A Conservative Call to Arms for Free Markets, Individual Liberty, and Party Unity

Leading Conservative figures are calling for a return to the values and vision of Margaret Thatcher, arguing that the party and the country have strayed from her principles. Prominent figures like Lord Saatchi, Lady Thatcher's election advertising guru, and Sir Graham Brady, former chair of the 1922 Committee, have published a manifesto outlining their concerns.

Lord Saatchi expresses deep disappointment with the current state of the free market, arguing that it has become dominated by giant corporations that exploit individual consumers. He points to sectors like banking, transportation, and utilities, where he believes global cartels have created an imbalance of power, leaving individuals feeling powerless and unfairly treated. He warns that this unchecked corporate power is creating levels of inequality that even government initiatives cannot address.

Saatchi also criticizes the state of the National Health Service (NHS), claiming that a "rationing by waiting" policy is in place, forcing patients to wait for essential medical procedures or pay for private care. He believes that the current system is a far cry from the principles of free market competition that Lady Thatcher championed.

Sir Graham Brady focuses on the erosion of individual freedoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing concern about the government's overreach in restricting personal liberties. He argues that the government's actions, while perhaps justified in the early stages of the pandemic, went too far in curtailing basic freedoms like visiting family members. He warns that this trend could lead to a society where individuals become accustomed to government control and even expect it.

Brady also expresses concern about the dominance of left-leaning candidates in public appointments, claiming that conservatives are discouraged from applying due to a perceived bias. He reminisces about the Thatcher era, when conservatives shared a common vision and could easily understand each other's perspectives. He believes that this unity has been lost, leaving the party fragmented and lacking a clear direction.