I consider that two important things are lacking from common knowledge today: the historical role that Liberalism played in introducing many of the benefits that we currently enjoy in society, and the vision for the future that many Liberal Democrats bring to the political table.

In the run-up to the General Election, I thought it a good idea to share with people more information on both of these subjects, using an article written by Paul Hindley who is a PhD student at Lancaster University:

The reinvention of the capitalist economy has been a central mission of British liberal politics for over a century…..Social liberalism is the epitome of a left-wing capitalist tradition, which is distinct from both socialism and right-wing forms of capitalism.

It balances the freedom of the individual, an open market economy, internationalism and democracy with substantial amounts of social welfare provision and sufficient workers’ rights, jobs and public services. It not only seeks to free the individual from poverty, unemployment, hardship and inequality, but seeks to save capitalism from itself.

Through the great master John Maynard Keynes, we developed an understanding of the importance of economic management, to maintain high animal spirits in the economy and stimulate growth and employment in times of economic downturns.

I will share more of this article, looking particularly at recent political history tomorrow.

Dan Barker

Lib. Dem. Cllr for Short Heath

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