William Hague has renewed his controversial attack on Britain's future after a second Labour term in office in a speech to party faithful.

Addressing the Welsh Conservative Party Conference in Swansea on Friday, Hague asked his audience to picture Britain after another four years, warning of serious criminals being released early from prison, low police morale, the pound replaced while euro notes and coins begin to circulate, higher petrol costs and more hospital operations cancelled.

"Labour's Britain four years from now - could anybody stomach it?" he asked. "Elect a Conservative government and we will give you back your country," he promised.

"We have in New Labour a government that scorns and despises all that has made this United Kingdom what it is. A government that holds our Union and holds Britishness cheap," Hague told his audience.

With recent speculation over the future of the Welsh secretary in the cabinet, Hague, a former Welsh secretary himself, confirmed that he would "maintain a voice for Wales in the British Cabinet. We will oppose plans to introduce a secretary of state for Union, preserving the office of secretary of state for Wales, to take into account the distinctive needs of Wales and Scotland."

He also used his speech to round on the Labour-Liberal coalition cabinet in Wales. He accused the Welsh Liberals of remaining silent "as Welsh agriculture goes to the wall. Silent at mounting job losses in manufacturing. Silent as Welsh class sizes rise, as Welsh waiting lists are up and as violent crime continues to rise."

Attacking first minister Rhodri Moran, he said it was time for him to "wake up to the priorities of the people of Wales. But the truth is, just like Alun Michael before him, Rhodri Morgan takes his lead from the top," said Hague.

Arguing that "the Welsh Conservative Party has never been more in touch with the aspirations and needs of the people of Wales than it is today," he appealed for support from every part of Wales and from people in every walk of life. He said: "come with us, and we will give you back your country."