STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
National Liberals believe that the personal liberty of a nation’s citizens is vital and that this freedom is best preserved within the framework of a democratic nation state. A National Liberal will therefore support measures protecting and promoting personal liberty, greater democracy and national independence.
The two main achievements of the 19th century were the proliferation of Nation States and Civil Liberties. Today these achievements are under threat.
Supra-national bodies such as the European Union seek to destabilise existing nation states whilst ‘Globalisation’ is undermining national interests, by rapidly increasing the movement of people and capital around the world in the interests of Big Business.
Personal liberties are being restricted in an increasingly regulated ‘surveillance society’.
‘Big Brother’ Governments are beginning to intrude into many aspects of citizens lives e.g. Public Order Acts, ID Cards and political correctness, without any appreciable benefit i.e. winning any so-called war on crime/terror.
Whilst we can identify the threats to our freedoms and identity we also have a clear idea of the principles that underpin a healthy society. We use these principles in guiding us in determining policy:
• Protect the political and civic freedoms of the individual
• Promote Direct Democracy, including greater use of referenda
• Support the decentralisation of power to the lowest practical level(s) i.e. ‘subsidiarity’
• Support the widespread ownership of property, both business and personal
• Support for the ‘Third’ economic sector i.e. the Independent Small Trader, Self-Employed and Co-operatives
• Preservation of the nation state
• Recognising the importance of the Family, Community and Nation as building blocks that construct a healthy and stable society whilst accepting those who choose a different lifestyle or outlook
• Support measures to keep the land and environment ‘Green and Pleasant’.
http://nationalliberal.org/?page_id=10
Now at first I thought this was just another minor centrist party trying to appeal to 'middle England' but reading through their website, some of their ideas interest me. I have rather left leaning economic beliefs, but I've always been somewhat wary of the 'internationalism' of Socialism and other like minded groups.
Their policies on foreign affairs particularly appeal to me:
Neutral
Switzerland has not been involved in an international war for 200 years. They vigorously protect their ‘neutral’ position and independence by a reluctance to join international organizations such as the United Nations, NATO or the EU. By following a policy of ‘armed’ neutrality they ensure their borders are protected whilst refusing to become involved in ‘foreign adventures’.
The U.K has historically involved itself in a number of supra-national bodies e.g. EU but that would not preclude us limiting their internal interference (including our withdrawal in extreme circumstances). We would support a more ethical foreign policy and one which does not involve the U.K. acting as a proxy global policeman e.g. for the USA.
http://nationalliberal.org/?page_id=80
Now before the 2010 General Election I was, perhaps naively, hoping for real change (I voted for the Liberal Democrats). Since the election, however, I've lost all faith that the UK can be changed for the better. I began to look around at other parties and at every turn I was disappointed. But after looking through the NLP's policies, I think I may have found the party for me.
Until recently, I'd never heard of National Liberalism, but again, what I've read about it intrigues me. So NSG, what do you think? Do you agree with the NLP's policies? Do you think they'll work?
