David Cameron: You Ask The Questions

If a politician has an affair with their diary secretary, do you think it is an entirely personal matter? LESLEY SHARPE ASCOT

Yes.

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Which, if any, of John Prescott, Charles Clarke or Patricia Hewitt should resign? S JONES LONDON

Of those three, we've argued that Charles Clarke should go because he failed to act on the information he was given and he misled people about the scale of the problem. Tony Blair always said his ministers would take responsibility when they messed up. Now they seem to have invented an entirely new doctrine of ministerial accountability - the bigger the mess you make, the more important it is that you stay. It's totally ridiculous. But there is a wider point here. The Government's difficulties do not just stem from the incompetence of some of its ministers, incompetent though many of them clearly are. The real issue is the approach to government developed by Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. It's an approach where appearance matters more than reality, where the need to be seen to be doing something is more important than actually solving problems. The result has been a remorseless increase in state activity - with endless targets, strategies and initiatives - but precious little to show for it. It is government of the short term, by the short term, for the short term - and it leads to long-term failure. To get control of crime, to improve the health service and education, and to meet the long-term challenges Britain faces, we need not just a change of faces but a change of government.

When did you become interested in the environment as a political issue? Why did we hear nothing of it until recently? JAMES HOLME BATH

Politically, I suppose I first became interested when Margaret Thatcher made a landmark speech on the environment in 1988, the year I started working in politics as a researcher. The speech had an incredible effect in terms of raising the profile of the issue. Personally, I've always been interested in the environment, partly because I was brought up in the countryside and led quite an outdoors life, and I think that gives you a real sense of the importance of nature and conservation. And as I've grown older, learnt more, and understood the effects that we have had on our environment - and the consequences that could follow if we did nothing about it - the passion has grown. The reason you may not have heard much from me about this until recently is the same reason you didn't hear from me about anything else - until last summer I was a pretty obscure politician!

Given the need to reduce carbon emissions would the Tories support a rise in fuel duty in line with inflation? P MURTAGH SE11

One of the reasons we've done so badly on carbon emissions in this country is that we've approached it in a bitty way, looking at individual items rather than holistically across the economy and society. That's why I announced in Norway the other day a new policy approach based on binding year-on-year targets for carbon reduction, and setting a price for carbon across the whole economy. That's the right way to do it, and individual tax implications will flow from that.

What is your personal position on the construction of a new generation of nuclear power stations? ZETA BUTLER CAMBRIDGE

I'm neither dogmatically in favour of nuclear power, nor dogmatically against. The most important thing is to set a framework which brings forward the least cost, least environmentally damaging ways of achieving the twin objectives of any sensible energy strategy: security of supply, and tackling climate change. We'll have more to say on this when we publish the conclusions of our own energy review in the next few months.

I applaud your alleged concern for the environment but how do you reconcile this with travelling by helicopter from Hereford to Charlbury instead of taking the train a few days after you were elected leader? AMANDA EPPS

On that occasion I had to get back quickly in time for my constituency surgery, and I'm afraid the train wouldn't have done it. I try to use the train when I can. In a job like this where you have to get to every part of the country and fulfil duties in Westminster and the constituency (and at home as a parent) travelling by plane and helicopter is part of the mixture. However, I do try to reduce my environmental impact. For example, I've just switched from my high-emissions government car to a car with much lower emissions. My leadership election campaign was carbon neutral, and my local election campaign will be too. But it's still not enough, and the truth is we all have to do more, and part of my job as a politician is to press for more and better green options - in transport and every other area - to become more easily available, and affordable.

Will you adopt the cycling chameleon as your election logo. If not, why not? M MULLINS BERKSHIRE

I am not planning to. But my two-year-old daughter likes it and actually asked recently "can we see the nice frog on the telly?" One option would be to develop a range of chameleon toys which we would sell for a good cause - any ideas?

