The leader of a new British political party is to speak in Oxford next month.
Patrick Vessey will be visiting Oxford to discuss the policies of the recently-formed Libertarianism party. Its principal policy is to prevent intrusion into the lives of British citizens on the part of the government, and it operates under the motto ‘You Own Yourself’.
Tim Carpenter, Head of Policy for the party, said, “None of us are career politicians, we are all independent thinkers from various walks of life.”
Students representing different political views have responded in a variety of ways to Vessey’s impending visit. Patrick Vessey’s talk has been welcomed by Ben Wallace, Trinity undergraduate and member of the party. He said, “The party is very much aimed at people who have become apathetic about politics. It wants to reintroduce some personal elements back into government.”
Guy Levin, President of OUCA, said, “I’m looking forward to the visit, and I’m sure it will be of interest to some of OUCA’s members.
“Regardless, I think that a vote for the Libertarian Party is a wasted vote. Those who agree with broadly libertarian principles of lower taxation and less state interference would be best served by a Conservative government.
“I personally disagree with many of the Libertarian Party’s proposed policies, such as the total abolition of income taxes, the NHS, and state pensions,” he added.
Another Oxford student, who describes himself as a Liberal Democrat, said, “From their website, the Libertarian Party’s main policy seems to be abolishing income tax. That’s just infeasible in the modern era. They don’t offer any realistic solutions or projected figures. To me, their income tax policy seems irrational and ridiculous.
“If they are coming to Oxford to talk about their policies, I’m sure any audience would tear them to pieces.”
Carpenter remains confident however that there has been a “growing feeling” towards libertarianism in the UK for some time now. He also suggested that there was a general sense in the party that many people in Britain have Libertarian leanings, but do not know it.
He said, “I believe I was a Libertarian before I knew it, although at one point I might have described myself as Conservative, or even Green.”
Martin Nelson, President of the Oxford University Liberal Democrats criticised the party ‘s policy line on the grounds that its practical application was too inflexible.
He argued, “Real freedom of choice depends upon the economic situation in which you find yourself. We simply do not think that you can take a policy [of libertarianism] and extend it to every situation.”
Vessey is due to give a speech at Trinity College in Fifth Week.
