Liberal Democrats

What are the origins of the Lib Dems?

It dates back to the Whigs, an aristocratic faction originating in the 17th Century as opponents of the tories

In the mid 19th Century they joined with a variety of middle and working class supporters of political and social change to form the Liberal Party

Founded in 1988, as it merged with the Social Democrat Party.

When was the lib dem coalition?

Following the 2010 election, where Clegg’s Lib dems formed a coalition with Cameron’s Conservatives, after winning 52 seats in the election.

Why was the coalition an issue for the lib dems?

- Tuition fees U-turn: Raised them after pledging not to.

- They were involved in austerity measures and cuts to public services.

- In 2015 election, they lost 49 of their 57 seats, leaving them with only 8 MPs, they were punished for their involvement with conservatives.

What happened to the Lib Dems between 2015 and 2020?

Under Tim Farron and Jo Swinson, they fought to rejoin the EU and reverse Brexit, but this was unpopular as the people had voted to leave.

ED Davey and the Lib dems - what did he do, was he successful?

Became the leader of them in 2020 election.

The party focused on social justice, housing and climate action.

They no longer advocated for rejoining EU, but rather pro european policies (not a central issue)

Lib Dems won 72 seats in 2024 election, most ever.

What are their views on rights and power, how do they adhere with classical liberal views?

They strongly support human rights, civil liberties and equality. Adhering to classical liberal values in the emphasis of individual rights.

Also call for decentralisation of power as well as constitutional reform, support liberal views on limited government with checks and balances.

How do Lib Dem’s views on rights and power differ from classical liberal ideology?

They are pro EU, which is broadly against the classical liberal scepticism of overarching political structures.

How do lib dem views on economic management adhere with classical liberalism?

They support a market economy with regulations to ensure fairness and competitiveness, adheres with classical views as minimal state interference is emphasised.

They also promote entrepreneurship and the importance of small business.

What are lib dem views on healthcare?

Modern liberalism promotes positive freedoms, like state intervention to ensure access to healthcare.

They strongly support the NHS and increased investment into mental health and social services.

Law and order: Lib Dem view

They support preventative measures: tackling poverty, improving education and investing in youth services as well as the importance of skills training and drug rehabilitation for prisoners.

Importance of rehab over harsh punishment.

Education: LIb dem view

Strongly adhere to core liberal values, with commitment to fairness, accessibility and addressing systemic inequalities reflects modern liberalism.