Steve joined a Backbench Business Committee debate in the Commons on Tuesday 28th February as MPs discussed the merits of the Big Society.
Instigated by Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, members from all sides of the House, Steve spoke passionately about local groups such as the Alresford Society, the City of Winchester Trust, the Dever Society and the Churches Nightshelter.
In a speech that included references to Baroness Thatcher, Tony Blair and John F Kennedy, Steve said: "For me, as others have said, the big society is not a revolutionary new idea, but a renewed mission for troubled times. Passing power from state to citizen and encouraging people to be empowered in their own communities and to take responsibility for their own lives is an idea as old as the hills. It is an idea that has always been at the core of what my party believes, of how it shapes policy when in government in good times and bad-and, it must be said, in surplus and in deficit."
The debate began at 4.48pm, and continued until Guy Opperman (Conservative, Hexham) had the final word just before 10pm.
Steve also warned that one of the biggest misconceptions about the big society remains the idea that it is all about the voluntary and community sector, and how much grant central or local government gives to individual charities.
He said: "Perhaps it is our fault as a Government -our communication failure. Either way, I hope this debate will help in that regard. The big society is about a culture change in volunteering, yes, but it is also about a revolution in the culture of giving and public service reform. Above all, it is about responsibility. We have to reject the perverse and pitiful message we are teaching our children that nanny-the nanny state-knows best."
Pictured; Steve makes a point in a recent Commons debate.
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You can view the entire speech, and the full debate here.