Multiculturalism is not a coherent policy that can be abandoned; David Cameron’s speech reveals more continuity with Labour’s ‘British national identity’ project than a radical departure from his ‘liberal conservatism’

David Cameron’s recent speech in favour of a more ‘muscular’ liberalism, and rejecting state multiculturalism has drawn much criticism and support from all parts of the political spectrum. Paul Kelly finds that the rejection of multiculturalism by mainstream politicians has roots that go far back into the Labour government, and that Cameron’s speech does not actually represent a significant policy shift.