Liberalism Notes Essay Example for Free

resistantism Notes Essay* Mainstream western philosophy. Other philosophies define themselves in relation to all-embracingism.* Evolution everyplace time, though constant stress on individual freedom. Intellectual antecedents ar 16th century religious reformations, seventeenth century scientific transmutation and 18th century Enlightenment. 8th/nineteenth century industrialisation piddled refreshful class interests with commission to reform programme so term liberalism dates from primal nineteenth century.* swelledism a reply to 19th century absolutist regimes hence inextricably bound up with national self-determination. Movements for national freedom/unity associated with demands for polite/ form _or_ system of government-making rights and for constitutional checks on government. Contrast with Britain, w present parliamentary sovereignty established in 17th century hence liberal domestic programme cogitateed on other objectives much(prenominal) as parliament ary reform, religious toleration and free trade in.* 19th century continental liberalism primarily a semipolitical creed and even in Britain the centrality of free food commercialises to liberalism has been exaggerated. puritanic liberalism stood for political reform at main office and put up for constitutional/national movements abroad. Inspired more by religion (radical nonconformism) than by scotchs. Indeed from 19th century British liberalism repudiated laisser-faire and accepted need for nominate intervention (New barrenism) especially in hearty welf ar.* castigate of Liberal Party in 20th century, solely asc annulancy of liberal ideas. Dominant orthodoxy until late mid-seventies was derived from New Liberalism separatenes and Beveridge marked mop up of New Liberal thinking. Challenge to consensus came principally from an older free market version of liberalism i.e. neo-liberalism. Battle of ideas post 1945 slight between odd and right than between old and forward-looking liberalism.* Today liberal has different meanings in different places UK Liberals/Liberal Democrats long seen as centre/left of centre in EU liberalism normally associated with the right in USA a term of cry out for radical- come outive (crypto- affectionateist) ideas label also associated with free market advocates (Hayek, Friedman, New proper). And almost all mainstream ideologies can be regarded as variants of liberalism.* Liberal value/ideas of vital historical importance central to failment of British political usageUNDERLYING ASSUMPTIONS AND VALUES OF LIBERALISM* Hall (1986) describes liberals as open-minded, tolerant, rational, freedom-loving people, sceptical of the claims of tradition and established authority, exactly powerfully affiliated to the values of liberty, competition and individual freedom. 19th century liberalism stood for individualism in politics, civil and political rights, parliamentary government, moderate reform, limited responsib ility intervention, and a private enterprise economy. Widespread agreement over see liberal ideas/values though not over their posterior development and interpretation.* Key assumption is individualism. Individuals ( kind of than nations/races/classes) are the starting point. Society an aggregate of individuals social behaviour explained in terms of approximately basic assumptions closely human psychology. many liberal thinkers saw society as an artificial creation prior kingdom of nature where neither society nor government existed. Implication that society and government were purpose securey created by individuals in pursuit of their knowledge self-centeredness. So no social interests beyond the interests of individuals who make up society.* Individuals pursue their suffer self-interest rationally. No-one else (especially rulers) can determine the individuals own interest. Optimistic assumption that the general pursuit of rational self-interest will produce not only(pr enominal) individual satisfaction entirely also social progress and the cheer of the greatest number.* Freedom the key value individuals must be free to pursue their own self-interest (Mill). Originally this had a negative interpretation i.e. importance of freedom from external constraint. In proto(prenominal) history of liberalism this entailed firm limits on power of government to interfere with individual liberty. An important application was formula of toleration applied especially to religious belief championed by Locke (1689) Mill (1859) went on to demand full freedom of idea and expression. later some liberals stressed freedom to enjoy certain benefits (positive liberty) thus entailing coarse say intervention to enlarge freedom (Green (1881) and Hobhouse (1911) and Berlin (1975)). Conflict between positive and negative views of freedom (and divergent implications) a study theme in the development of liberalism in 20th century.* Influence of egalitarian assumpti ons. So stress on equality forwards the lawfulness, and equal civil and political rights (though little agreement on what these should be in come). Some liberals thus justify state provision of education et al to create greater equality of prospect. still this commitment generally accompanied by acceptance of considerable contrariety of income and wealth so in practice equality sacrificed to liberty?