Libdem Wales

The Liberal Democrats are one of the three major political parties in the United Kingdom. The Lib Dems, as they are called, support international law and the international institutions that fight crime, seek to protect human rights, and regulate much of the international economy and environment.

Siding with the Conservatives, another of the UK’s major parties, the Lib Dems would like to increase international aid spending and use the funds to help eradicate extreme poverty throughout the world. They would also like to provide primary education for every person in the world, as well as fund programs combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The Lib Dems generally do not favour the use of military force, except as a last resort. If the military must be used, the Lib Dems believe it to be justified only if under the UN Security Council control and agreed to by the United Nations. Typically this is only after humanitarian assistance has been offered and diplomatic pressure has failed to protect basic human rights. They also believe it should be proportional, and must have at least a more than average chance of success.

Lib Dems want to see the United Kingdom helping to develop the United Nations’ doctrine, and that it should attempt to minimize unnecessary suffering, particularly by people whose circumstances lead to poverty.

The Lib Dems opposed the invasion of Iraq but showed support for the war in Kosovo and the Bosnian War. This is a good example of how the Lib Dem Party shows its support for just-cause actions.