Today, The Freedom Association held a day of debate and talks. It is a non-partisan, centre-right, classically liberal campaign group. They want debate on civil liberties and individual liberty, especially freedom of expression.
They recognise that the underpinning of a free society is the rule of law, private property rights, strong democratic institutions, and a free press to hold elected representatives to account. It is not often that I hear people truly engage on why the rule of law matters, and so it was a pleasure to be invited to attend.
They promote Ten Principles of a Free Society :
Individual Freedom
Personal and Family Responsibility
The Rule of Law
Limited Government
Free Market Economy
National Parliamentary Democracy
Strong National Defences
A free press and other media
Freedom of Religion and Belief
Freedom of Speech, Expression and Assembly
In today’s polarised world, with strident views on many sides, I welcome all efforts to promote free speech and debate. We learn most from listening to ideas and debating them, some you will agree with and some not but I think we are all the richer for listening to each other and not closing our minds.
