'IN RECENT years Liberal Democrats have come to be defined by the things we defend. We are the defenders of this country’s civil liberties.

During the Iraq war, for example, Charles Kennedy — when all around him were wavering — defended the rule of international law, and he was right.

In the area of home affairs¸ we have also defended Britain’s liberal traditions, while responding to modern-day challenges. From freedom of speech to the right to a fair trial and habeas corpus, the Liberal Democrats have spoken up.

In the future our opposition to Labour’s authoritarianism will be more important than ever. Identity cards, international terrorism; Liberal Democrats need to defend our citizens without abandoning the very freedoms and rights that terrorists seek to destroy.

Britain is, at heart, a liberal country. For the best part of 1,000 years it has been a beacon to the world.

Perhaps that explains why the major arguments of the past century have been decided in our favour. On personal liberty, equality, market economics and the environment, liberalism has triumphed.

Yet throughout this time the Liberal Party has been a voice on the sidelines.

We cannot allow the 21st century also to be dominated by two parties for whom liberalism is an alien creed. In the words of Lord Steel of Aikwood: “I am not attracted by power without principles, but I am only faintly attracted by principles without power.” It is time for power: the party needs to take its principles into office.

Liberal beliefs need to be used to shape a new manifesto, one that reconnects with the people of this country and is relevant to their daily concerns. It needs to show that our values are their values; our concerns, their concerns; our party, their party — a serious modern party: capable of government, principled but practical, deserving of their vote.

In other words, we must once again become a natural party of government.

To do this we must not simply defend liberal values, but must actively promote them, and, ultimately, show we can deliver on them.

Let me give you an example. Liberals always championed sexual equality. The argument has largely been won, but it is not yet a reality. It is a reflection of liberal values that new mothers are entitled to six months’ full-paid leave. But at the same time new fathers are allowed just two weeks. This is half-hearted liberalism.

I would like to see a Lib Dem government guarantee 6½ months of paid leave for new parents, but crucially let them decide how to use it.

This is practical liberalism: enabling and trusting individuals to make choices about their lives.

There are countless other examples of where the Government is holding people back. As liberals, it is our duty to recognise the importance of peoples’ ambitions. So what we must now do is provide the framework for people to truly fulfil their aspirations, offering them genuine choices. This is the next frontier — completing the liberal project — and I am determined the Lib Dems will lead the way.'

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