Members of parliament respond to Tony Blair's Labour Party conference speech.

Webminster Response: Charles Kennedy MP

Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats, told ePolitix.com: "Tony Blair must start to take responsibility for the problems in this country.

"Yet again he talks of 'reform' and 'change' - and blames others for his government's failure to deliver. Labour has been in office for five years - but the transport system is in chaos, crime is rising and there is too little sign of the real improvement he has kept promising in our schools and hospitals.

"The prime minister talks a lot about 'partnership' - what we need now is less criticism and a greater emphasis on trusting our teachers, doctors and nurses to get on with the job."

Webminster Response: Jane Griffiths MP

Jane Griffiths, Labour MP for Reading East, told ePolitix.com: "I have never been afraid to be bold or controversial. But this has not been for it's own sake. I have done it because it is right. As the prime minister said we should move forward, not slow down the pace to reform and modernise and reform our country. Not to do so would be to betray the most vulnerable and the poorest.

"The physical reality of new school buildings and a new hospital have shown our commitment to schools and hospitals here in Reading East. I have spent the summer working with public services. I will use the experience I gained, and what the people who work in public services told me, to reform and modernise the public services to the benefit of people here in Reading East.

"I see all too vividly the consequences of anti social behaviour and drug dealing when out knocking on doors in Reading and Woodley and in my surgeries. I welcome the recasting of the criminal system so the rights of the victim come first and tackling anti social behaviour and drug dealing are given the priority we have seen work so well against street crime here in Reading.

"Reform and modernisation work best when we work together. We must not turn our backs on trade unions and others in work for equality and for the poor and the vulnerable. I take the Prime Minister's speech as a clarion call to redouble our work with trade unions, charities and the voluntary sector for these ends and I make that my pledge in the coming year."

Webminster Response: Theresa May

Theresa May, Conservative MP for Maidenhead, told ePolitix.com: "This was a speech designed to secure better headlines for the prime minister, not better public services for pupils, patients and commuters across Britain.

"We have heard many of these commitments before, yet parents and pupils worried about the A level fiasco this summer will not be reassured by his promises. What people are asking themselves is whether public services are any better under Labour - and the answer is no. What people want Mr Blair, is less talk and more action."