Liberal Democrats (UK): Difference between revisions
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They describe themselves as existing <blockquote>to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals, we acknowledge and respect their right to freedom of conscience and their right to develop their talents to the full. We aim to disperse power, to foster diversity and to nurture creativity. We believe that the role of the state is to enable all citizens to attain these ideals, to contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives.</blockquote> | They describe themselves as existing <blockquote>to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals, we acknowledge and respect their right to freedom of conscience and their right to develop their talents to the full. We aim to disperse power, to foster diversity and to nurture creativity. We believe that the role of the state is to enable all citizens to attain these ideals, to contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives.</blockquote> | ||
The party entered into a [[coalition government]] with the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservatives]] in 2010, but lost heavily in the [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 election]], returning only 8 [[Member of Parliament (UK)|Members of Parliament]] (down from 57 in 2010). In the [[ | The party entered into a [[coalition government]] with the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservatives]] in 2010, but lost heavily in the [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 election]], returning only 8 [[Member of Parliament (UK)|Members of Parliament]] (down from 57 in 2010). In the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|June 2017 election]], the party returned 12 MPs and Tim Farron stepped down as leader. | ||
==International activities== | ==International activities== | ||
For international [[democracy promotion]] in emerging countries, the party cooperates with the [[Westminster Foundation for Democracy]] (WFD). | For international [[democracy promotion]] in emerging countries, the party cooperates with the [[Westminster Foundation for Democracy]] (WFD). | ||
Revision as of 03:06, 18 July 2017
In the United Kingdom, the Liberal Democrats are a political party, led by Tim Farron since July 2015. Commonly called the "Lib Dems", they are the result of a 1988 merger of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the new party originally being called the Social and Liberal Democrats (SLD). It adopted the current name in October 1989.
Among the mainstream parties, they are generally centre-left.
They describe themselves as existing
to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals, we acknowledge and respect their right to freedom of conscience and their right to develop their talents to the full. We aim to disperse power, to foster diversity and to nurture creativity. We believe that the role of the state is to enable all citizens to attain these ideals, to contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives.
The party entered into a coalition government with the Conservatives in 2010, but lost heavily in the 2015 election, returning only 8 Members of Parliament (down from 57 in 2010). In the June 2017 election, the party returned 12 MPs and Tim Farron stepped down as leader.
International activities
For international democracy promotion in emerging countries, the party cooperates with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).