The Conservative European Forum (CEF) would like to engage with you and your campaign to shape a shared vision for the future of the Conservative Party. We believe that only through collaborative efforts can we steer the party towards a successful general election victory in 2029, a goal everyone in the Conservative Party must unite to achieve. To succeed, it is imperative that we regain the trust of voters who stayed away or chose to support other parties in recent elections. 

Our task is to reunite the coalition that voted Conservative from 2005 to 2019 but drifted away by 2024. This group includes younger and middle aged voters, as well as the many traditional Conservatives who hold internationalist, liberal values alongside a belief in a smaller, less intrusive government and the right and responsibility of individuals to build their lives within the rule of law and through their own enterprise. We must prioritise economic values, competence, integrity, opportunity for all and an open worldview that can attract this broader electorate. The Conservative Party must become a party that truly listens.

Focusing too narrowly on a small subsection of voters risks destroying the world's most electorally successful party. This approach will neither engage a new generation of younger voters nor win back Conservative voters who are crucial to our success. We urge you to actively consider strategies for reaching out to these voters and engaging the next generation of Conservatives. 

Many of these voters, particularly younger generations, favour a relationship with Europe and beyond that is both economically and diplomatically collaborative, creating a truly global Britain. This requires looking ahead to ensure we have a relationship that serves our best interests, not looking back to the debates of 2016. 

In an increasingly unstable world, where conflict has once again gripped Europe, our relationship with the EU must improve our security and ability to collectively respond to emerging threats, reduce barriers to trade, support British businesses, and enhance our economic prosperity.

The Windsor Framework Agreement, successfully negotiated by Rishi Sunak, ushered in a new era for the UK-EU relationship and laid the groundwork for rebuilding trust. We urge all candidates to build upon this foundation. The Political Declaration agreed upon by Boris Johnson and Lord Frost was ambitious in outlining a vision for a deep and special foreign, defence, and security relationship between the UK and the EU. We call on candidates to implement these visions to ensure a robust and secure future for our country.

We look forward to hearing from you.