Author Archives: Zoe Swanwick

Zoe Swanwick

The Independent View: “The Rising Price of Freedom”

By Zoe Swanwick | Thu 7th November 2024 - 12:44 pm

In 2011, Paddy Ashdown made a critical observation:

We are all now deeply, deeply, deeply interconnected… the idea of a nation state acting alone, not connected with others, not working with others, is no longer a viable proposition. Because the actions of a nation state are neither confined to itself, nor is it sufficient for the nation state itself to control its own territory, because the effects outside the nation state are now beginning to affect what happens inside them.

This led Ashdown to a deep commitment to multilateral cooperation, one which is at the heart of Liberal Democrat values—liberty, equality, democracy, community, human rights, internationalism, and environmentalism. Liberal internationalism, rooted in these values, has shaped the party’s support for open markets, cooperative security, and strong global institutions. It’s no surprise, then, that the Liberal Democrats remain steadfast advocates for EU membership and a proactive global role for the UK.

This liberal internationalist outlook has defined the Liberal Democrats for generations, and with 72 MPs in Parliament, it’s time to drive a more active, collaborative UK foreign policy.

As Labour unveiled its first Autumn Statement this year, however, the UK’s foreign policy prospects look bleak.

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Posted in Op-eds and The Independent View | Tagged | 4 Comments
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Recent Comments

  • Peter wrigley
    @Suzanne Fletcher. Please feel free to quote whatever you wish. You might also find GordonLishman's obituary for Michael in the latest Liberator a useful sourc...
  • Tom Arms
    They are two separate but connected problems...
  • John Kelly
    Excellent article and great comments. I too was inspired by Gordon Lishman’s words at Michael Meadowcroft’s very moving funeral service in Leeds. There ar...
  • Suzanne Fletcher
    Thank you @peter wrigley. I could not recall Gordon's exact words of the quotation from Michael Meadowcroft, and can use them now. you have written very eloq...
  • Mark
    I really wish Lib Dem Voice had publicised the deadline for early (and cheaper) registration to conference. I think a lot of members will be surprised by the r...