Liberalism

• Core Values of Liberals

  • Liberty; minimal state interference in people's lives; privacy and freedom should be protected.
  • Social Justice; remove unjustifiable inequalities; equality of opportunity; removal of artificial privilege.
  • Welfare; state welfare sets people free from sickness and old age.
  • Constitutionalism; people are heavily suspicious of state power and this should be limited via a constitution.
  • Social reformers; support ethnic minorities, women, and LGBT.
  • Support Human Rights and Liberal Democracy.
  • Multiculturalism.
  • Environment protection.
• Liberal Democrat ideas and policies today

  • The Economy; pragmatic policy; during recessions, poor in society should be protected and the wealthy made to bear the burden; taxation should be fair.
  • Law and Order; rehabilitative; reject authoritarian system, balance between civil liberties and and the need for peace and security.
  • EU; opposed Brexit; 2nd referendum; remain in single market.
  • Welfare; focus on education and healthcare; benefits system should encourage work; support pensioners and single parents.
  • Foreign Policy; oppose interventions such as Iraq.
  • Constitutional Reform.

   
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  Liberal Democratic Factions

  • Orange Book Liberals; return to Classical Liberal views; led by Chris Huhne; join neo-liberals in supporting free markets; promote and enhance individual liberty.
  • Social Liberals; concerned with social justice; redistribution of income through taxation and welfare; wants increased state interference in society to promote social change at odds with Orange Book faction.