* Freedom entails the freedom to be nonequivalent? nevertheless liberals deny that individual liberty is inconsistent with social justice. Self-seeking individualism, yes just now equation of great power and right, no. Squaring of circle attempt to make justice consistent with pursuit of rational self-interest (Rawls, 1971). Implies approving view of human nature and thus scope for reconciling individual and collective goals. then liberalism differs here from traditional conservatism (more pessimistic n early(a) human nature) and socialism (deny reconciliation can be q uick achieved)SUMMARY OF THE HISTORICAL WHIG-LIBERAL TRADITION* 17th century Puritanism and Parliamentarism* Late 17th/18th century The Whig customs duty Glorious Revolution (Locke), constitutional crowned heady, government by consent, division of powers, religious toleration (Charles James Fox), oligarchy, mercantilism.* Late 18th/early 19th century Radicalism revolution (Paine), rationalism, rights of man.* Classical liberalism (metalworker) Individualism (Malthus), free markets (Ricardo), utilitarianism (Bentham), representative land ( James Mill).* Mid 19th/later 19th century Victorian Liberalism Manchester liberalism (Cobden), nonconformism (Bright), free trade (Gladstone), nationalism (Mill), municipal gospel (Joseph Chamberlain).* Late 19th century/early 20th century New Liberalism (T.H.Green) social reform (Hobhouse), state intervention (Hobson), liberal imperialism (Edward Grey), national efficiency (Asquith), constitutional reform (Lloyd George).* 1920s to mid-se venties Decline of Liberal Party but liberal liberal consensus (Keynes, Beveridge).* Late 20th century/early 21st century Liberal revival? (Steel) European Union (Ashdown), devolution (Kennedy).THE WHIG TRADITION* Whig companionship in 17th century opposed royal absolutism and championed religious dissent support for rights of parliament and for limits on royal power. Influence of Locke (1632-1704) belief in natural rights to life, liberty and property government should rest on consent of governed, whose rebellion was justified if their rights were infringed. Need for constitutional limits on government, and division between legislative and executive director powers ideas enshrined (imperfectly) in British Constitution post 1688 Glorious Revolution, and later helped to inspire French and American Revolutions.* Contradictions in Whiggism. Defence of material interests aristocrats and merchant/banking allies sought to preserve own power, property, privileges from threat of cr own. No line for massive 18th century wealth/income inequalities. And no wish to spread power beyond the propertied, so constitution they developed/defended was oligarchic/conservative. Fortunes made out of war, slave trade, India. Enclosure of land at put down of rural poor ruth slight enforcement of game laws.* Radical interpretation of Whiggism also no gross without delegacy (slogan of parl. resister to the Stuarts) also became cry of American colonies. 1776 Declaration of Independence found on Whig principles French revolution welcomed by most Whigs Whig leader Charles James Fox defended its principles/championed civil liberties in England (until death in 1806).* push through of office, 1783-1830, so able to proclaim continued attachment to peace, retrenchment and reform unsuccessful parl. repair bills, 1797 and 1810. Some credit claimed for abolition of slave trade, term traditional Whig demand for religious toleration reaffirmed in support for Catholic emancipation .* Defection of Old Whigs and accommodation within Foxite remnant of companionship of new radical generation, committed to reform, helped to preserve/reestablish a politically progressive Whig tradition that ultimately merged into liberalism. 1832 Reform represent the culmination of the Whig tradition yet under(a)lines its essentially conservative nature very modest franchise flank (some of the propertied middle classes). Yet new urban centres gained at the depreciate of the shires manufacturing/commerce at the expense of land. Whig aristocrats ultimately lost see to urban-based business and professional middle classes (the muscle behind Victorian liberalism), though Whigs remained an important, if diminishing, element within the Liberal coalition until the late 19th century. (An antidote to those who view liberalism almost altogether in terms of free markets neglects the Whig foundations).* The Whig-Liberal tradition is essentially a political tradition, concerned with c onstitutional issues/civil liberties/parl. sovereignty/ government by consent/freedom of conscience and religious observance/no taxation without representation. Whiggism served economic interests but never really an economic doctrine not about free trade/markets. Foreign trade policy in 17th/18th centuries mercantilist aimed to secure (through colonisation, Navigation Acts and war) the largest possible British share of world trade.RADICALS* Radical reformers at different times, interwoven with or opposed to Whig tradition influence on both(prenominal) liberalism and socialism. Radicalism a broad term, with different connotations for different periods, yet huge influence on British liberalism and 19th century Liberal party.