Fifth, when the centre of Government is embroiled in so many difficult challenges, it is crucial to allow the provinces and regions the ability to move things themselves.
Finally, and obviously, the political context matters enormously. This is not just about maintaining democratic principles. This is about a nation having, despite all its differences and disagreements, a core of cohesion and unity of purpose. But in the Middle East right now, as revolutions sweep the region, we can see how hard it is for that unity of purpose to be discovered, consolidated and nurtured. So everywhere bubbles up religious, ethnic and tribal discord which then displace the sense of what people can be achieve together. There is no easy way to pacify such tensions. But the price paid for the disunity is immense and Iraq shows it. But if we take a step back and look at Iraq differently, we can see the possibility of Iraq as an economic powerhouse, as it should be, as a cultural icon, as an intellectual and artistic centre, which once it was. Keeping the vision of how it achieves that again is what all Iraqis and friends of Iraq should have at the front of their minds and hearts.
So today is a chance to contemplate these bigger questions; but most of all to discuss the size of the immediate opportunity. British business is already invested in Iraq; but there is so much more it can do. This conference is a platform to help all of you do it. It is a pleasure and an honour to be with you here today, to endorse the conference, support it and wish it well.
And to all of you who have come from Iraq today: welcome and thank you, we will be with you to help build the Iraq that you want.
I have always respected Tony Blair and his information