Liberal Democrats (UK)

The Liberal Democrats, often shortened to Lib Dems, are a social liberal political party based in the United Kingdom. The party was formed in 1988 by the merger of the Liberal Party and the short lived Social Democratic Party (the two parties had already been in an alliance for some years).

Related Topics:
Social liberal - Political party - United Kingdom - 1988 - Liberal Party - Social Democratic Party - In an alliance

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The party is led by Charles Kennedy. It is currently the third-largest party in the UK Parliament, behind Labour and the Conservatives, and currently has 62 Members of Parliament after the general election of 2005.

Related Topics:
Charles Kennedy - UK Parliament - Labour - Conservatives - Members of Parliament

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In the Scottish Parliament it forms a coalition in the Scottish Executive with Labour, where it supplies Deputy First Minister, Nicol Stephen.

Related Topics:
Scottish Parliament - Scottish Executive - Deputy First Minister - Nicol Stephen

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The Liberal Democrats claim they do not easily fit into the "left-right" political spectrum, but most political observers say the party has moved to the left since the war in Iraq, taking up 'Old Labour' issues such as higher taxation on high earners, higher levels of Government spending and extended enfranchisement (to 16-year-olds and, controversially, the imprisoned). Generally promoting politically and socially liberal policies, the Liberal Democrats describe themselves as being concerned with the use of power in British and international society. They are also wary of the powers of the state over individuals, and as a principle seek to minimise state intervention in personal affairs. Because of this the party took a strong stand against the British participation in the war in Iraq, and are considered the most pro-European party in British politics.

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Economically, it is not a party founded on economic class interest, nor on explicit economic liberal doctrine (unlike some liberal parties in other countries); instead the party has historically combined a strong commitment to social justice, social provision and the welfare state with a strong belief in economic freedom and competitive markets wherever possible. The Liberal Democrats' opponents describe them as being all things to all people, having so many policies that they would find it impossible to implement them consistently were they to find themselves in government; while supporters say that this reflects a misunderstanding of the federalist and decentralised nature of the party.

Related Topics:
Economic liberal - Liberal parties - Social justice - Welfare state - Federalist - Decentralised

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Inside Liberal Democrats there exists also a market liberal wing aligned around the Liberal Future think tank. In 2005, after the general elections, the leader of the party Charles Kennedy promised a radical overhaul of Liberal Democrat policy and chose in his Shadow Cabinet several MPs who had contributed to the Orange Book, which offered free market solutions to several social issues. Many commentators interpreted that this predicted a swing to market liberal direction.

Related Topics:
Market liberal - Liberal Future - Shadow Cabinet - Orange Book

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