During this last week, several people have asked me how I could possibly be a Conservative whilst having such a strong social conscience. The very question itself helps to highlight one of the great difficulties that party politics presents, with people identifying politicians based on strict party lines and stereotypes:
“Marcus, how can you be a Conservative, but be involved in so much charity work and stuff? What do you stand for?” they ask.
The answer is simple:
I am an economic conservative believing in small government, minimal state intervention in economic affairs and the need for individual responsibility; at the same time, I am a social liberal who believes in individual freedom and minimal state interference into people’s private lives.
Contradiction? I don’t think so – politics is more sophisticated than ever, and I’d summarise my position as follows:
“I believe that people should be free to enjoy their private lives as they see fit, as long as other people do not have to pay for it – financially, or at the expense of their own freedoms.”
I hope that clears things up for those who are confused!
