May 2026 sees Scottish Parliament elections with seats being offered both for constituencies and regional lists. We speak with Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party Candidate, Edinburgh Central Constituency and Edinburgh Lothians East Regional List.
“People need to understand that government is the problem and that the less of it we have the better for everyone. That’s my message to the voter.”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I’ve been Leader of the Scottish Libertarian Party for over 10 years and have stood in many elections now. Council, Scottish Parliamentary and UK. Though I have little to no faith in democracy or the Parliamentary system, at the end of the day the primary function of any political party is to stand in elections. Speaking personally though, my mission is primarily didactic. Standing in elections is just another way of getting our message of peace, freedom and free markets out there.
People need to understand that government is the problem and that the less of it we have the better for everyone. That’s my message to the voter. That said, government isn’t just going to disappear because we wish it away. If you don’t fight it will continue to ride roughshod over your freedom and rob you of your property and possibly even your life. As Peter Gabriel observed in The Carpet Crawlers, “We got to get in to get out”.
“The so called cost of living crisis is in fact a cost of government crisis. The challenge we face is that more and more people are on the receiving end of the bribe-ocracy.”
You’re the prospective candidate for Edinburgh Central and on the Edinburgh Lothians East Regional List. What are the main concerns in the area?
The problems we face in the constituency and region I’m contesting are no different to anywhere else in the country. Out of control government spending and interference in private lives and business. Our message is not a popular one. We aren’t going to give you free stuff, and any “free” stuff you are getting from government we are going to do our level best to take away. The so called cost of living crisis is in fact a cost of government crisis. The challenge we face is that more and more people are on the receiving end of the bribe-ocracy.
Scotland has a massive public sector and much of the alleged private sector are in fact secondary tax consumers through government contracts. Even that old Bolshevik George Galloway has recognised that is simply unsustainable. It will come crashing down badly and the poor and middle classes will suffer as usual. We have no illusions. There’s an old saying,. If a man is not a socialist by the time he’s 20 he has no heart. If he’s still a socialist by 30 he has no brain. I take it one step further. If he’s still a socialist at 50 he’s probably Scottish. People don’t want to hear the truth but they are going to. Unfortunately, it won’t win us many votes, but that’s the lay of the land.
“I fight the fight because I believe it’s right. Not necessarily because I believe I can win. Though I have hope.”
What do you see as the major issues that if elected you hope to champion?
The state assault on Individual rights and liberties is ramping up and is at critical stage. Free speech and free expression have never been in such grave danger. Before long we will have sleepwalked into a totalitarian state. We are in many respects already there. It may even be too late to reverse which is frightening thought. If central bank digital currency (CBDC) coupled with digital ID come in its game set and match to the state. We have to fight, there’s no choice. I fight the fight because I believe it’s right. Not necessarily because I believe I can win. Though I have hope. I’ll let others decide which is the more reliable motivation. State funded mass immigration is also a problem. So again, Government is the root of all evil. As long as it has the power to rob you and spend your money these problems will persist.
I also intend to be a consistent anti war voice. All wars are bankers wars and benefit a select few at the expense of ordinary working folk. We can’t afford it financially or in terms of human lives. I say this as a former soldier who put his life on the line. Unlike many of the chest beating sabre rattling warmongers who are prepared to send others to die for their beliefs.
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
Britain’s economy has been stuck in the slow lane for far too long, stifled by unnecessary regulation, high tax rates, wasteful spending, and outdated thinking. Time to grab your sword and join the fight!
Join Benjamin Elks of the TaxPayers’ Alliance (champions of lower taxes and smarter government) and Alastair Mellon of the Social Democratic Party (advocates for a strong, patriotic state) for a discussion on how we achieve genuine, sustainable economic growth.
Expect bold ideas, straight talk, and zero dragons spared. The evening kicks off with a lively panel discussion, followed by your chance to fire questions at the experts.
Grab a pint, sharpen your arguments, and help us slay the stagnation dragon once and for all.
Free entry – arrive early for a good spot! See you at the pub—because real change starts over a drink and a debate.
In early January on his X/Twitter account Lee Nallalingham covered how Croydon Council had been redacting published data at a far higher amount than other London Borough councils. We covered this at the time and have previously covered the increasing rates of redaction at the council.
