David Cameron has used his 215th and final cabinet meeting as prime minister to lay out plans to push for a vote on renewing Britain’s nuclear deterrent and to ensure that his life chances strategy, which he hoped would be a flagship policy of his time in office, will live on.  Theresa May, attending cabinet as home secretary for the last time, was among ministers presenting on the cross-departmental agenda on Tuesday, which is focused on improving opportunities for the most disadvantaged.  The incoming prime minister’s intervention, following a speech that focused on the disadvantages faced by the poorest in society, non-white people, women and the mentally ill, suggests that it will be among her early policy priorities.  Cameron’s official spokeswoman said he entered the cabinet room to colleagues banging the table in appreciation, saying that there was a “warm and reflective mood”. Outside in Downing Street a removals van arrived today to start moving his family’s possessions to make way for May.  During cabinet, the first discussion on the life chances strategy was led by Stephen Crabb, the work and pensions secretary, before Cameron said it was a prime example of the way the government that he had led had “worked to do more for those that have the least”.  The spokeswoman said Cameron concluded that it was now for May, as the new prime minister, “to take forward finalising the strategy and publication in due course”.  May appeared to confirm that the issue would be a priority when she told colleagues that it was wonderful that the issue of social reform was one that had united the entire Conservative party, and was a priority for everyone.  Cameron also invited Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, to set out plans for a vote on Trident on Monday, which is likely to place Labour in an awkward position as it sets Jeremy Corbyn against his party.  “The PM recounted that one of his more memorable visits had been when he was being winched into a submarine off the north coast of Scotland,” said his spokeswoman, arguing that the renewal of Trident was seen as the “ultimate insurance to protect from future threats into the 2030s, 40s and 50s”.  She recounted that ministers said it underlined Britain’s place in the world, and said there was unanimous support for four boats to ensure “continuous at-sea deterrent”.  Cameron finished by saying it had been an “honour and pleasure” to chair cabinet for six years, discussing how the group had met around the country, including in Aberdeen, Bradford and Bristol.  He also pointed out that they had discussed 900 items of government business over the six years, with him personally leading the discussion on more than 150.  Cameron then offered May his support and friendship, and said she was the right person to lead the country through the difficult times ahead.  The speed of the handover to May was evident from the appearance of a removal van in Downing Street, ready to move the Camerons out.  May spoke in cabinet, saying that Cameron had the “warmth and respect” of colleagues, and that he had led the country through a difficult time, with particularly tough economic circumstances.  She then went to the Home Office to address officials on her final day at the helm of the department. She will speak to staff at Conservative party headquarters on Tuesday afternoon, before continuing with her preparations for a new cabinet.  Sources suggest the key positions would be filled by Wednesday night, after Cameron resigns formally at Buckingham Palace, followed by May being confirmed by the Queen.  May’s comments about her predecessor were echoed by George Osborne, who travelled back from New York to attend the final meeting of his close ally. The chancellor picked out gay marriage, apprenticeships, the “national living wage” and education reform.  Cameron has decided to focus on education in his final full day as prime minister, making his last visit in the role to a free school in west London, while the government announces plans for a further 31 free schools on top of 300 since 2010.  That means there are now 150,000 pupils being taught in free schools, which Cameron considered an important Conservative reform but which caused controversy among teaching unions and the Labour party.  Cameron’s spokeswoman confirmed that Larry the cat would remain in Downing Street, but was unable to shed light on just what tune he hummed as he completed a short statement on Monday and then headed back into No 10. Speculation has ranged from the theme tunes to Game of Thrones and the West Wing to Black Beauty.  At cabinet, Cameron’s comments prompted colleagues to bang the table four times: when he first entered, when he talked about the government’s achievements, and when he echoed comments from both May and Osborne.  Cameron will be disappointed that he was unable to unveil his life chances strategy, which was planned as a major push in the wake of a remain vote. However, the decision of the country to back Brexit led to some Downing Street aides to fear the policy was dead. Tuesday’s developments suggest it will now be carried forward by May.  Cameron gave a major speech on the issue in January when he said: “Today in Britain, around a million children are growing up without the love of a dad. In Britain, a child born in a poor area will die an average of nine years earlier than their peers.  “In Britain, there are more young black men in our prisons than there are studying at a Russell Group university. These problems … have been years in the making, and will take time to tackle.  “But I am convinced it doesn’t have to be like this, and we can make a real difference.”  The theme was echoed by May in her speech that had been meant to launch her Tory leadership campaign against Andrea Leadsom on Monday morning, but the latter withdrew from the race.  “We need a government that will deliver serious social reform – and make ours a country that truly works for everyone. Because right now, if you’re born poor, you will die on average nine years earlier than others. If you’re black, you’re treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you’re white. If you’re a white working-class boy, you’re less likely than anybody else to go to university.  “If you’re at a state school, you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you’re educated privately. If you’re a woman, you still earn less than a man. If you suffer from mental health problems, there’s too often not enough help to hand. If you’re young you’ll find it harder than ever before to own your own home.”
Incoming PM Theresa May appeared to confirm that policy to improve opportunities for disadvantaged would be early priority