... common ownership of the means of production, distribution and exchange..." This is a commitment to redistributive taxation and nationalisation of major industries, both of which are policies typical of traditional Labour. Conservatism is the world's oldest political belief and party, dating back to the 1740s. It is typically pragmatic and has proved able to adapt to changing times. It is a broad belief, ranging from the extremely liberal to the borderline racists. In the late 1700s, Edmund Burke wrote what was to become the foundation of Conservatism, 'Reflections on the Revolution in France'. In his book he outlined various principles and theories, which, although more Tory than Conservative, are fundamentally very similar to beliefs held by members of the party today. Among other things, the book encourages minimal change, respect for established institutions and hierarchy. Hierarchy is an important part of 'One Nation Conservatism', developed by Benjamin Disraeli in ...

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