Mayor Jason Perry replied to Lee’s tweet stating that this level of redaction was a simple error, and that “the figure should have been closer to 8%”. He also stated that “We have now tightened the approach going forward and will correct the previously published 2025/26 data”.
On the 8th February Mike Swadling of this parish followed up asking Mayor Perry “we are now almost a month on from your welcome commitment to resolving this. You appear to have had the data for November at that time, yet I see on the Council’s website 67% of Novembers’ data totalling over £26 million is still redacted.”
As at the time of writing, 7am, 17th February the tweet has received no reply and historic payment data has not been updated. It is fair to note the newly published data for December has seen a dramatic reduction in the amount of costs redacted. I should also note the £26 million figure is correct, but the rate of redaction is 40%.
% of Redacted Payments
% of amount Redacted
January
31.7%
32.5%
February
40.1%
27.4%
March
40.8%
23.3%
April
41.3%
39.8%
May
39.9%
28.2%
June
39.8%
28.9%
July
38.7%
28.2%
August
40.0%
35.5%
September
42.5%
32.9%
October
40.5%
32.7%
November
40.0%
29.0%
December
12.6%
3.5%
What are Croydon Council hiding?
Why has this not been published? Mayor Perry stated on the 9th January that the correct amount was “closer to 8%”. Either this amount is correct and Croydon Council are choosing not to provide this detail to the public, which leads to the question ‘What are Croydon Council hiding?’ or Mayor Perry provided his answer with no awareness of the correct amount and presumably no intention of resolving the issue, which again leads to the question ‘What are Croydon Council hiding?’
It’s entirely likely that redacted data provides little information of interest, in which case why not publish it like other councils? We of course take Mayor Perry at his word, that he had the correct information for November on 9th January. Why then has that level of detail still not been provided to the taxpaying public over a month later?
Council Tax up 33% in 4 years.
The new proposed budget for Croydon Council has been published with another 4.99% rise making a total of 33% over 4 years. With council finances still constrained following de facto bankruptcy it’s no surprise council tax rises continue at this rate. This comes on top of a further Capitalisation Direction of £119m “for 2026-27 to meet its financial obligations. These directions allow councils to fund day-to-day costs through borrowing or asset sales.”
Last year the government brought in the Commissioners to oversee the council budgets and ensure the authority fulfils its “best value duty”. The Commissioners costs are funded by Croydon Council Taxpayers, and presumably they get to see the data still being redacted from the public’s view. Given the disastrous state of the councils’ finances and the increased burden placed on us all, it is surely all the more important data on where the money goes, should be more rather than less transparent. Yes of course, some data needs to be redacted for legitimate purposes. But, Why was Croydon’s rate ever so much higher than other London Councils? Why did no one at Croydon Council ever question this? Why more than a month after the Mayor has stated he has different figures, have these still not been published?
The next London Mayoral elections may be in 2028, but parties are already lining up their candidates. We spoke with long term friend of the Croydon Constitutionalists Neville Watson, the newly announced Christian People’s Alliance London Mayoral Prospective Candidate.
“We are rooted in the historic Christian faith. We seek through political service, to demonstrate God’s love. Our faith and principles are drawn from the Bible”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and for those that don’t know about it introduce the Christian People’s Alliance?
I am a devoted family man, embracing the roles of husband, father, and grandfather with joy and deep pride.
As an educator, behaviour and intervention specialist working extensively with young people diagnosed either SEN or SEMH. I am dedicated to creating pathways for success and well-being and raising their levels of expectation.
My commitment to societal growth is evident in my volunteer work as a community mentor, where I partner with families to navigate life’s challenges.
I stand for pragmatic politics, balancing idealism with realism, and recognising the merit in diverse perspectives. I am an advocate for integrity in political service, believing that true representation intertwines the interests of leaders with those of their constituents.
I sincerely believe our community’s strength is measured by the support we offer our most vulnerable members. With over four decades of advocacy, I remain steadfast in my mission to amplify the voices of the unheard, ensuring that every resident can be seen and heard.
The Christian People’s Alliance (CPA) is a Christian Evangelical, Democratic political party, whose members come from all backgrounds and church traditions. We actively promote Christian social teaching and draw our principles from the Bible, especially the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
We are rooted in the historic Christian faith. We seek through political service, to demonstrate God’s love. Our faith and principles are drawn from the Bible, especially the life and teaching of Jesus, as well as from Christian political insights through the centuries.
