Conservatives stood against progress

DEAR SIR,

In the 1820s, it was predominantly the Conservative Party that supported slavery, until the intervention of the Whigs, who legislated against it.

By 1870, the Conservatives were found opposing the concept of universal education, a principle that the Liberals successfully enshrined into law.

Fast forward to 1909, and again the Conservatives stood against progress, this time opposing the introduction of Old Age Pensions and Unemployment Benefits—innovations the Liberals managed to legalise.

In 1947, the push for the National Health Service, spearheaded by the Labour and Liberal parties, faced staunch opposition from the Conservatives.

Throughout history, the Conservative Party has often positioned itself against the tide of advancing civilised standards, masking their resistance with a facade of integrity. However, it is the right-wing extremists within their ranks who take opposition a step further, not just denying justice but also openly asserting their superiority. They are driven by an emotional disdain for the vulnerable, the homeless, and refugees, epitomising the class divisions within our society.

This opposition to progress and empathy has paradoxically been the Conservative Party’s stronghold. Now, we see the emergence of Reform and other reactionary parties, attracting self-centered individuals lacking in both principal and compassion. Meanwhile, citizens with genuine principles find themselves scattered among various radical parties.

The overwhelming victory of the Conservatives in 2019, backed by 17 million voters disconnected from these principles, has led to rampant incompetence. Yet, there’s no indication of introspection or acknowledgment of their faults among them. They remain as detached from the concept of living with principles in 2024 as they were in 2019.

Listening to these voters, one cannot help but notice a self-absorption that transcends mere political opinion. They embody the epitome of self-obsession, seemingly cursed by the universe for their willingness to overlook the needs of our nation’s children.

Despite their antici

pated shift towards Labour out of frustration this year, it’s doubtful they grasp the significance of the Welfare State—a legacy of the Labour and Liberal parties. Decades ago, voting was often driven by a belief in the collective good, a stark contrast to today’s rejection of Conservative policies, which, rooted in dishonesty and greed, fails to instill a sense of ethics in these citizens.