Ideas and Issues

Why liberal?

As a clasical liberal, or modern libertarian, I believe in individual self-government as the only true basis of a strong, happy and free society.

In practice, the individual must be free to pursue their own self-interest, as they perceive it, subject to respecting the rights of all other individuals. By extension, the individual must be free to choose how they spend what they honestly earn, and not have the fruits of their labour appropriated beyond what is strictly necessary for the state to perform its primary functions - maintaining the rule of law, a national defence, and taking care of the most needy in our society.

Why conservative?

Whilst there are almost as many definitions of 'conservatism' as there are varieties of French cheese, my particular brand encompasses the outlook of the modern Anglo-American tradition, represented in the Premiership of Prime Minster Thatcher and President Reagan in the US. I consider myself a conservative in the following ways:-

1. Opposition to 'Progressivism';

Opposition to the idea that increased governmental power and control represents the solution to the problems of human existence and history. In reality, seemingly benevolent forms of governmental action actually amount to a 'soft despotism' inimical to an independent and free-minded citizenry.

2. Politics as the 'art of the Possible';

These immortal words of the conservative philospher, Russell Kirk, sum up how we should approach the implementation of our classical liberal ideals.

The science of liberty must emerge gradually, piece by piece, in order to be successful in the long run. Margaret Thatcher understood she could not attempt what was beyond the legitimate consent of the people at the time in which she was governing. Some of her major achievements in office only came towards the end of her reign, such as her privitisation programme. She never attempted the politically unthinkable - such as the free market overhaul of the National Health Service. She understood Britain had to be weened off socialism. That still remains the case today.

Which present political figures best represent the ideals of which you write?

I am an admirer of David Cameron, our current Prime Minster. He has had his critics, but has always struck me as being mindful of the principles of individual liberty, as well as understanding the limitations of state power. He has also shown his pragmatism by his forging of an alliance with the Liberal Democrats.

In the wider Conservative Parliamentary Party, John Redwood has been a tireless advocate of lower taxation and less government. And the newly elected MP for Bournemouth West, Conor Burns, is also good news for those championing liberal conservative principles.

Across the pond, I am a fan of such Republicans as Jeb Bush, Former Governor of Florida, Rep. Nikki Haley, the Gubernatorial candidate for South Carolina, and Rand Paul, Senate candidate for Kentucky. All three cherish the principles of liberal conservatism. The first two, in particular, have shown in their governmental records that they understand politics as the art of the possible.

What do you consider to be the defining challenges of our day?

The most urgent need in the UK has undoubtedly been to tackle the national financial crisis. This week's emergency budget did much to address this, with the Coalition announcing radical plans incorporating a mixture of public spending cuts and tax rises.

Once our economic house is in order again, I would expect to see the UK return to a healthy and growing economy, which would in turn allow the Coalition to concentrate on those other parts of its platform that have rightly been priortised; the restoration of civil liberties, free schools, welfare reform, and a committment to devolving powers to Local Authorities wherever practically possible.

Those are the issues that should keep liberal conservative reformers busy for the time being.

Will you be doing more of these question and answer posts?

Quite possibly - as the need arises.