Our major Statement of Values. The Mayflower Declaration:
We were founded in 2000 by leading members of the non-party Movement for Christian Democracy, which in turn was formed in 1991 by a group of cross-party Christian Members of Parliament. The CPA has adopted the same principles and social vision, summarised as the Six Principles of Christian Democracy. These are, Active Compassion, Respect for Life, Social Justice, Wise Stewardship, Empowerment, and Reconciliation.
We believe that Jesus centred Christianity gives a vision for the whole of politics through principles, policies, peace-making, economic policy, and ethics. The Bible as God’s revelation, including Jesus’ words and life, are our central guide. We see his death and resurrection as the central human event, bringing peace with God, and true spiritual insight and social concern. We want to live within God’s love and forgiveness, rather than remain within the old patterns of human failure in life and in politics.
We in the CPA know there is one eternal God the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob revealed fully in Jesus Christ.
We know Jesus entered history over 2,000 years ago, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a life of truth, love, and justice. His life is our standard. His teachings are our guide.
We know all have sinned, but through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are forgiven, healed, and restored. By His blood, we are made new.
We know He is returning to make all things right.
We are a movement of hope, rooted in grace, committed to righteousness, and driven by love. We seek to bring Christ’s light into every part of society politics, family, education, and community.
“Every child from conception to natural death carries divine purpose and dignity. A just society protects the vulnerable, honours the unborn, and upholds the sanctity of life”
You have been announced as the CPA’s prospective candidate for Mayor of London. What are your main policies and areas of focus?
The Five-Fold Pillars & Policies of the Christian Peoples Alliance:
1) MARRIAGE: The Covenant That Builds Society
Biblical Theme: God establishes marriage as the first institution, the foundation of family, community, and generational blessing.
Scripture: “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
Interpretation for Public Life: Marriage between male and female is not merely a private arrangement; it is a divine covenant that shapes the wellbeing of children, stabilises communities, and strengthens the moral fabric of society. When marriage flourishes, society flourishes.
2) LIFE: The Sacred Worth of Every Human Being
Biblical Theme: Human life is God‑breathed, God‑designed, and God‑owned from the very beginning to the very end.
Scripture: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5
Interpretation for Public Life: Every child from conception to natural death carries divine purpose and dignity. A just society protects the vulnerable, honours the unborn, and upholds the sanctity of life as a non‑negotiable moral foundation
3) PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS: Standing With the Suffering Church
Biblical Theme: When one part of the Body suffers, the whole Body is called to respond with solidarity, advocacy, and prayer.
Scripture: “Remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3
Interpretation for Public Life: Christians across the world face imprisonment, violence, and discrimination for their faith. A righteous nation does not turn away but uses its voice, diplomacy, and influence to defend freedom of belief and stand with the persecuted.
4) POVERTY: God’s Heart for Justice and Provision
Biblical Theme: God commands His people to care for the poor, challenge unjust systems, and ensure that no one is left behind.
Scripture: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8–9
Interpretation for Public Life: Poverty is not just a lack of money; it is often the result of broken structures, inequality, and neglect. A godly society confronts the root causes of poverty and builds pathways to dignity, opportunity, and flourishing.
5) CRIME: Addressing the Roots, Not Just the Symptoms.
Biblical Theme: Justice is restorative, not merely punitive; righteousness and peace grow where truth and fairness are upheld.
Scripture: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17
Interpretation for Public Life: Crime is often born from broken homes, hopelessness, poverty, and lack of opportunity. True justice addresses these root causes while upholding accountability, rehabilitation, and community.
Together, these five pillars declare:
Marriage strengthens families. Life honours God’s image in every person.
Persecuted Christians remind us that freedom of faith is a universal right.
Poverty must be confronted with justice and compassion.
Crime must be addressed at the roots to restore communities.
This is not just a political platform it is a moral vision rooted in Scripture, shaped by compassion, and aimed at the flourishing of every person in society.
A FEW OF OUR POLICIES:
Taxation: Introducing a turnover tax and cutting unnecessary government spending
Housing: Providing night shelters and free meals for the homeless
Healthcare: Restoring GP fundholding to improve the NHS.
“To all our teachers & support staff: As your Mayor, as your ambassador, and as your ally, I will fight for you. You will have me in your corner every single day.”