* Paine (1737-1809) never absorbed into the Whig (later Liberal) establishment argued that once sovereignty had been convertred from the monarch to the people, there was no logical systemal case for restricting the franchise his ideas the logical outcome of Whig slogans. Paine a liberal? (uncompromising individualism, sympathies with manfacturers, hostility to government). Or a socialist? (Blueprint for the well-being call down, support for graduated income tax, inspiration for Chartists). More restore in USA/France than in Britain seen as dangerous due to uncompromising republicanism, total opposition to contagious principle, rejection of Christianity.* Philosopher radicals (or utilitarians) such(prenominal) as Bentham were in touch with progressive Whigs Whitbread and Brougham constituted the progressive advanceg of the parl. party. Cobbetts radical populism harked approve to pre-industrial age Bright (Quaker manufacturer) belonged to new generation of post 1832 MPs himself displaced by new breed of radicals who took over the Liberal party in latter part of 19th century.* Radical pressure reinforced Whig commitment to parliamentary reform in 1832, and later. Association with religious dissent in 2nd half of 19th century imbu ed it with strong moral character fuelled demands for non-denominational state education and C of E disestablishment. Also strongly associated with the municipal gospel in local government. Fusion of Whigs and radicals with former Peelites created Liberal Party, 1859. Whigs continued to dominate Liberal Cabinets, but radicals dominated increasingly important grass roots level, especially after 1859 formation of the topic Liberal fusion.* Yet it was a relatively restrained, religiously exalt, and peculiarly British strand of radicalism which eventually prevailed rather than the fiercely rationalist, republican radicalism of Paine.CLASSICAL ECONOMICS AND UTILITARIANISM* Intellectual (rather than moral) influence on Victorian liberalism of classical economists and utilitarians. Smith (1732-90), Malthus (1766-1834) and Ricardo (1772-1823) established importance of markets in the allocation/distribution of resources. And Benthams (1748-1832) utility principle was applied to a total range of institutions/practices fiercely rationalist analysis (What use is it?). The greatest happiness of the greatest number was the only right and proper end of government.* Both stemmed from the 18th century Enlightenment both shared out the individualist/rationalist assumptions underpinning liberalism each tended to share the implications of the others approach. Mill had a foot in both camps.* But modern neo-liberals argue it is only Smith and Hume (18th century Scottish Enlightenment) who represent the true spirit of liberalism. Bentham et al are blamed for ideas which provided a warrant for much later illiberal interventionist policy (Gray, 1986). The greatest happiness principle is seen as a breach of free market economics, since the principle of representative commonwealth (advocated by Mill who converted Bentham) powerfulness involve electoral pressures for interference with free market forces moreover, neo-liberals are opposed to Benthams advocacy of bureaucracy, and thus the appointment of qualified, salaried public officials.The contradictory implications of Benthamite thinking are seen in the utilitarian-influenced execrable Law Amendment Act (1834) the able-bodied poor must enter a workhouse where their condition would be less eligible than that of the lowest independent grinder (free market incentives) at the same time theAct required a comprehensive network of administrative areas and officials, and a large degree of central control and inspection (bureaucracy).* Hence modern neo-liberals are critical of Benthams constructivist rationalism (Hayek, 1975) Gray (1986) claims that it had an inherent tendency to spawn policies of interventionist social engineering. Their refusal to live Bentham as a liberal involves an artificial conception of liberalism which has little in common with the Whig/Liberal tradition.* The major classical economists contributed significantly to Victorian liberalism, but their ideas were extensively vulgarised. E ven Smith allowed for significant exceptions to his invisible hand. Popularisers such as Harriet Martineau, Edward Baines and Samuel Smiles reduced the principles of classical economics to individualism (for governments) and self-help (for individuals). Public policy, moreover, was never consistently governed by capitalistic look at the various Factory Acts, Public Health Acts and Acts to regulate the railways and banks passed in the early Victorian period.VICTORIAN LIBERALISM* Although the term liberal was applied from the early 19th century, the Liberal Party emerged only in the 1850s from a party realignment of Whigs, radicals and Peelite Conservatives. Gladstone (1809-98), originally a Con. follower of Peel, the embodiment of Victorian liberalism. Domination of Liberal party, and shaped in his own image he became more radical and democrat with age. Also inspired by Christian moral fervour struck chord among nonconformists. So Gladstonian liberalism a moral fight back (Vince nt, 1966).