History of Distributism ~ Global Distributists: 4) Resurgence and Modern Distributism ~ 6) UK National Distributist Party

The fifteenth instalment of the series of articles from Global Distributists on the origins of Distributism and how it's been adapted and implemented around the world.

The UK National Distributist Party (NDP) was founded in 2018 by a group of individuals who sought to promote distributism as an alternative economic theory and political philosophy in the UK. The party was inspired by the work of G.K. Chesterton, Hilaire Belloc, and other Catholic thinkers who advocated for a society based on the principles of Catholic social teaching.

The NDP’s founding members were concerned about the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few large corporations and the resulting inequality and injustice in society. They believed that distributism offered a viable alternative to the prevailing economic theories of capitalism and socialism.

The party’s initial platform included policies such as introducing a land value tax, supporting cooperative ownership models, and promoting policies that encourage local self-sufficiency. The party also emphasized the importance of the common good, the universal destination of goods, and the role of subsidiarity in promoting a more equitable and sustainable society.

The NDP faced significant challenges in gaining recognition and support in the UK political landscape. As a minor political party with limited resources, the NDP struggled to gain media attention and to establish a foothold in local and national elections.

Despite these challenges, the NDP has continued to promote the ideas of distributism and to advocate for policies that support a more equitable and sustainable society. The party has engaged in public debates and discussions on economic and political issues, and it has sought to raise awareness of the principles of distributism among the wider public.

While the NDP has not yet gained significant representation in government or made a significant impact on UK politics, it remains a voice for distributist ideas and a reminder of the importance of economic justice and the common good in shaping society.