Sir Sadiq Khan has been Mayor of London for almost 10 years now, how would a Mayor Watson’s administration differ from Mayor Khan’s?
I have two messages:
To the young people of Croydon and beyond and to Teachers and support staff.
To our young: You are growing up in a world that tells you to look perfect, succeed quickly, and never show weakness. But real life doesn’t work like that. Real life is full of attempts, setbacks, lessons, and fresh starts. And that’s not something to hide. That’s something to embrace.
I stand before you as someone who has tried, failed, and tried again. In politics, in leadership, in life I’ve known disappointment. But I’ve also learned something powerful:
I would rather try and fail than fail to try.
Because the weight of regret is far heavier than the weight of failure.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be courageous.
Every time you try again, you grow.
Every time you get back up, you rise stronger.
Every time you refuse to quit, you shape your future.
So don’t let fear stop you.
Don’t let failure define you.
Don’t let critics distract you.
The world needs your ideas, your energy, your creativity, your voice.
The world needs young people who are willing to step into the arena.
So, dream boldly.
Start before you feel ready.
And if you fall, rise again.
Your story is still being written, and the best chapters are ahead.
To all our teachers & support staff: As your Mayor, as your ambassador, and as your ally, I will fight for you. You will have me in your corner every single day.
I know your struggle. I also know your strength. I feel your frustration, yet I recognise your unwavering commitment to our children.
We have lost too many gifted educators some have left the profession entirely; others have moved abroad in search of the respect and support they deserve. And just as I have pledged to confront the SEND tsunami with urgency, compassion, and structural reform, I make this parallel promise to you: we have your back.
Your wellbeing is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a functioning education system.
So, I will use the full prestige and convening power of this office to negotiate preferential rates and discounts for the services you rely on gym memberships, restaurants, wellbeing services, holiday companies, airlines, and more. If it improves your quality of life, we will pursue it.
But this is only the beginning.
We will use every lever available to rebuild respect for the profession, restore dignity to the classroom, and create an environment where teachers can teach and SEND children can thrive. Because solving the SEND crisis is impossible without supporting the people who carry that burden every day.
This is my promise. This is my commitment. This is the standard by which I invite you to judge my tenure: the measurable difference this Mayor makes to the wellbeing of London’s educators and the transformation of London’s education system especially for our SEND children.
Together, we will build a London where teachers feel valued, children feel seen, and every family knows that this city stands with them.
“This inquiry is about action. We have gathered evidence, we will listen carefully over the coming two weeks, and we will then act. Our ultimate objective is justice”
Today marks the opening of the public hearings of the Independent Rape Gang Inquiry, launching two full weeks of evidence-gathering, testimony and scrutiny focused on one of the most serious safeguarding failures in modern Britain.
The hearings will place survivors at the centre of the process and will hear evidence from victims, campaigners, whistleblowers, experts and public figures.
The inquiry was established following a public crowdfunding campaign launched by Rupert Lowe in early 2025, which became the largest political crowdfunder in British history.
Speaking at the opening of the hearings, Rupert Lowe who initiated the inquiry, said:
‘Today marks the beginning of something long overdue. Today, we open the hearings of our independent rape gang inquiry – two full weeks of evidence, testimony and scrutiny. Two weeks in which survivors will finally be heard.
Almost a year ago, I looked at the repeated broken promises from politicians and concluded that something had to be done. Not more words. Action.
That is why this inquiry exists. And it exists only because of the extraordinary support of the public. To everyone who donated, I want to place on record my sincere thanks. Without you, this would not be possible.’
The inquiry has been established to examine the scale and nature of organised child sexual exploitation, the institutional responses to it, and the repeated failures by public authorities to act on warnings.
“The law must not bend in the face of cultural sensitivity or institutional discomfort. No public body, no authority and no organisation is exempt from scrutiny when children are being harmed”
Rupert continued:
‘This inquiry is about action. We have gathered evidence, we will listen carefully over the coming two weeks, and we will then act. Our ultimate objective is justice – including the pursuit of private prosecutions where appropriate. Justice for the girls who were abused. Justice for the families who were ignored.
And justice for a country that was repeatedly misled about what was happening in its towns and cities.’
The inquiry will examine patterns that have been identified in multiple criminal cases and serious case reviews across England, including the operation of organised groups targeting vulnerable children – many of whom were in care or already known to public services.
