For too long the British state has been built around the concept of a nation of passive, dependent subjects, rather than one of powerful, self-reliant citizens. Our first and central objective is to give every individual the opportunity to improve his or her own life. We want to do this because we want every person to get the most out of their lives, to fulfil their potential. Liberal Democrats believe in an inclusive society founded on equal rights and equal opportunities. Inclusivity should not mean dull or sterile uniformity.
Conformity is the enemy of liberty.
Diversity and dissent are not merely to be tolerated, but should be positively welcomed, as signs of a vibrant, pluralist society. Every person is a full citizen in his or her own right, regardless of age, gender, colour, creed, sexual orientation or disability. Individual choice and freedom are at the centre of the Liberal Democrat approach. Wherever possible, the role of the government should be to equip people with the means and the opportunities to make genuine decisions for themselves about how their lives, families and communities operate, rather than trying to take those decisions for them. As a first step, building a true Citizens' Britain means creating a political and economic settlement that recognises, as a central principle, that power should flow up from the individual rather than down from the state.