Where now for Libertas? Voter here please

[Anthony Butcher]

I agree that UKIP will not form a government any time soon. In my opinion, it never will; I take your point about 'pressure group focus'. It will take a new party, formed from the existing nano-parties, to make that breakthrough. Of course, FPTP makes that difficult, but not impossible. It requires a long-term strategy, of building up strength gradually, through contesting PR elections. Not just EU, but London, Scotland, Wales and even Scottish councils. Taking the long term view, working toward withdrawal, is the only viable option. Reform is simply not on the table, not to Libertas, not to anybody.

Which is why the priority above everything else at the moment for smaller parties should be electoral reform - we need a system that allows all of the public to be represented by politicians that they vote for.

[DOCTOR WHY]

Which is why the priority above everything else at the moment for smaller parties should be electoral reform - we need a system that allows all of the public to be represented by politicians that they vote for.

Quite agree, electoral reform is necessary, but as part of a comprehensive reform package for the UK constitution generally.

I certainly do NOT agree that PR for the Commons should be part of that package; it would rob the people of the right to elect their government. But PR for the Lords (UK Senate?) is vital. That way, small parties can build their strength at national level.

[Anthony Butcher]

It doesn't have to be an either/or situation with PR. There are alternatives and compromise solutions that also allow constituency MPs

[Britannist]

MKPDavies wrote: Cut the name. Libertas....will never catch on.

Anthony Butcher wrote: It's not fantastic, but having been through the process of discussing new names for a party on more than one occasion, having a name that has some limited recognition is far better than a name that has none.

The name Libertas sounds a bit similar to Veritas - the party formed by Robert Kilroy-Silk after he left UKIP.

[Britannist]

.....PR for the Lords (UK Senate?) is vital. That way, small parties can build their strength at national level.

The ruling europhile 'elite' will never allow a fully proportional (PR) voting system to be brought in for national elections (apart from EU Elections) - for they fear it might lead to big gains for UKIP.

PR was got rid of by the very party which brought it in for national elections in France - the Socialist Party. Once small parties of left and right started gaining seats they switched back to a voting system which is hard for smaller parties to do well under.

[Caroline]

The concept of one anti-EU/reformist party organised in many different EU countries is a fascinating one, but alas it offered too little too late to appeal to voters this time. I sincerely hope that Libertas continues in some shape or form, as it is an idea that is ahead of its time.

[Lancashire HillBilly]

I disagree, I hope they will be chocked into the dustbin of history of throwaway, decoy, anti-nationalist 'alternatives', before they are revamped to split the BNP vote again in 4-5 years time...

[HM]

The whole idea of a European Union contradicts freedom, the very thing Libertas are named after. Shut down and move abroad: if people want to attempt impossible reform of an immutably corrupt EU they can vote for the Tories.

[arden forester]

The concept of one anti-EU/reformist party organised in many different EU countries is a fascinating one, but alas it offered too little too late to appeal to voters this time. I sincerely hope that Libertas continues in some shape or form, as it is an idea that is ahead of its time.

I agree with this. There are many Little Englanders on this forum who want nothing much to do with foreigners. The concept of working with like-minded people across Europe to make the continent a real free trade area is worth something. The idea of withdrawing unilaterally and hoping for titbits from the table is an absurdity.

Nigel Farage keeps UKIP going by suggesting the EU would be happy to "renegotiate". I'd suggest that was similar to Miliband's tea and biscuits chats with "moderate" Taliban types. A complete waste of time.

Seeing as the vast majority of European people are opposed to the political edifice that is becoming a United States of Europe, it makes far more sense for a united approach in toppling the edifice than chucking pot shots from across the Channel!

[Lancashire HillBilly]

Let's be practical though, I hate the right-left synopsis as much as many of you guys do, but the political compass means that a party has to take its place somewhere on there, too many movements really isn't helpful.

I am in favour of a pan-European anti-EU, PRO-INDEPENDENCE (ie, not a NATO mouthpiece) organization but that should not take the guise of a political party.