It will also examine the documented failures of institutions to intervene effectively, including instances where professionals have stated that concerns about community relations, reputational risk or accusations of discrimination influenced operational decisions.
‘The law must not bend in the face of cultural sensitivity or institutional discomfort. No public body, no authority and no organisation is exempt from scrutiny when children are being harmed.
This inquiry exists because the official response to this scandal has been fragmented, defensive and incomplete. It has too often lacked the courage to confront uncomfortable facts.’
The inquiry has repeatedly stressed that the welfare of survivors is central to its work. A dedicated team of five qualified support specialists is available throughout the hearings to provide trauma-informed support to witnesses.
‘The mental health and wellbeing of survivors comes first. Everything we have put in place reflects that responsibility.
I also want to publicly thank the entire inquiry team for the immense amount of work that has gone into reaching this point.’
Over the next two weeks, the inquiry will hear evidence from survivors, investigative journalists, safeguarding professionals, campaigners and individuals who previously raised concerns but felt they were ignored.
Rupert concluded:
‘We owe it to this country to say clearly and without fear: no ideology, no institution and no political convenience should ever again be allowed to stand in the way of protecting children.
That is why these hearings matter. That is why this inquiry exists. And that is why we will not look away.’
During the hearings, there will be no media interviews in order to protect the wellbeing of the participants. Once the fortnight has concluded, that will change and our panellists will be available for interview.
“We owe it to this country to say clearly and without fear: no ideology, no institution and no political convenience should ever again be allowed to stand in the way of protecting children”
Rupert Lowe MP send the following release on Thursday 8th January.
“Viable, hard-working firms that have been ground down year after year and are now being pushed too far”
Over 5,500 small business owners from across Britain have signed an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, calling for an urgent review of the upcoming business rates revaluation, warning that it could force thousands of businesses to close.
The letter, organised by Rupert Lowe MP, has been signed by pub landlords, cafe owners, shopkeepers and local employers who say they are already at breaking point after a decade of rising costs and economic shocks.
It calls on Rachel Reeves to undertake an urgent review of the impact of the revaluation on small businesses and to introduce meaningful mitigation to prevent widespread closures.
Commenting on the response, Rupert Lowe MP said:
“The scale of the response speaks for itself. Over 5,500 businesses, and the number continues to grow. Viable, hard-working firms that have been ground down year after year and are now being pushed too far.
Business rates punish physical presence. They punish community businesses. And unless the Chancellor acts quickly, we will see permanent closures on high streets across the country. It will be apocalyptic, I promise you that.”
“They punish community businesses. And unless the Chancellor acts quickly, we will see permanent closures on high streets across the country”
We are business owners – pubs, cafes, shops and local employers – who have kept going through a brutal decade.
We’ve dealt with rising rents, soaring energy bills, higher insurance, inflation, staffing pressures, Covid debt, and additional tax. We adapted, borrowed, cut our own wages and worked longer hours just to stay open.
Now we’re facing a business rates revaluation that, for many of us, will be the final straw.
Business rates are a fixed cost we can’t avoid. We can’t move online or relocate to a warehouse. We trade from real premises, on real high streets, serving real communities.
We are being punished for doing so.
This is about survival. For many businesses, even a modest rise means slashing staff, cutting hours, raising prices, or closing altogether.
We’re asking for fairness and common sense.
Please carry out an urgent review of the impact of the business rates revaluation on small businesses and put proper mitigation in place.
If our businesses go, they will not come back.
==================
“This is about survival. For many businesses, even a modest rise means slashing staff, cutting hours, raising prices, or closing altogether.”
Alex Zychowski leader of the Libertarian Party UK writes a New Years message for Libertarians.
“This general malaise is symptomatic of the decline of the UK – years old, and now accelerated under Starmer.”
Returning to the UK from a winter-sun holiday on New Year’s Eve was a nasty shock to the system. The transition from 22°C and sunshine to a below-freezing Gatwick Airport was bad enough; having to wait 40 minutes on the tarmac because the electric stairs for disembarkation had failed “due to the cold weather” simply added to it. We were left with an extended opportunity to mull our impending return to work and taxation – to finance Labour’s bloated welfare state and the lives of the workshy and economically illiterate.
