “forge a bold, new, positive role for ourselves in the world" after Brexit.

"We will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few, but for every one of us,” she added.