Liberal Movement

The Liberal Movement was formed in February 1988 as a forum for the maintenance for Liberal principles in British politics following the merger of the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to form the Social and Liberal Democrats (SLD). The Liberal Movement was not a political party and did not promote candidates for election. Its membership included individuals from the SLD, the re-launched Liberal Party and the Green Party. The founding conference on 20 February 1988 elected an interim steering committee to initiate the work of the group, which was replaced by an Executive Committee in summer 1988. The Liberal Movement has a commitment to regional organisation which was reflected in the development of local groups; the Devon Liberal Movement was formed in March 1988. The Liberal Movement's stated aim was to 'begin a longterm re-evaluation of liberal principles', and to this end it organised assemblies and publications, including a range of briefings and discussion papers.