While browsing the web in the queue for passport control two news stories stood out. First, that 2025 was a record year for Channel crossings: 41,000+ people welcomed into the UK illegally and ferried to NHS appointments by taxi at taxpayers’ expense. Second, that Labour want to extend Digital ID to children at birth. Reading this news as a law-abiding taxpayer while waiting for an Orwellian facial-recognition scan as a condition of entry to the very country whose (selectively deployed) surveillance infrastructure we are forced to fund, it was little wonder smiles were hard to come by on the faces of fellow festive-season travellers. This general malaise is symptomatic of the decline of the UK – years old, and now accelerated under Starmer.
“astronomical energy costs that are now amongst the highest in the world – courtesy of net-zero zealotry – while punters in Beijing and Baltimore sit toasty and warm.”
New Year’s Day was lunch with the extended family in a country pub. The venue was cold, the twelve of us huddled together, eating with our coats on. Uncle Mark’s sausages arrived undercooked and were promptly sent back to the kitchen; part of me felt sorry about the additional energy cost now incurred for the proper preparation of a portion of bangers and mash. A quick browse of Wetherspoon News reminds one that the hospitality sector effectively subsidises energy-intensive industries through the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries scheme, as government would rather prop up unprofitable industries at others’ expense than tackle the inflation-driving, astronomical energy costs that are now amongst the highest in the world – courtesy of net-zero zealotry – while punters in Beijing and Baltimore sit toasty and warm.
May 2026 was supposed to be an opportunity for the electorate to deal another blow to Starmer with the local elections. A whole raft of these are now slated to be cancelled, despite the protestations of the usually compliant Electoral Commission. Barely a peep on this assault on our democracy from the Bolshevik Broadcasting Corporation, which since Covid has become nothing more than a taxpayer-funded mouthpiece for state-approved narratives.
The year ahead may look bleak, then – but the LPUK are here and as active as ever, driving forward with our message of change and hope.
Join as a member for just £27.50 a year, and enjoy the privilege of proposing and voting on policy from the comfort of your own home as we update our manifesto in online sessions.
“A whole raft of these are now slated to be cancelled, despite the protestations of the usually compliant Electoral Commission. Barely a peep on this assault on our democracy from the Bolshevik Broadcasting Corporation”
Stand for us where local elections are still taking place; star on our new podcast Give Freedom a Chance; or help produce content for our social-media channels.
Join us in Manchester on 7th February and in London on 25th April as we protest the cancellation of elections and the imposition of a Digital ID.
Authoritarianism flourishes only where the people quietly tolerate the erosion of their freedoms. We must be the change we wish to see in the world.
Alex Zychowski
“Stand for us where local elections are still taking place”
Ben Allsop the Wessex Coordinator of the Libertarian Party UK writes some of his New Years Resolutions.
“the government will find any excuse to tax and spend, regardless of the efficacy of such policies. I intend to close those gaps as much as I can by giving to worthy causes, donating blood and hopefully finding the time to volunteer”
A year ago, I set out five new year’s resolutions for the British public in 2025:
Stop Tolerating Dishonesty
Treat Taxation as Theft
Practice Individual Responsibility
Live and Let Live
Vote Libertarian
How do you think we did? How did you do? Is there anything you would like to see added to this list for the new year?
I have two of my own personal resolutions which I hope I can share.
Firstly, I would like to do more for charitable causes. As I said in my previous post, the government will find any excuse to tax and spend, regardless of the efficacy of such policies. I intend to close those gaps as much as I can by giving to worthy causes, donating blood and hopefully finding the time to volunteer once again.
Secondly, I will try to be more positive in my political activism. It is easy to adopt a cynical, sneering attitude when it comes to political commentary. There is much to be cynical about and to sneer at after all. But I am ultimately a libertarian because I have faith in the goodness of (most) human beings. A few comments over the past year have quite rightly pointed out that where criticism is given, so should solutions. So, I will endeavour to show that safety and prosperity arise because of freedom, not in spite of it. That’s not to say that I will be kind to aspiring tyrants. But I hope I can do more to convince others that there is another, brighter path forwards.
“as Joseph de Maistre said, “Every country has the government it deserves”. It is on the British public to be better then perhaps. Change is always bottom up, not top down”
Happy new year fellow libertarians! As we now find ourselves in the ‘Monday’ of months, it’s important to keep our spirits up. Granted, it’s difficult to do given the current political and economic climate. Starmer’s new year’s message was particularly nauseating. When I heard, “until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you,” I couldn’t help but think of “the beatings will continue until morale improves”. Needless to say, the Labour government has proven to be an utter failure in just six months. But, as Joseph de Maistre said, “Every country has the government it deserves”. It is on the British public to be better then perhaps. Change is always bottom up, not top down. So let us take this opportunity to set out five political new year’s resolutions for Britain and her electorate.
