Coming Soon … Issue 4 of Liberty & Nation!
Date: August 1, 2015
Categories: Party News
Category » Party News
Building Caledonian Voice
IN EARLY MARCH we published an article Building Our Media Infrastructure which noted that the National Liberal Party has several key strategies. Our article – http://nationalliberal.org/building-our-media-infrastructure – looked at one of these objectives: building the infrastructure of an alternative mass media of news, information and entertainment.
We know that all of our publications generate enthusiasm and a positive response. However, we want to build a much larger audience for our media – therefore, we announced that we’d be featuring the lead articles from each of our publications to date. The idea is that when these articles appear, NLP members and supporters would viral them out via social media.
We also stated that although the articles will be dated to some extent (and this one hails from early July 2012!) we’d appreciate any comments, observations or suggestions – good bad or indifferent.
Before St. George’s Day we kicked off with the lead article from issue 1 of English Voice – the voice of the NLP in England. This time we’re reproducing the lead article from issue 1 of Caledonian Voice – the voice of the NLP in Scotland. (Readers will note that CV uses the phrase ‘Third Way.’ Here it is used here in a Scottish political context in that it refers to a position that goes beyond independence and unionism. Please note that that there are no official connections between the NLP or CV and groups bearing a similar name.)
We’re aware of two reviews of CV1 here http://nationalliberal.org/review-of-caledonian-voice and here http://countercultureuk.com/tag/national-liberal-party/ However, we’d like to hear from any other folks who’d be willing to produce a review of it or who’d be able to produce articles for future issues. Similarly, we want to hear from anyone who can suggest subjects for future CV e-posters. Our first one called for Scotland to be kept out of foreign wars –http://nationalliberal.org/caledonian-voice-says-keep-scotland-out-of-foreign-wars – and our second one drew attention to the Banksters – http://nationalliberal.org/caledonian-voice-says-%e2%80%a6-forget-vampires-%e2%80%93-the-banks-are-the-real-bloodsuckers – but what else should CV be highlighting?
To submit your ideas, simply e-mail us natliberal@aol.com or look out for this article on the National Liberals facebook site https://www.facebook.com/groups/52739504313/?fref=nf and have your say in the comments section.
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The Independence Referendum … Is There A Third Way?
To get your FREE pdf copy of issue 1 of Caledonian Voice simply e-mail natliberal@aol.com
WITH Prime Minister David Cameron declaring himself to be relaxed about the timing of the proposed referendum on whether or not Scotland should break away from the rest of the United Kingdom, it is looking increasingly likely that it will take place in the autumn of 2014. What is still a matter of debate is whether the question put to Scottish voters will be a straight choice between independence and the status quo or if the third option of Devo-Max will be offered. Devo-Max is the term coined to describe the fullest devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament with only the minimum of matters such as defence and foreign affairs remaining in the hands of the Westminster Government.
DEVO MAX
Over the last few months the National Liberal Party (NLP) has been campaigning to get the third option of Devo-Max onto the ballot paper. This campaign has included a detailed submission being made to the consultation process undertaken by the Scottish Government and the distribution of leaflets calling for a fully democratic referendum, with the inclusion of the option of Devo-Max on the ballot paper. Unlike the Tories with their rich friends in the City and the Labour Party with their establishment union paymasters, the NLP relies entirely on the financial support and active help of its members and so, at present, our voice is small and our reach is limited to those who view our website and the homes to which our activists hand-deliver publications such as the one you are now reading.
Devo-Max has many supporters so what makes the NLP different? Well, for a start, the NLP sees the Scottish Referendum in a wider UK context that seeks to bring reform and the decentralisation of power to all the other parts of Britain. The NLP supports the creation of an English Parliament and encouraging people across the United Kingdom to become involved in open and accountable systems of government at both local and national level that enable ordinary citizens to participate in the decision making processes that affect their daily lives. The NLP calls for the introduction of Swiss-style citizens’ initiative referenda to ensure that the majority can be heard on issues that the political elite would rather ignore. We oppose the transfer of power from the already unrepresentative government that we have in Westminster to the remote, bureaucratic nightmare of the European Union. The National Liberal Party has a federalist and decentralist vision for the future of Britain. In short, we do not believe in leaving all the power in the hands of the professional politicians!
BETTER
If you agree that it is better to keep the UK together by genuine decentralisation of power rather than new job creation schemes for the political class, then why not get in touch for more information?
• THIS article should be read in comjunction with http://nationalliberal.org/building-english-voice
Date: July 8, 2015
Categories: Party News
National Liberal Debate 16 – How Democratic Will The 2017 EU Referendum Be?
By the end of 2017 we’ll know if Britain is still a member of the European Union
THE MANY problems faced by Britain – whether economic or social – are not going to be solved by screaming and shouting. Thus, the National Liberal Party is not interested in ‘hitting the headlines’ using the tired formula of macho–posturing and gesture politics. These problems will only be overcome by a combination of careful thought and action.
This means that we favour informed and reasoned debate. Here we concentrate on arguments, points of view and facts. We are not interested in personalities, prejudice or promoting self-interest.
The National Liberal Party seeks to build an organisation that encourages free speech and debate. To do this, we also attempt to take into consideration as many views as is possible in open debate. Thus, members and supporters are always encouraged to have their say.
We’re also interested in encouraging people to develop their debating skills. That’s why the NLP has introduced a new series of articles called Have Your Say! Whilst each subject will be announced on this web-site, they’ll be conducted in full on the National Liberals Facebook site, which can be found here:
Before we start this debate we’d like to remind folks of our ground rules:
- First of all, say what you think – but think what you say.
- Secondly, just debate the issue(s) raised. There should be no personal attacks.
- As previously noted, we’re simply not interested in personalities.
