Soft-Left Liberals

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Soft-Left Liberals

The Soft-Left Liberals are liberal on social issues though they are more centrist or ‘soft-left’ on economics.  

Political views

Like Urban Progressives, Soft-Left Liberals are especially keen on civil rights, are supportive of immigration, and accept as British those who come to Britain and feel British. They mostly voted to remain in the EU, and think Brexit has worked out badly.

While they would like more public spending, they are only mildly supportive of higher taxes on high earners or on redistribution to the less well-off.

Soft-Left Liberals are relatively politically engaged, albeit not necessarily committed to any one party. Rather, they tend to divide their loyalties between Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.

Characteristics

Soft-Left Liberals tend to be university educated professionals who are somewhat older and thus more established in their careers than Urban Progressives. Consequently, they feel reasonably well-off. They are relatively common in big cities, though they are to be found in the countryside too.

Key statistics

• 14% of the population belong to this group
• 9% say they wouldn't vote

Party preferences

Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Green Party, some Scottish National Party and Conservatives.
 

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