The essence of Conservatism of those on the Pro- European side is one of a Conservatism that is meant to conserve. I explain this by putting forward the notion that Centrism is essentially Conservative in remaining in the Single Market is arguably retaining the Status quo, therefore conserving the Current trading arrangements. Those on the Centrist side or liberal side of conservatism essentially feel at odds with radical change and feel ideologically reassured by a transition period of evolution from an EU member state to an EEA member and then after a three-year period a final settlement on a special, European partnership.
On the more ardent Brexiteer side it could be argued that the Conservatism that they hold to them is radical as it seeks radical Political and essentially greater demands of devolution of sovereignty from the European transnational political institutions. That from Its birth in the Post war period have seen the nation state as a reactionary notion from the days of the European coal and steel community of the 1950s.
On social policy, tackling inequality has been pushed to the forefront of public debate in the wake of the Brexit Vote and how Conservatism can tackle this question will define our political age. Lowering taxes or Keynesian economics are some of the factors that will be involved. Do we Increase the role of the free market or move to a system of social corporatist system of employee ownership and a redistributive tax and spend policy and a comprehensive system of technical education that it can be argued has led to a high-quality standard of living in Scandinavia and arguably Germany. Essentially as Conservatives we have choices to make about our social and economic priorities. Furthermore, the political climate makes it even more imperative for a reformed model of economic and social enterprises to be argued for by us as Conservatives who want to make the case for an economy that can work for all Britons, teacher, lawyer, inner city youth worker, to build that winning Coalition and not try to win over just our core vote.
The future of Conservatism should remain: radical, reforming, and relevant to the ever-changing Nature of modern British society from the cities to the counties. We are at our best as a party when we reflect British society with its many social and cultural complexities through our candidates and their broad church of Conservative philosophies under one Roof in the Conservative and Unionist party. The issue of Brexit presents us with the challenge of party unity, some have talked of a possible ‘Democrat’ Party, for discontented pro Europeans. This would not be practical or realistic given the fate of the SDP and would be dangerous for party unity when as a party we need it most to see us through rocky times ahead. As good Conservatives, we must hold Fast to steady the ship.
The Reformist 