Lib Dems 'are my natural home'
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Your support makes all the difference.Extracts from an article by Miss Nicholson in today's Western Morning News:
Political approach
"I entered the national political arena in 1974, when command state socialism was the threat. I joined the Conservatives after much thought.
"The Conservatives then, both leaders and grassroots, were doubtful of too much state power. They believed in plurality, honoured the individual and respected and protected the role of local government. They trusted the free market and democracy as the two preserves of freedom. They valued, and sought by membership to maintain, the four great fundamental freedoms of the European Union, namely those of the individual to speak and move, and of the free movement of goods and knowledge.
"It is that positive and optimistic vision of Britain's future in the years to come that I myself embrace. Today, however, these critical principles and philosophies are once again guarded by the inheritors of those Liberals who created them, the Liberal Democrats.
On education and young people
"Smaller classes would give teachers a proper chance to use their professional skills to the full and develop each child's talents wherever they learn.
"Our young people need more thought given to them than suggestions of lottery hand-outs. They need real policies ... spearheaded by thoughtful elected politicians in conjunctions with qualified professionals.
On Europe
"The continuing round of talks and debates that the EU fosters is the instrument of peaceful economic and social progress.
"Britain needs to be right inside all of those discussions. We cannot afford to turn up our nose and stay on the fringe while fooling the people that we are at the heart of the debate."
On politics, patronage and centralised power
"Margaret Thatcher used her liberal instincts to quell successfully the power of the unions ... But in so doing she grew a whole new set of powers herself ... For the people of Britain, it was jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire of political patronage.
"We need to take a long look at the ways in which, over the last 16 years, Government has centralised so much decision-making in Britain.
On the Liberal Democrats
"The Liberal Democrats, led by Paddy Ashdown, today represent the natural home for someone with my values and, I believe, they provide the real chance for the change this country requires.
"I find myself completely at home with the Liberal Democrats. I respect their record on human rights ... I share their long-standing commitment to Europe and I believe they are right to be pressing for investment in education.
"Above all, I know that they have thought through the need to get power out of Westminster and Whitehall, to strengthen local communities and to clean the political system of the silt of the self-interest and patronage. I cannot, in all honesty, continue to support policies and actions which do not accord with my principles. I must now put my loyalty where my principles are best represented, the Liberal Democrats."
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