* Several strands. Parliamentary reform derived from Whig tradition advocacy of Bright, then Gladstone turned it into a populist cause. Proposals for modest franchise extension developed into radical demands for full manhood suffrage. Nonconformist strand while the 1860s parliamentary party was still overwhelmingly Anglican, the Liberals were becoming the party of the nonconformist conscience (Vincent, 1966).Nonconformist pressures spawned the National schooling League (to campaign for a national, free and secular system of education), which provided the model for the National Liberal Federation (1877) which established a national organisation for he Liberal party, and tipped it decisively towards radical nonconformism. By the 1880s the PLP (and the party in the country) was predominantly nonconformist.* Support for liberal and nationalist movements in Europe, especially Italian unification, helped create Palmerstons 1859 government and kept it intact Gladstone campaign ed against the Bulgarian atrocities, bringing him out of premature retreat and into close collaboration with the nonconformists. The religious fervour behind his mission to pacify Ireland both split the party and strengthened the moral element in liberalism.* Manchester liberalism also quite influential in the party after 1859. Free trade was established as a liberal principle. Gladstone, as Chancellor, built on in the first place work of Cobden and Bright (Anti Corn Law League, 1846 repeal of Corn Laws reflected transfer of power from landed to manufacturing interests) by abolishing a range of duties Cobden negotiated Anglo-French trade treaty of 1860. But free trade did not entail laissez-faire in domestic policy Cobdens opposition to Factory Acts increasingly out of tune with the times.* Increased state intervention entailed by liberal practice major reforms in education, the army, the law and civil service, 1868-74. Third Reform Act, 1884 triumph of radical demands over Whi g caution. Chamberlains Unauthorised Programme (1885) and the Newcastle Programme (1891) marked decisive shift towards radicalism.* whole step of change too fast for some Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) combined laissez-faire economics with evolutionary survival of the fittest opposition to most forms of state intervention being introduced by Liberals at national and local level but out of step. By contrast, Mill (1806-73) key transitional figure in evolution of liberalism. The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of any of their number is self-defence (1859) effectively a plea for minimal state intervention (Mill denounced censorship and argued for full liberty of thought and expression). Yet his commitment to individuality (and advocacy of democracy) caused him to fear the tyranny of the majority and the despotism of custom, seen as a greater threat to individuality than deliberate actions by governments. So a water shed thinker in the development of liberalism from individualism to collectivism (Gray, 1986).LIBERALISM, CAPITALISM AND DEMOCRACY* Liberalism closely associated with rise of industrial capitalism pre-eminently the creed of the owners of industrial/financial capital. Its political objectives focused on the enfranchisement of the new middle classes and the transfer of political power to the major manufacturing urban centres. No coincidence that Liberal party finally emerged in the 1850s when Britains industrial and commercial dominance was unchallenged, and the works classes were ununionised and unenfranchised. Even further back, protestant dissent (and especially puritanism) incorporated ideas preferable to the spirit of capitalist accumulation.* But British liberalism cannot be simply derived from capitalism. The leading Whig MPs, who were still bragging(a) in 19th century Liberal governments, were large landowners many rank and file Liberals were not manufacturers but small sh opkeepers and tradesmen many of the working class were attached to the Liberal cause (even before the vote). In practice liberalism a coalition of class interests. Many of its causes temperance, religious disestablishment, home rule were scarcely connected with the interests of capitalism. tether liberal thinkers Mill, Hobhouse, Keynes, Beveridge gave capitalism only qualified support.* Establishment of capitalist economy accompanied by the gradational establishment of a liberal democratic system no coincidence. Indeed, Marxist view is that rep. democracy offers trump shell for capitalism so hardly surprising that party of the bourgeoisie was at forefront of parliamentary reform movement, though stopping short of support for full rep. democracy. Gray (1986, and a neo-liberal) accounts for this by argue that unlimited democracy cannot be liberal government since it respects no domain of independence or liberty as being immune to invasion by governmental authority.