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Nick Clegg's problem solved Print E-mail
Written by Dr Madsen Pirie   
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Of the two contenders for Liberal-Democrat leader, Nick Clegg is presented as the more libertarian. In today's party it would be remarkable to find many libertarian principles, in that the membership and the MPs seem committed to the state as problem solver rather than as problem causer. More than that, most seem actually opposed to outgrowths of liberalism such as free trade and globalization.

If Mr Clegg wishes to hark back to his party's libertarian roots, he could usefully issue a manifesto setting out the principles that motivate and move him. One thing, though. There's a widespread impression that he'd sell his granny's skin for lampshades if he thought it would get us closer into a political union with the EU. Perhaps he should also take the opportunity to repudiate this, saying he intends to resist the encroachments on our freedoms which originate in the EU, and to win back some of those lost. He'd win huge support if he said that UK citizens should have a say before more of their powers are signed away.
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