What we stand for

The New Progressive stands for a politics that is rational, liberal and progressive: rational because we base our politics on the principles of reason and free inquiry; liberal because we stand for a market-based economy and liberal democracy; progressive because we understand our principles and values to be forward-looking and universal in scope.

The Individual and the State

We believe that human creativity is most powerful when expressed in freedom. We envisage a facilitating role for the state, enabling individuals and groups to act for themselves in the economic, political and cultural spheres.

Economic freedom

We hold that economic prosperity is best secured through the operation of free enterprise and competitive markets. We aspire to a society in which laws, regulations and taxes are minimal, simple and fair.

Welfare

We advocate enabling individuals and families to build up their own assets and take control of their own lives. We consider state controlled welfare to be inefficient and demoralising, and support individual choice and ownership in the public services in preference to the dependency culture of the traditional welfare state.

Liberal democracy

We contend that democracy cannot survive where the rule of law, freedom of expression and belief are denied. We uphold individual freedom, recognising that individual rights must be bounded by social responsibilities. We oppose the bogus notion of "group rights" which undermines personal liberty.

Education, science and technology

We respect the pursuit of knowledge, regarding education as a lifelong process fundamental to personal development. We view the progress of civilisation as dependent on scientific and technological advance. We defend academic freedom and deplore the manipulation of science for ideological or commercial ends.

Social cohesion

We assert that stable, cohesive and free societies depend on the maintenance of a common civic culture built around commonly accepted core values and traditions. We condemn the segregation of communities on racial, religious or cultural grounds.

International co-operation

We look forward to a world of open, flexible and free societies working together to address common problems and achieve common goals. We promote free trade and recognise the need for international social and economic development. We emphatically reject protectionism, isolationism and xenophobia.

Spreading democracy

We support the establishment and maintenance of democratic forms of government appropriate to the history and culture of each society and nation. We oppose the imposition of undemocratic supranational bureaucracies on democratic states.

International security

We seek strengthened relations between democratic states in order to challenge regimes that abuse human rights and to confront threats to international security. We support the use of any appropriate means - diplomatic, economic or military – in pursuit of progressive goals in the international arena.