Britannia Et Libertas
The League's original motto was"
Imperium et Libertas - Empire and Liberty
To reflect the post-Imperial age in which we now live, but retaining the original use of Latin, today's Primrose League has adopted the motto;
Britannia et Libertas - Britain and Liberty
This new motto conveys our dedication to our Nation - The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - and the confidence, optimism, confidence and prosperity of all our people. It also appropriately conveys our belief in liberty and independence, both of our Nation and of our individual citizens.
The Nation and our representatives in parliament must also be independent in law, government and public administration, because they have to be free to make the choices that will drive the future confidence, optimism, prosperity and security of British people. This is why the United Kingdom was right to leave the European Union.
We are proud to be associated with the United Kingdom and proud to be called British. We are patriots, but we do not seek to impose our way of life on others beyond our shores - we are not Nationalists.
Linked to the concept of liberty, we believe it comes with the responsibility and duties of being a good citizen. In a speech in 1878, Benjamin Disraeli said:
"It is no light thing to belong to a nation where liberty and order co-exist in the greatest degree"
And Lord Salisbury, a former Grand Master of the League said
"After all, the great characteristic of this country is that it is a free country, and by a free country I mean a country where people are allowed, so long as they do not hurt their neighbours, to do as they like."
Our motto also reflects our independence as an organisation.
Although Lord Randolph Churchill and his co-founders of the original League were prominent members of the Conservative Party, they intended the League to remain outside the structures of that party. However, over time, the antecedent League gradually lost its independence of thought and action and, with that, it's broad public appeal and relevance. Membership fell off a cliff and the League dissolved in 2004, 121 years after its foundation.
The League is now back and we welcome members from all political parties and those who have never been associated with any political party. Henceforth will remain independent of any political party, as our founders intended. We now have the necessary safeguards in place.
On International Affairs
We believe that government's first duty, no matter which party forms the Government, is not towards itself, but towards the our Nation and citizens of this country. The second duty of the Government is towards humanity. In that order.
So, whilst placing great emphasis on the importance of National and individual liberty, we also seek to maintain and build upon our wonderfully successful contribution and influence on the world stage over recent centuries.
We believe that the United Kingdom must work to build or international reputation as an outward looking trading nation. Our ambition in this respect is for Great Britain to be regarded by the Commonwealth, and our other friends and allies around the world, as a their most loyal, steadfast, resilient and reliable partner.