* But repr esentative democracy in early 19th century was largely untried, so not surprising liberals were apprehensive about what was a radical minority cause. Yet Paine advocated full manhood suffrage, and Mill argued for extension to women of full political rights. Once the logic of reform was accepted and liberals became committed to the theory and practice of rep. democracy their conversion was wholehearted, and seen by many (such as Chamberlain) as a justification for abandoning precedent limitations to government intervention.Herbert Samuel (1902) argued a reformed state could be entrusted with social reform Now democracy has been substituted for aristocracy as the root principle of the constitution .the State today is held worthy to be the instrument of the community in many affairs for which the State of yesterday was clearly incompetent.. Acceptance of democracy a critical step towards New Liberalism. Inexorable logic by which liberals progressed from parliamentary reform to repres entative democracy, to state intervention and the apparent abandonment of some of the principles associated with in front liberalism.THE NEW LIBERALISM* Flourished in late 19th/early 20th centuries involved state economic/social reform which repudiated laissez-faire liberalism. Controversial development natural extension and refinement of the old principles OR culmination of anti-liberal elements present in the liberal tradition from the 1840s in the work of Mill. (Socialist critics dismiss NL as a hopeless attempt to revive an outmoded ideology Arblaster, 1984).* Origins of NL? Influence of Hegelian idealism? Party project to win working class support and head off rising force challenge? Need to pass British economy/society and thus to compete more effectively? Or simply a rationalisation of the substantial growth in government intervention that had already occurred?* Key NL thinkers were Green, Hobson and Hobhouse. Green (1836-82) an Oxford philosopher and Hegelian Hobson a n economist who believed under-consumption to be the cause of unemployment Hobhouse (1864-1929) a philosopher/sociologist. Common aim to redefine old liberal values in line with new political practice. So freedom, according to Green, meant a positive power or capa urban center and must be enjoyed by all. Hobson referred to the provision of equal opportunities for self-development so state intervention might be needed to remove obstacles. (But each enlargement of the authority and functions of the State must justify itself as an enlargement of personal liberty, interfering with individuals only in order to set free new and large opportunities). Hobhouse justified interference with the market to secure the right to work and the right to a living wage, given the powerlessness of individual workers to secure such rights.* Liberal politicians were more cautious than the NL ideologues, though were increasingly interventionist, both at national and at local level. Locally, enthusiasm f or civic improvements amounted to a municipal gospel city government seen as a test-bed for policies which could be applied nationally.Chamberlain (1836-1914) a radical Liberal mayor of Birmingham before moving to national politics (later split with Gladstone and allied with the Conservatives) campaign for the Unauthorised Programme (1895) based on LG experience hospitals, schools, museums, libraries, galleries, baths, parks, etc. Explicit rejection of laissez-faire, which was equivalent to acceptance of selfish wealth alongside poverty accepted charge that proposed reforms were in practice socialism. Radical, reforming approach of 1895 UA echoed in 1891 Newcastle programme. At national level, little opportunity to implement the NL programme before the Liberal landslide victory of 1906.* 1906-14 Liberal Government key figures were Asquith and Lloyd George. Welfare reforms include provision of school meals and OAPs, and LGs introduction of national health and unemployment resti tution (1911). LGs 1909 budget involved some modest income/wealth redistribution through the land tax and progressive income tax. And Churchills labour exchanges showed willingness to intervene in the labour market.* Key stimulus was rising challenge of labour historians disagree over electoral appeal of state welfare advocated by leaders of organised working class, but not necessarily popular with working class voters, and frightened many middle class voters. Rosebery (briefly PM post Gladstone) thought Newcastle programme cost the party votes, though his Liberal Imperialism appealed to a chauvinistic working class, while his more modest economic/social reform programme promoted National Efficiency and appealed to progressive businessmen set on competing successfully with the rising economies of Germany, USA and Japan.DECLINE OF THE LIBERAL PARTY AND TRIUMPH OF LIBERALISM?* NL failed to prevent decline of Liberal party. WW1 undermined Liberal internationalism. Pressures towards collectivism/coercion associated with modern warfare created huge strains for Liberal individualism especially on emblematic issue of conscription. And after WW1 many Liberal causes (religious nonconformism, temperance, free trade) seemed less relevant.* Yet the disintegration of the Liberal party signifies the triumph of liberalism .. if liberalism is now partly invisible, this is because so many of its assumptions and ideals have infiltrated political practice and current awareness. (Eccleshall, 1986). closing of liberal thought seen in Beveridges social welfare proposals and in Keynesian economic theory provided root word of the post WW2 ideological consensus. 