Stop Tolerating Dishonesty
We’ve had our fair share of dishonest prime ministers. The covid era and Johnson’s infamous cake ambush come sharply to mind. But few Prime Ministers have been so blatantly dishonest as Keir Starmer. He lied to his own party, promising to abolish tuition fees and then almost immediately reversed his stance upon taking over as party leader. He promised not to raise taxes on working people, only to do exactly that at the first opportunity once in power. Even the IFS have called Reeves’ claim that a £22bn black hole was covered up by the previous government a lie. Lying seems particularly chronic in the current regime. And why wouldn’t it be? It wins elections and currently has virtually no costs. In a just world, being caught lying to the public would be an instantly career ending event for any politician. If we ever want the status quo to change, it has to start from the bottom up. Any politician that has lied should be instantly unelectable. Any party that tolerates liars should face electoral oblivion. That is the only way we will see any semblance of honesty in politics.
“The analogy that comes to my mind is of fire. A little is vital to sustain society, but any more than strictly necessary is always disastrous”
Treat Taxation as Theft
The difference between sex and rape is consent. The difference between work and slavery is consent. The difference between tax and theft is… well you see the problem. There’s a good chance that I’m preaching to the choir here, but it really does seem incredible how tolerant the general population is to tax increases from a political system that takes far more than it gives. Tax is theft and theft is evil, but it is sometimes the lesser of two evils. Libertarians understand this. But far from making us tolerant of taxation, this belief forces us to resist unnecessary levels of tax we see today. The analogy that comes to my mind is of fire. A little is vital to sustain society, but any more than strictly necessary is always disastrous. I believe that most people actually agree when it comes to their own money. The issue arises when politicians impose tax hikes on specific groups knowing that the rest of the population will do little to resist. Of course, they will get around to you sooner or later in Niemölleran fashion. Everyone should be protesting the tax hikes on farmers for instance, and in return, farmers should refrain from calling for import tariffs. In the end, the only winner is the state, unless we learn to treat tax for what it is.
Practice Individual Responsibility
“Ask not what your country can do for you-” I like to end the famous JFK quote there. After all, service to your country should be entirely voluntary. It is the widely held belief that the government is responsible for maintaining every aspect of our lives that we have ponzi schemes masquerading as state pensions and countless laws criminalising victimless crimes such as cannabis use. Of course not everyone is capable of practicing individual responsibility. Children, the elderly and the mentally and physically disabled may need help and in some cases require restrictions for their own good if they are not of sound mind or maturity. But for everyone else, responsibility for oneself should be the default position. That means enduring the costs of one’s own mistakes but reaping the benefits of success. After all, the lack of this kind of accountability directly led to the financial crash in 2008, with banks enjoying the benefits of risky behaviour in full knowledge that governments would never let them fail. It’s difficult not to imagine that similar perverse incentives motivate crime and dubious increases in the long term ‘sick’ since covid. But far from being a battlecry for the selfish and greedy, individual responsibility means taking positive action yourself to help others and fix problems. Instead of calling for the state to do more for whatever cause interests you, and taking their share along the way, cut out the middleman and make a change yourself. Donate to a dog shelter, volunteer at a food bank, pick up litter as you walk by. The more you leave to the government, the bigger it gets and the less gets done.
“far from being a battlecry for the selfish and greedy, individual responsibility means taking positive action yourself to help others and fix problems”
Live and Let Live
As well as accepting individual responsibility, the flip side of that coin is the allowance of others to make decisions for themselves. For most people, political decisions seem to come down to banning things they find unpleasant whilst seeking public funding for those things that they enjoy. A common misconception is that the support for the freedom to do a thing equates to support for the thing itself. Smoking for instance is extremely harmful and on a personal level, I would implore anyone reading this to quit if they can. But I wholeheartedly oppose the upcoming ageist smoking ban. The only guiding principle for banning certain behaviours should be the prevention of harm to others. It may be difficult sometimes, but we will all be much freer if we learn to live and let live.
