David Cameron pledges "one nation" government

David Cameron promised to lead a "one nation" government on Friday as he reassured the Scots he would deliver on devolution and pledged his second term would bring "a brighter future for everyone".

From the steps of Downing Street, Mr Cameron reiterated his commitment to a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU as he vowed to use his majority government to implement the Conservative manifesto in full.

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"As I said in the small hours of this morning, we will govern as a party of one nation, one United Kingdom. That means ensuring this recovery reaches all parts of our country from north to south, from east to west," said Mr Cameron. "It means giving everyone in our country a chance so no matter where you are from you have the opportunity to make the most of your life."

The prime minister promised voters "we are on the brink of something special in this country" as he spoke of his desire to use the next five years to "build an even prouder future" and "make Great Britain greater still".

Mr Cameron used the first address of his second term in office to appeal to the Scottish Nationalist Party, hoping to draw a line under an election campaign in which the Conservatives repeatedly stoked fears of Scottish Nationalists holding a minority Labour government to hostage.

"In this parliament I will stay true to my word and implement as fast as I can the devolution that all parties agreed for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland," he said as he outlined his programme for government.

"In Scotland, our plans are to create the strongest devolved government anywhere in the world with important powers over taxation," the prime minister pledged. He also committed to deliver a fair settlement for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. "Indeed with our plans, the governance of these nations will become more powerful with wider responsibilities."

After a divisive and bruising campaign, Mr Cameron was generous in victory as he paid tribute to Mr Clegg's work as deputy prime minister and welcomed Mr Miliband's "typically gracious" concession call.

Drawing on his "one nation" theme, the prime minister sought to reassure the British public that a Tory government would govern "for everyone who wants to build a better life", citing manifesto pledges on childcare, apprenticeships and housing.

The tone was welcomed by one Conservative MP who said the party needed to "learn the lessons" of the election. "People came over to us at the last minute but they don't like a country with food banks and zero-hours contracts. We have got to win back the trust of the people."

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