- Please note that we may ask selected members and supporters to play ‘devil’s advocate’. Hopefully, this’ll help sharpen the debating skills of all involved!
- Finally, it should be remembered that all of the views expressed in Have Your Say! are personal and should not be taken to be the official view of the NLP itself.
As everyone knows, David Cameron is currently trying to renegotiate Britain’s membership of the EU before holding an in-out referendum by the end of 2017.
The NLP welcomes this move as we believe in genuine democracy whereby the people can directly – and regularly – have their say. Indeed, as our recent General Election Manifesto noted “We plan to make consultations with the public about major decisions a routine part of the governmental process. Popular and ongoing participation is essential to a healthy democracy.”
(Whilst we welcome the in-out EU vote as a step in the right direction, we feel that preferendums probably represent the most democratic form of government. Indeed, we hope to feature a brief series of articles about preferendums in the very near future.)
A future National Liberal debate will look specifically at our attitude to the EU and what alternatives are available to Britain.
However, for this debate we wish to focus on the mechanics of the proposed 2017 referendum. What form is it likely to take? Will there be official ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ camps? If so, will they be alloted public money – and be afforded equal access to the media? And what will be the role of the media itself?
One thing that greatly concerns us is the way vested interests – both internal and external – could try to influence the vote. Here we’re talking about big business, the financial sector and even Washington. Other EU member states will want Britain to stay. Will they try to influence the vote and if so, how?
With all this in mind, our question is simple – how democratic will the 2017 EU referendum be?
• THIS ARTICLE should be read in conjunction with the following:
Ten Of The Best! (13/03/2014) http://nationalliberal.org/ten-of-the-best
National Liberal Debate 11 – Outside Of London Who Should National Liberals
Vote For In The Euro-Elections? Have Your Say! (15/05/2014) http://nationalliberal.org/national-liberal-debate-11-%E2%80%93-outside-of-london-who-should-national-liberals-vote-for-in-the-euro-elections-have-your-say
National Liberal Debate 12 – What’s Our Take On UKIP? Have Your Say! (22/06/2014) http://nationalliberal.org/national-liberal-debate-12-what%e2%80%99s-our-take-on-ukip-have-your-say
National Liberal Debate 13 – Should We Bring Back The Death Penalty? Have Your Say! (27/08/2014) http://nationalliberal.org/national-liberal-debate-13-should-we-bring-back-the-death-penalty-have-your-say
National Liberal Debate 14 – I Am Charlie. I Am Not Charlie. Have Your Say! (14/01/2015) http://nationalliberal.org/national-liberal-debate-14-%e2%80%93-i-am-charlie-i-am-not-charlie-have-your-say
National Liberal Debate 15 – What Action Should National Liberals Take At The Polling Stations? Have Your Say! (28/04/15) http://nationalliberal.org/national-liberal-debate-15-what-action-should-national-liberals-take-at-the-polling-stations
Date: June 25, 2015
Categories: Party News
London Mayoral elections
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The National Council of the NLP is proposing to stand a Mayoral candidate in next year’s Greater London Assembly elections. Existing members are to be invited to put their names forward as prospective candidates. If there are two or more candidates, an election will be conducted where paid up members will choose between them, based upon one (wo)man one vote. Those members due for renewal will be given the opportunity to do within a short period of time. Details of the process will be supplied to all members in due course.
Are you a paid-up member? If you joined over a year ago you still have to renew if you wish to vote etc. If you join now you will be notified of the Mayoral election (and other party matters) and allowed to vote if by the 6th July. You can join/renew by going to http://nationalliberal.org/join-nlp. It is only £10 (£5 if unwaged).
Date: June 24, 2015
Categories: Party News
Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Liberty Bomb: Demand A Civil Liberties Watchdog NOW!
DONATE TO THE LIBERTY BOMB! The Tories are using the threat of ‘Extremism’ to clamp down on Free Speech. Help us expose their attack on your freedom!
Prime Minister David Cameron has wanted to scrap the Human Rights Act for a long time. He’s also wanted to exempt the UK Government from implementing unfavourable European Court of Human Rights rulings.
He – together with Home Secretary Theresa May – now wants to introduce a ‘counter-terrorism’ bill which has the potential to curb the civil and religious liberties of anyone and everyone.
Our guess is that the Tories will claim that their bill is aimed at ‘Islamic extremists’ but will then be used to silence others.
Initially they’ll target ‘unpopular’ targets like Anjem Choudary, the radical Islamic preacher. Then, for both PR and PC reasons, they’ll target ‘right wing’ anti-Islamic groups. Once the precedent is set, the State will be able to go after any group or individual.
This is a very serious development. It could mean the beginning of the end of democracy and free speech as we know it. On the 800th Anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, Cameron is set to do away with our inalienable rights – all in the name of fighting ‘extremism’!
A blind man on a flying horse could see where – unchallenged – this proposed legislation is going. In time, anyone deemed to be an ‘extremist’ will be subject of Prime Minister Cameron’s draconian ‘counter-terrorism’ bill.
We want to raise around £200 to produce and distribute a special emergency issue of ‘Liberty & Nation’ – the voice of the National Liberal Party – which’ll campaign for Civil & Religious Liberties for all!
If you value your freedom, follow this link: http://nationalliberal.org/the-party-organisation/donate
You can also donate by sending a cheque (made payable to the NLP) to NLP, c/o PO Box 4217, Hornchurch RM12 4PY, or you can make a pledge via natliberal@aol.com
Include a note saying that your donation is for issue 4 of Liberty & Nation
Help the NLP campaign for civil & religious liberties for all – donate today!!
Spread the word about the Tory attack on Free Speech – Like and Share on Facebook and retweet via Twitter!
Date: June 15, 2015
Categories: Party News
