Nationhood Each nation must be free to determine its policies to the benefit of its citizens.

Freedom For responsible individuals, guaranteed by the rule of law administered by an independent judiciary and minimal state activity.

Democracy The exercise of political power, with the consent of the people – through regular elections on the basis of universal suffrage and a secret ballot.

Security The first duty of the state is to provide external and internal defence of the citizenry.

Community Defined by geography, tradition, inheritance and sense of identity.

Capitalism The most effective system of wealth creation. Free markets are blind to gender, race, class or religion.

Choice For individuals must be maximised – even if the state accepts responsibility for provision of a safety net.

Enterprise Fostered by a low tax, low inflation economy – with currency exchange rates determined by the free market.

Deregulation Domestic and global – to maximise freedom of choice and individual responsibility in an improved society

Many sincere thanks to Conservative Way Forward, for the use of their prinicples content, which so accurately and concisely outlines the core principles of the Conservative movement. These principles were unveiled by the President of CWF, Lady Thatcher, in July 1998.