Reintroducing conservatism into the Conservative Party
For too long, the leaders of the Conservative Party have avoided genuine conservatism like the plague.
‘When it comes to politics, in a democracy, politicians have to offer things, and that means there is a natural tendency to put their policies and suggestions in economic terms. Because of this dominance of the economic question, conservatism tends to be seen as simply an apology for a free market economy. Come what may. This has damaged the conservative movement; things are jeopardised by assigning a cost to everything.’
Once again, a Professor Sir Roger Scruton manages to articulate one of the many challenges facing the Conservative Party, and the wider conservative movement, in 21st century politics. It is a shame that a man who has done so much to advance the intellectual case for conservatism (and who still has so much to offer) has been unjustly blighted by the party that claims to believe in the same great tradition. A claim that, despite being a member of the party for nearly 2 years, I am finding increasingly unconvincing.
For too long, the leaders of the Conservative Party have avoided genuine conservatism like the plague.
Whether this is because they fear the repercussions of embracing it, or because deep down they hold it in contempt, is open to speculation. However, it is hard to dispute that the most prominent brand of ‘conservatism’ these days, amounts to supporting lower taxation and demanding fewer business regulations; so much so that it feels as if the words conservatism and capitalism have become completely synonymous. This is not to suggest such policies are a contradiction of conservatism, but to say that someone is a conservative, merely because one supports such policies, is an oversimplification and a betrayal of the rich, conservative philosophy.
The neoliberal tendency, amongst the higher echelons of the Conservative Party, to value something based on how much it adds to the GDP, or how effectively it perpetuates nihilistic distortions of freedom, or the vague but popular ideological concept of progress, has allowed the Left to monopolise culture and social policy. As a result, important and beloved institutions are nowfacing increasing hostility.
Whether it be the family, as the guarantor of a private life and a surviving civilisation, or the nation as a provider of belonging and social cohesion; whether it be the monarchy as a source of unity and patriotism, or our ancient liberties that curb the power of an overbearing state and other threats to our freedom. Even the most innocent, sublime and delicate things of this world, such as the countryside and traditional architecture, now face ruin and disdain.
It is under this mounting pressure, Conservatives should not only thrive, but be obligated to make a stand. However, until we address the power and decisions of the Pseudo-conservative apparatchiks who control the Tory party, I fear little can be done, and I doubt the upcoming leadership election will provide much consolation.
