For instance, the Thatcher government targeted the rights of trade unions whereas New Labour implemented a series of authoritarian measures in their ‘war against terror.’ A written constitution would also bring Britain into line with the rest of the world. Alas, the UK’s uncodified constitution enables what Lord Hailsham dubbed the “elected dictatorship” to undermine the rights of outsiders. They argue that codification is necessary to adequately protect the citizen against the abuse of power by the agents of the state. In the UK, the Liberal Democrats have long championed the need for the constitution to be written down in one document. Both these reforms to the constitution were designed to strengthen the concept of accountability and open government.Ĭonsistent with their overall world-view, liberals also believe in the need to protect and guarantee our civil liberties under a codified constitution. Under New Labour (1997-2010), the government passed the Freedom of Information Act and the Human Rights Act.
Furthermore, the decision-making process should be as transparent and open as possible. Ultimately, this rests upon a deep commitment to people power and an optimistic view of human nature.įirst and foremost, it is absolutely central to the liberal outlook that politicians who exercise power must be held accountable for their actions to the people and their elected representatives. Constitutional and legislative reform on the premise of greater democracy will always garner support amongst liberal pressure groups such as Unlock Democracy and Charter 88. Democracy is probably the most commonly associated word with the ideology of liberalism.ĭemocratic values like accountability, open government, a codified constitution and the separation of powers are all endorsed by liberals.
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