How has having a disabled child changed your life? And your politics? Do you worry about the effect your job will have on him, and your family? L MACDONALD FIFE

It has certainly changed my life. With a severely disabled child like Ivan there are just loads of extra things to think about and worry about - and so it is hard to count the ways. But he is a wonderful child and we are lucky to be get a lot of extra help so we can look after him. I am sure it has had an effect on my politics. Again, I would say that there have been lots of small effects rather than one big one. Spending a lot of time in different hospitals is an eye-opener. Entering the whole world - on a personal basis - of care assessments, special needs co-ordinators and social workers really helps you to understand the needs of families bringing up disabled children and the pressure that carers and families are under. As a constituency MP you see these things as well, but personal experience sharpens the focus. Of course I worry about doing my job and being a good husband and father, but I'm sure it is possible to do both. (I am typing this at 6am on Sunday so I can take the children swimming and have the day off!)

Do you feel ashamed that you advocated British withdrawal from the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees founded in the wake of the Holocaust? DENIS MCGOVERN RICHMOND

We need systems for immigration and asylum that are fair and robust. Then we should examine the international treaties and obligations we have to see if they too need reform. Whatever changes need to be made, I believe strongly that the UK should continue its tradition of giving asylum to people fleeing torture and persecution.

Do you like Morrissey, or just The Smiths? What else is on your iPod? ADAM PICKERING BRIXTON

I am more of a Smiths fan. It started for me with "This Charming Man" and the famous appearance on Top of the Pops with hearing aid and flowers. I suppose it was the combination of his brilliant lyrics and Johnny Marr's guitar. I like Morrissey's latest album. But I don't think I agree with anything he has ever said. Also on the iPod are The Killers, Bob Dylan, Sly and Robbie, U2, The Magic Numbers, Strauss ("Four Last Songs"), Johnny Cash, Snow Patrol and other rubbish.

Do you ever think to yourself: oops, Bigmouth Strikes Again? L MAZOWER EALING

Frequently.

Who is your political pin-up? And your historical hero? LOUISE BAKER GLASGOW

Rather predictable I am afraid. Historical hero has to be Churchill - his determination in the face of Hitler helped save the country and probably the world. In terms of political heroes I have lots. Margaret Thatcher is certainly one - the difficult steps she took over trade union reform and privatising loss-making state-owned enterprises were bold and right. The sale of council houses was a genuine transfer of wealth and power from the state to individuals and made Britain more socially mobile. Strangely enough I've always been a fan of Garibaldi - the man, not the biscuits. Conquered half of Italy in months and then handed it over in days, just to see his country united.

Do you think cannabis should be legalised for medicinal use? And what about recreational use - like you did? BARNEY HAMILTON SOMERSET

I'm not falling for that one. I think the most important thing about our drugs policy is that it's credible and effective - we need a drugs policy that actually is tough, rather than one that sounds tough. The two most important aspects are proper anti-drugs education so that kids don't take drugs in the first place, and a massive expansion in residential rehabilitation to help addicts get clean. We've also got to do a lot of work to get drugs out of our prisons. For medical use I would be guided by the professionals.

Given that you took drugs, how do you feel about people going to jail for doing the same thing? ANDREW BLACK SHEFFIELD

Very clever. But it's the same answer as to the previous question.

Will you appoint a minister for women to your cabinet? And will she be paid the same as the men? FRANCES O'SHAUGHNESSY, OXFORD

I think it is bizarre that, at a time when equal pay is still a real issue, the Government have a minister for women who is unpaid. But I've never thought you solve a problem by just appointing a minister for it. There are so many big challenges we need to deal with in relation to the issues that affect women: equal pay, more flexible working arrangements, better and more affordable child care ... and remember these aren't just "women's issues ": they affect families in general. So I will want to make sure that all departments in any government I lead are aware of the need to address these issues. We've got to build on some of the good work Labour have done in these areas, and go a lot further.

If you had known in March 2003 all you know now, would you have voted in favour of military intervention in Iraq? And should we now set a deadline for pulling UK troops out of Iraq? JUNE VINCENT, PIMLICO

In 2003 the Government was faced with a particular set of circumstances and I think they took the right decision. What they failed to do was plan properly for the predictable consequences, which has made it much harder for us to achieve the objective we all now want to see: a democratic, free and secure Iraq. Artificial deadlines for bringing troops home would simply give the insurgents and terrorists something to shoot at.