Vote Libertarian
If I may be so bold, I would like to suggest voting for the Libertarian Party UK if possible in the next year and beyond. We are the only party committed to the principles of Libertarianism. But we can’t make a change without your support. There is no such thing as a wasted vote. Very few votes ever manage to tip the scales in an election, but every vote sends a signal. So don’t compromise, vote for who you want to represent you. If you get the chance, vote libertarian in your next by-election, local elections etc. If we don’t have a candidate in your area, it could be you making the breakthrough into public service wearing a lion on your chest. Consider joining if you aren’t a member already and if you fancy writing articles like this, we’re always looking for new voices.
Once again, on behalf of the Libertarian Party UK and myself, have a happy new year.
“If we don’t have a candidate in your area, it could be you making the breakthrough into public service wearing a lion on your chest”
Croydon Council has been making waves on social media for the high levels of Redacted payments in its published data.
Croydon like all councils are required to published details of payments over £500. These payments includes details of the expense type, the budget, the amount, dates, and importantly the payee.
Some payee details are always redacted, this is done to protect individuals or highly sensitive information. But we have seen an increased redaction of payments at Croydon Council, and wrote about this problem in both September and April 2025
New research by Lee Nallalingham published on X/Twitter shows that in this financial year Croydon Council are redacting information at a far higher rate than most councils in London. Lee’s tweet explains this as below:
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BREAKING: Croydon Council has paid £316m to “redacted” suppliers so far this financial year.
That’s 49,224 redacted payments – over half of ALL payments the council has made, as per data available to mid December.
For context: The average London council made around £40m in redacted payments over the same period, roughly 8.6% of total spend.
Croydon’s figures are on another planet in comparison.
If you’re wondering how they ended up £1bn in debt and bankrupt three times, this is probably a good place to start.
I’m not accusing anyone of illegality. But numbers like this, combined with Croydon’s track record, are impossible to ignore.
The council has serious questions to answer.
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Redacting information at almost 6 times the rate of the average London council doesn’t inspire confidence, and makes one wonder – what are Croydon Council hiding?
On Jan 5th, the SDP issued the following Press Release:
“It is now public knowledge that Labour plotted to make this momentous change behind voters’ backs by abusing the Private Members’ Bill process”
The SDP recognises Assisted Dying as a conscience issue. However, if it is to be introduced it must be done so humanely, with utmost precaution and with well-funded alternatives in place. To our regret – and in a process that amounts to an affront to democracy – the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has failed to attain the necessary standard for legislation of this importance.
It is now public knowledge that Labour plotted to make this momentous change behind voters’ backs by abusing the Private Members’ Bill process. As a result of this subterfuge, in place of the thoroughgoing processes on which Government Bills run, they have relied on the inadequate vehicle of a Private Members Bill. It has veered through Parliament with naive drafting, partisan sponsorship, and with reckless disregard for the impact on the values and integrity of the NHS, its staff and wider networks of caring and safeguarding.
“The extensions to eligibility for Assisted Dying seen in other jurisdictions might arise in Britain at the mere stroke of a Minister’s pen – a bleak and anti-democratic prospect”
Professional associations of those who work in these end-of-life situations and know how vulnerable those affected can be – from elder charities to coroners – have almost unanimously objected to the way this Bill handles the key issues. Their constructive suggestions have been set aside and disregarded.
In place of firm guard rails in law, this Bill leaves far too much to the whim of any existing or future Secretary of State. The extensions to eligibility for Assisted Dying seen in other jurisdictions might arise in Britain at the mere stroke of a Minister’s pen – a bleak and anti-democratic prospect.
The Government must finally accept that this is a wholly inappropriate approach for such a weighty matter. End-of-Life healthcare is a strategic, structural issue, not simply a question of individual autonomy. There is no true choice for individuals so long as the only alternative to early death is the inhumanity and neglect experienced by many senior citizens. This shameful little Bill sheds our social duties and shrugs off responsibility for caring for our most vulnerable fellow citizens. It satisfies neither those who favour nor those who oppose a right to euthanasia.
If Assisted Dying is ever to be brought into law in Britain it must be done so with requisite deliberation, proper consideration and with all of the necessary safeguards in place. The approach chosen and promoted by the government is demonstrably failing to achieve any of these and must be abandoned.
“This shameful little Bill sheds our social duties and shrugs off responsibility for caring for our most vulnerable fellow citizens”
