Why vote Liberal Democrat? (John Vincent)

Why vote Liberal Democrat?

April 6, 2009 9:05 AM
Originally published by Mid Sussex Liberal Democrats

Nick Clegg MP A recently published blueprint for the Liberal Democrat manifesto entitled 'Why Vote Liberal Democrat' makes a compelling case for supporting the party in the General Election. And it's a great read for anyone interested in politics - party members and floating voters alike.

The book can be purchased at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Vote-Lib-Danny-Alexander/dp/1849540217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267617796&sr=8-1 for just £4.39.

The book contains chapters from a whole range of people, all arguing that a Liberal Democrat government is what our country desperately needs.

Contributors include actor Colin Firth. Colin says of the Liberal Democrats; "whenever I look for compassionate and intellectually rigorous politics I keep coming back to them." TV personality and education campaigner Floella Benjamin; "I am proud to be a member of the Liberal Democrats - the only party with ambition and real commitment to opening up opportunities for all Britain's children." Director of the Power 2010 campaign Pam Giddy; "the Liberal Democrats have consistently called for reform of this 'rotten' Westminster system." Former Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken MacDonald; "The point about the Liberal Democrats is that they have been steadfast in defending freedom - and their consistency deserves support."

Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats are taking an offer of fairness to the British people at this election - fairness in taxation, education, job and homes, and political reform. It's an offer that is gathering increasing support at the election draws nearer.

A key proposal is the plan to make our tax system fairer, including raising the income tax threshold to £10,000 - a tax cut which appeals to economic liberals and whose primary target (taking the lowest paid out of income tax completely) appeals to social liberals. It will be paid for by a mansion tax (though in a rather modified form from the original proposals of autumn 2009) and by closing tax loopholes for the richest.

Fair taxes, better education, improved pension provision, economic recovery, political reform and a green tinge to it all are the policy areas picked out with specific proposals in Danny Alexander's piece.

Although the chapters that follow are from a wide range of authors, they form a coherent whole - presenting views of a range of experts but with a common set of liberal values frequently stated and applied. This is not a collection of technocrats all saying "we should get things right"; it's a collection of experts all saying "liberalism is the solution".

The pieces all fit together as a coherent whole, being about freedom and fairness. Values come out clearly in different pieces and are consistent riffs on the party's main theme, as when Floella Benjamin writes,

"While detailed Liberal Democrat policies make me confident I am in the right party, it is our different approach to politics which makes me sure I am a Liberal Democrat through and through."