Bradlaugh's views are as relevant today as always says Lib Dem

10.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 28th Sep 2008

Speaking at the 7th Annual celebration of the life of Charles Bradlaugh, Northampton's radical MP, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North Constituency, Andrew Simpson said "Much of Charles Bradlaugh's views and guiding principles are as important today as they were in his time".

The celebration takes place at the statue of Charles Bradlaugh in Abington Square, Northampton around or on the anniversary of Bradlaugh's birthday which was 26th September 1833.

Charles Bradlaugh was barred for taking his seat in the House of Commons in 1880 for refusing to take the religious the Oath of Allegiance. Even though he offered instead to 'affirm' he was refused and forfeited his seat. The people of Northampton re-elected Bradlaugh four times while the dispute continued. He finally was allowed to take his seat in 1886.

"Bradlaugh's passionate advocacy of democracy and the widening of the vote to working men and women gives us an example today of how hard fought our basic rights are. With increasing disenchantment with modern day politics we should look to the work of reformers like Bradlaugh in how we should deal with the present crisis in our system". continued Andrew

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See here for more information on Charles Bradlaugh.