How would you wage the so-called "war on terror"? RISTO TALAS, CITY UNIVERSITY

This is a massive question and I'll be saying more later in the year, but for now, the outline of my approach would be to fight terrorism on three fronts. First, we need the right international response, working with allies to thwart terrorists' plans and bring them to justice. Second, we need the right security response - making sure our police and security services are properly organised, funded and directed, and that our borders are more secure. In this context, it's time we had a dedicated cabinet minister, alongside the Home Secretary, with specific responsibility for anti-terrorism and security. And third, we need the right response as a society - we need to do far more to build a sense of national and community cohesion, and I've put forward a number of constructive proposals in this area. I'm pleased to say that one of them - creating a national programme for school leavers - is now actually in development and it looks like there could be pilots running this summer. It's a good example of how we can make a difference in opposition: we don't have to wait until we're in government.

Would a Conservative government repeal any of the freedom-restricting legislation put in place by Labour? PHILLIDA WALKER

Yes. Top of our list would be to get rid of ID cards. They are a colossal waste of money - and after last week's Home Office fiasco, who can have the confidence they would be introduced and run efficiently by this government?

What is your favourite tipple? T HIGGINS, MILTON KEYNES

Real ale from the west of England and malt whisky from the west of Scotland - and red wine. That makes me sound like an alcoholic, but I like different things at different times ...

Do you like Tony Blair as a person? And Gordon Brown? D FLORE, IPSWICH

I don't really know either of them well enough to say, I'm afraid.

Why do you attack Gordon Brown so personally when you pledged an end to Punch and Judy politics? BRENDAN FORRISTAL, ST ALBANS

I've never gone out of my way to attack him, I was just giving an honest answer to a question very similar to the one above.

You'll share the proceeds of growth between public services and taxpayers. This means inevitably less spending on public services - so where would you make your cuts? TESSA BLAKE, GREENWICH

It doesn't mean that actually, it means more spending on public services, but at a rate of growth that enables us to have a strong and growing economy that creates more jobs, wealth and opportunity. So no cuts needed.

Since British politics is now purged of ideology, is there any point in having political parties? MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, BANBURY

I don't think it is "purged" - but the good news is that the main parties accept a free enterprise economy, liberty under the law and high quality public services. But that doesn't mean there aren't differences between the parties. These flow from our different values. If you look at the difference between Gordon Brown and me, for example, it's about our values. I believe in trusting people and sharing responsibility: he believes in telling people what to do and taking responsibility away from people and giving it to the state.

How can you write a manifesto one minute then ditch everything in it a few months later? STEVE BARNSTON, CAMBRIDGE

I've always said that in politics, you fight as a team, win or lose as a team, and learn as a team. The changes I'm leading in the Conservative Party are all about learning the lessons of our recent election defeats and building a party that's in touch with the aspirations of modern Britain.

Do you own any flip-flops? FIONA STANLEY, EDINBURGH

I'm afraid not, though I do have a pair of Camper shoes that come close.

I have been cycling in London for 18 years and have never needed a chauffeur to carry my shoes and briefcase. Have you never heard of panniers? And isn't this just hypocrisy? ROGER WAKELY

Most nights I have a huge box of work that I am supposed to do - a bit like a ministerial box - often including dozens and dozens of letters and documents. That's why it sometimes gets ferried around in a car. If you find me panniers big enough to take my work with me, I'd be delighted to use them.

Do you pray to God for spiritual guidance over political and moral choices? B ADAMS, WINCHESTER

I believe in God and go to church - more than Christmas and Easter but not as much as I should. But for me religion is a personal thing - and I certainly don't claim to have a direct line!

Will you send your new son to Eton? H LEWIS, HIGHGATE

Like most parents, we want our children to go to a good local school in the state system. But I will do what is right for them, making the choice on a personal, not a political, basis.

Do you have any hinterland? IAIN FRASER, LINCOLN

I think I probably have more hinterland than "frontland", as it were. For me, my family, friends and home life are the most important thing in my life. If politics interfered with that too much, I'd call it a day.

Could you tell me something about yourself that I don't know? K PATEL, LONDON

I like Sudoku but am hopeless at crosswords.