We believe that choice and opportunity are the key qualities which people will look from politics. But we understand that choice and opportunity are not merely economic concepts – for many, the opportunity they want is to become and remain secure in home and community. The empowerment of the individual – every individual, not just those who are already rich and successful – is therefore our key aim. In this way, each person will have control over their own lives, as they are free to make their own choices and to take advantage of real opportunities for human development.

Liberals put people first. We aim to create a society in which all men and women can realize their full potential and shape their own successes.

We must change our political system to give the citizen more power and the government less; our economic system to confer power to every working person and to provide them with a share in the wealth they create; our social services to guarantee choice and dignity to each of us; and our educational system to equip us to better face the many challenges of the modern world.

Liberals recognize the importance of the things we own in private but we also know the value of what we hold in common. This is why we emphasize concern for the environment- - the global common. We also believe that people are at their best as members of communities, to tackle crime and poverty, to build up the common wealth and improve the shared quality of life. We believe that all government, whether local or national, should be bound by the rights of the individual and should be fully accountable to the citizen. For the main purpose of government is to serve and protect the people.