Reform Party - Policy

PREAMBLE
"The Reform Party exists to construct and maintain a Reformed society in Gibraltar. In this new social order every citizen shall enjoy liberty, security and participatory democracy and none shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. The chief concerns of the Reform Party are the rights and opportunities of the individual, tempered by social responsibility"(From Reform Party Constitution)

SOCIAL
The eradication, as far as is possible, of all forms of racism, sexism and ageism in Gibraltar. Full rights and responsibilities for all citizens, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or religion. Men and Women as fully equal citizens. Much more secure residence rights for long term non-EU residents in Gibraltar.

WORKERS
Greater participation for employees in workplace decisions. More encouragement for profit sharing schemes, employee-directors and workers' co-operatives.

CITIZENS INCOME
A new unified system combining Tax, Insurance, Pensions and Welfare Benefits so that each citizen has just one 'financial account' with the State. A basic, unconditional income for everyone based on circumstances and responsibilities. Tax payable on all extra income. An end to the 'poverty trap'.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Stronger environmental approaches to encourage conservation, recycling, ecological public transport and anti-pollution measures. A serious consideration of the potential for wind, solar and tidal energy sources.

EDUCATION AND YOUTH
Co-education of both sexes in Comprehensive schools. A new degree-awarding institution for Gibraltar. Greater facilities for non-academic teenagers and young adults.

ELECTORAL REFORM
All elections to be conducted according to the principles of Proportional Representation. Voting age reduced to 16. The House of Assembly to be renamed the Gibraltar Parliament with an increased number of members.

DEVOLVED INTEGRATION
A new status for Gibraltar as a devolved autonomous territory integrated within a decentralised federal Britain. A local Parliament for Gibraltar plus an M.P. at Westminster and an M.E.P. in Europe.

NUCLEAR
Opposition to all forms of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy. The eventual establishment of a non-nuclear Gibraltar in a non-nuclear world.

EUROPE
The present over-centralised European Union to be restructured as a wider, looser 'Commonwealth of Europe' made up of co-operating but autonomous states and regions.