1942 Beveridge Report based on insurance principle, and was in keeping with spirit of LGs 1911 insurance scheme though much more comprehensive. Keynes economic theory provided for macro government intervention but allowed markets to operate freely at the micro level. Both B and K favoured private ownership of the ope rator of production. It was precisely this kind of state intervention to promote employment and welfare provision which was favoured by earlier NLs like Green and Hobhouse.* Other liberal ideas long absorbed into British culture. mid-sixties changes in the law on divorce, homosexuality and abortion some relaxation of censorship all compatible with Mills 1859 resolve of principles of individual liberty. Later laws on equal pay, equal opportunities, and race and sex discrimination in seventies fully consistent with liberal ideology. Thus a progressive liberal orthodoxy was established, with support from all parties.* bare triumph of economic/social ideas of NL complicated by revival (from 1970s onwards) of the older free market liberalism associated with classical economics. Hence modern use of term liberal requires a qualifying prefix. Hence progressive (or social) liberals advocate penal reform, civil liberties, protection of rights of minorities, freedom of expression, and open government unashamed economic interventionists. Neo-liberals (Hayek, Friedman) favour free market ideas on the right of the political spectrum, with key influence on the New Right and on Thatcherite conservatism.THE IDEAS OF MODERN LIBERALS AND LIBERAL DEMOCRATS* Modest revival in Liberal party fortunes began in 1960s accelerated in mid 1970s given impetus by alliance with SDP in 1983 and 1987 amalgamation to form LDs. Now involved in coalition in Scotland and Wales, have large role in English LG, and 52 MPs after 2001 General Election. Accompanied by revival in associated political ideas.* Policies of Liberals/LDs involve continuation of NL tradition welfare capitalism, with strong stress upon individual rights. Distinctive Liberal policies included early advocacy of UK membership of EU, devolution, incomes policies, partnership in industry, electoral and other constitutional reform, and a focus on the community (linked with Liberal successes in LG).* Postwar Liberal party did little to extend/develop liberalism no startling new ideas or major thinkers. Neither electoral successes nor failures owed much to liberal ideology. Key decisions for leadership have been tactical, not ideological whether to accept Heaths coalition offer in 1974, whether to support the research laboratoryour government after 1977, how to handle the SDP breakaway from Labour in 1981, and how soon to promote a merger with the SDP. In fact, more intellectual ferment among the SDP, and their post -merger remnants. Dividing line between NL and Fabian socialism has everlastingly been thin? Hobhouse talked of liberal socialism in 1911 Hobson joined Labour after WW1. Thinner still avocation revisionist tendencies on the Labour Right in the 1950s, and the SDP breakaway in 1981. Hence the Liberal/SDP Alliance (and later merger) can be seen as the practical expression of an ideological convergence that was already well under way (Behrens, 1989). But ultimately it was the Liberals that sw allowed the SDP, and not the other way round so the modern LDs are the clear lineal descendants of the old Liberal party.* Paradoxically, as fortunes of the Liberals/LDs have risen, LD ideas have become less distinctive. For most of post WW2 period Liberals adopted an intermediate position between Con and Lab. Briefly, in early 1980s, Liberals (and allies) seemed to offer a distinctive middle way between Thatcherism and left wing socialism. Since then Lab has reoccupied the centre foundation previously vacated, leaving the LDs with little ideological space and few distinctive ideas or policies on the management of the economy, constitutional reform, Europe, defence and foreign policy the differences between the LDs and Lab are arguably more of degree than kind.* Under Ashdowns leadership, coalition with Labour seemed logical, even likely, given Blairs keenness to heal the divisions on the centre-left which had left the Cons dominant for most of the 20th century. Coalitions in LG and in the devolved bodies provide continuing impetus but sheer scale of Labs victories in 1997 and 2001 (and resistance within both parties) have weakened the project. LDs have prosecute a more independent and critical line under Kennedy, without yet returning to earlier policy of equidistance between Lab and Con.* Attempts made to articulate a distinctive LD philosophy in these unpromising political circumstances by Wallace (1997), Russell (1999) and Ballard (2000). Yet terminology employed cooperation, working with others, partnership politics, community shared by New Labour and progressive Conservatives. Higher profile of LDs has drawn attention to considerable diversity of views in the party free market liberals, social liberals, conservatives with a social conscience and dissatisfied ex-Labour voters, greens, anarchists . (Ballard, 2000). Shows tolerance and inclusiveness? But not ideological coherence. The real problem is that there is now little distinctive ideological ground for the LDs to occupy, but this underlines the widespread acceptance of liberal ideas across mainstream British political parties.