Progressive Conservative Framework

The Progressive Conservative Framework is a political ideological project started by Josephine Carew-Grey, 1st Baroness Wilton when she published in article in The Times and founded the Carlton Club.

Original Article

Origins and Inspiration

When Kathrine Grey, 1st Countess of Argyll published "A Safe Haven in a Storm" in the Liberal-Progressive Action Party Chronicle, The Baroness Wilton found herself inspired. She stated, "...when a new citizen comes to our shores, I want them to see us denying relations with bigoted regions and welcoming refugees out of the idea we have for ourselves, out of our own kindness and fervour. I do not want an answer to their question to be, 'we did this because the law told us to.'" It was her belief that "cultural change is the most potent and enduring change" which sparked with her interest in defining her beliefs, "an ethical framework", which she coined as "progressive conservative".

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Mission Statement and General Beliefs

1. The main goal of progressive conservatism is to unify both progressive and conservative beliefs in order to provide opportunities for the British people to write their own life stories.
2. When a legislative solution is not merited, the best change can be sought culturally and by the will of the British people.
3. A progressive conservative should comport themselves with a generosity of spirit, respectful of the beliefs of others, their backgrounds, and their experiences.
4. A progressive conservative believes there is no such thing as perfection, instead preferring to always learn and improve themselves to the best of their ability.
5. A progressive conservative believes in self-accountability and taking responsibility for their actions, admitting to any wrongdoing they have committed and striving to made amends to those they have hurt.
6. A progressive conservative believes that unity provides for a cohesive and strong community, where the acceptance of diversity amplifies a flourishing society.
7. A progressive conservative believes in the preservation of tradition, where its merit is measured by its benefit to the wellbeing of the British people.
8. A progressive conservative believes change for the sake of change is destructive to the wellbeing and stability of the Imperial Family, as meaningful change is constructive and thoughtful.
9. A progressive conservative will do what is right because it is right and will lean into mercy over cruelty.
10. A progressive conservative will pursue power not for their own benefit but for the care of the British people and in the enjoyment of serving others.

Political Beliefs

1. The Crown serves as the dignified fount of all power, through which they are the protector of the realm and the safeguard against threats to the British people. A progressive conservative seeks to strike a balance between the reserved and delegated powers of the Crown.
2. His Majesty's Government serves as the efficient executor of the law and internal policy and the spearhead of significant change, leading by example through activity and engagement. A progressive conservative strives for the government to provide opportunities and employment for the British people.
3. The Parliament serves as the balanced meeting ground between the dignified and the efficient with the House of Lords and the House of Commons serving co-equally. A progressive conservative seeks to maintain the balance of power within Parliament and will encourage an open and honest relationship between its members.
4. The House of Lords serves as the dignified half of Parliament, being an assembly of experts who scrutinise bills passed by the House of Commons. A progressive conservative believes the House of Lords should make every effort to improve the bills presented to them before denying them.
5. The House of Commons serves as the efficient half of Parliament, being an assembly elected by the British people who present bills by the mandate they were delivered. A progressive conservative believes the House of Commons should cooperate with the House of Lords to improve the bills they have presented.
6. The Royal Court of Justice serves as the impartial arbitrator of all legal disputes and as the temple of jurisprudence. A progressive conservative endeavours to provide the Royal Court of Justice will all the tools it needs to resolve any legal controversy in a common law system without infringing on parliamentary supremacy.
7. The Empire of Great Britain is a constitution of laws, traditions, conventions, and precedents which is bound by a social contract. A progressive conservative will strive to maintain the strength and order of the region.
8. A developed foreign affairs arsenal will enable to the Empire of Great Britain to protect its national interests and provide opportunities for the British people to interact with other communities and meet new people.
9. A well-regulated military is an instrumental tool in the foreign affairs arsenal, which should hold a Defender stance so as to maintain a benevolent and constructive presence on the world stage.
10. A strong presence in World Assembly affairs is a cornerstone to the foreign affairs arsenal, where the Empire of Great Britain can effectively advocate for its own interests.
11. Transitioning into a Frontier or holding an auxiliary Frontier region should be a long term goal for the Empire of Great Britain, with the purpose of welcoming more people to its shores to share in the vibrant culture of the Imperial Family.
12. The British Economy should be geared towards creating interaction and engagement for the British people, instead of seeking to emulate an economic system far greater than the size of the community.
13. Families play an important role in the culture of the Empire of Great Britain as support systems to individuals and institutions.

The Progressive Conservative Framework is incomplete and I imagine it will remain that way as it will develop over time and with the contribution of its adherents. However, it is a start and I hope it will serve as a proof of concept for extra-party factionalism as I wrote in "Beyond Party Lines".

— Lady Wilton, "The Progressive Conservative Framework", 23 June 2024.