Towards a New Statement of Principles
This is a draft for a new statement of principles that I think the SDP could adopt:
As Britain enters the world after globalisation, these are the SDP’s fundamental principles that inform the development of our policies.
The SDP seeks the common good in Britain's national interest. We represent neither capital nor labour, not private industry nor the public sector, but only the interests of all British people in their freedom and prosperity.
The SDP therefore seeks to rebuild Britain as a sovereign, democratic nation of liberty, and a shared home for the British people.
The SDP is a nationalist and an internationalist party. A sovereign nation-state is the precondition of democracy. We will always seek to strengthen Britain’s sovereignty, to respect the sovereignty of other nations, and to co-operate with those that do the same.
The SDP seeks to rebuild national solidarity among the British people by ensuring a) a single political culture among all its citizens, characterised by a shared language, civil liberty, equal rights, civic pride and democratic accountability of government; b) productive work that is properly rewarded; c) good quality public health, education and welfare services funded by a fair contributory system.
The SDP believes in an investment state that promotes private enterprise and innovation and supports it with public provision of essential infrastructure and research. Together these will fuel increased productivity and economic growth.
The SDP believes in strengthening family life, making it easier for people to form families and ensuring that parents have the time and resources to nurture their children.
The SDP believes that good housing, clean air and water, green spaces, and attractive streets are not luxuries but fundamental to the wellbeing of British citizens and the foundations of shared civic pride.
The SDP is committed to a robust defence of Britain’s borders and its territorial integrity. We will establish a truly independent nuclear deterrent. We will seek to secure the maximum possible self-reliance in vital strategic industries and utilities. We will seek close bilateral alliances with states that are important to our national security.