The Liberal Democrats

“The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community, and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. We champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals. We believe that the role of the state is to enable all citizens to attain these ideals, to contribute fully to their communities and to take part in the decisions which affect their lives.”

The Liberal democrats stand for the right of individuals to have control over their own lives:

- individual liberty lies at the heart of society;

- the main aim is to enable men and women to develop their own talents to the full, free from arbitrary interference of government;

- the role of the government is to guarantee this freedom, to create an enterprise, competitive market-based economy.

Other political parties include two nationalist parties, Plaid Cymru (the Welsh nationalist party) and the Scottish National Party.

In Northern Ireland there are a number of parties. They include the Ulster Unionist Party, the Democratic Unionist Party, the Social Democratic and Labour Party, and Sinn Fein.

TASK 2. Find in the text above the English equivalents for the following key words and expressions and use them in the sentences referring to political parties in your country:

1. основные принципы

2. борьба с преступностью

3. основа свободы личности

4. благосостояние людей

5. рыночная экономика

6. быть избранным в Парламент

7. нести ответственность перед народом

8. сократить налоги

9. защищать свободу

10. защищать права личности

TASK 3. Using additional sources, prepare a presentation about one of the major political parties in Great Britain. You may find useful information on the following websites: