Liberal Reform | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Co-Chairs | Fraser Coppin Alan Muhammed |
| Founded | 13 February 2012 |
| Headquarters | London |
| Ideology | Liberalism Economic liberalism Social liberalism |
| Political position | Centre |
| Slogan | 'Four-Cornered Liberalism' |
| Website | |
| www.liberalreform.org.uk | |
Liberal Reform is an internal political group of members of the British Liberal Democrats. Membership of the group is open to any Liberal Democrat member, and is free of charge. It was launched on 13 February 2012, and describes itself as a broadly centrist group that seeks to promote 'four-cornered liberalism' within the party. Each 'corner' consists respectively of economic, social, personal and political liberalism, mirroring the opening chapter of The Orange Book by David Laws.[1] It states that it accepts that virtually all Liberal Democrats believe in four-cornered liberalism, but emphasises its belief that economic liberalism, consisting of the promotion of open markets, competition and free trade, "has to be a key component of modern liberalism".[1] Liberal Reform organises a number of fringe events at the twice-per-year Liberal Democrat Conference.
Liberal Reform's four-cornered liberalism is exemplified by specific policy goals: a belief in the importance of open markets and free trade;[2][3] strong opposition to discrimination and abuses of power;[1] the need to reduce taxation for those on low and middle incomes by such measures as increasing the tax-free personal allowance;[4] the right to privacy;[5] the provision of citizens' freedom of information and of high-quality and accountable public services;[1] and the right of senior citizens to control their own pension savings.[4] It also endorses the principles described in the preamble to the party's Constitution, which states: "The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society,… in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance, or conformity".[6]
Liberal Reform intends to be "at the heart of the party, encouraging friendly debate and participation with other groups",[7] in the cause of both Liberal Democrats and those of a liberal outlook. All members of Liberal Reform are active campaigners for the party.[7]
The group's Mission Statement says that:
"Liberal Reform exists within the Liberal Democrats to promote personal liberty and a fair society supported by free, open and competitive markets as the foundation of the party’s policy. We advocate a liberalism that draws upon the values of entrepreneurship, competition and innovation to deliver a society that empowers individuals through freedom and opportunity. Our vision of freedom is all encompassing, covering personal, political, economic and social liberties. As such, we seek to put the rights of individuals first, but recognise the importance of challenging concentrations of power where they develop, both within and beyond the state."[8]
- ^ a b c d Alan Muhammed (21 May 2015). "Introducing Liberal Reform". Liberal Democrat Voice. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ Isabel Hardman (26 September 2013). "Lib Dem conference: Clegg isn't fighting his activists, he's just fighting a faction of activists". The Spectator. Archived from the original on 4 November 2018. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ Stephen Tall, ed. (2013). "Coalition and Beyond: Liberal Reforms for the Decade Ahead". Liberal Reform. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ a b "Liberal Reform response to Budget 2014". Liberal Democrat Voice. 20 March 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ Alan Muhammed (24 April 2013). "Letter to Nick Clegg on the Communications Data Bill". Liberal Reform. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
- ^ Julian Huppert (3 March 2013). "Julian Huppert MP writes.....The Preamble, 25 years on". Liberal Democrat Voice. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
- ^ a b Zadok Day (13 February 2012). "New Liberal Reform group to launch today". Liberal Democrat Voice. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ "Liberal Reform – Liberal Reform exists within the Liberal Democrats to promote personal liberty and a fair society supported by free, open and competitive markets as the foundation of the party's policy". www.liberalreform.org.uk. Retrieved 2018-11-03.