HJT Interview

Telegraph: Ok. So, Henry, you have had quite a turbulent political history. Originally a member of the NUP, you became a controversial member of the UUP and then a Libertarian, during which time you made your political chef d’œuvre at Sussex some would say. Then recently you left the LPUK to lead the DUP, and now you’ve returned to the LPUK again. Why all the turn coating?

HenryJohnTemple: It’s no secret that I’m something of an outspoken member of the political landscape, and that’s something I am proud of. For me politics is not about doing what is popular, it’s about doing what one thinks to be right. It’s what drives me, and what continues to drive me. When I joined the NUP they had strong policies that I believed would help the nation – but they happened to be a little to (sic) slow on ousting homophobic people within the party. I left for that reason. From the UUP I was suspended. They took objection to be marching with the Orange Order, something David Trimble, a winner of the Nobel Prize and stalwart UUP member before its current form, did also. So I went to the LPUK. Why? Because I agreed with their economic approach, and they gave me the room I needed to make my voice heard. I left the LPUK to focus on Northern Ireland within the DUP, however the focus of the league was on the upper house, which I was warned of before I joined, so my return to the LPUK was once born of a desire to return to a group that I greatly enjoyed being part of, and that was more active than the League.

Do you feel as though the LPUK don’t care about Northern Ireland?

No. I know they support and care about Northern Ireland deeply, they just lacked the resources and membership to take on the UUP for the Unionist Voteshare (sic) at assembly level.

So, would you consider it the LPUK’s goal in Northern Ireland to “take on” the UUP?

I would yes. I think the UUPs majority, which has not shifted much in the past few elections, has made them grow complacent. Would you consider the UUP to be as active as they should be?

I’d rather remain unbiased on the issue myself.

Moving on – the Loyalist League and the LPUK are very different parties. One stands for small-c social conservatism and traditionalism (and possibly what the Deputy Prime Minister would call ‘the Nanny State’) while the other stands for libertarianism. How would you describe your political stance?

I would describe myself as a conservative, and a Libertarian. But do he sure to publish that with a lower case ‘c’! I think the Government should be small, and liberty of the individual should be advanced as often as is possible. However – the Government does have a role in the enforcement of the rule of just law, and to ensuring that those born into situations in which they are disadvantaged, receive the equality of opportunity to which I think they are entitled.

So, you wouldn’t see any conflict between the views of conservatives and libertarians?

That’s a very broad question, so forgive me – I’ll give it a broad answer. Yes, there are conflicts between the views, because they’re different belief systems.

Do you think you’re in the best party for your views now, however?

Yes.

So, recently you gained a working peerage as the Baron of Carrickfergus. Do you see a return to the Commons in your future or will you be remaining in the Upper House? Any plans in your beloved Northern Ireland, or one of the other devolved nations?

I greatly enjoy the Upper House, assisting in the passage of legislation, and posing questions on the less thought through topics is a passion of mine. At present, I’m supporting the LPUK across all of the devolved nations. (sic)

Are you planning a run in the devo elections?

The LPUK is yes, and I am on the list of candidates.

So, it’s no hidden secret that you are a religious man, probably politics’ current greatest proponent for the Church of England. How do you think your faith influences your politics, would you like to see the remarriage of Church and state?

I think Morality does yes, it’s up to the individual to chose (sic) where that morality stems from. For many the easy choice is the Church, so perhaps the church should be remarried to the state – however the easy choice is not always the correct one is it? I think we need to refund our morals at a deeper level than at present, and an understanding of faith can help that

So, if another Desecularisation Bill were to be introduced would you be in favour of it?

Could you clarify the specifics of what such a bill would propose?

repealing the secularistation act

https://www.reddit.com/r/MHOC/comments/9ombw2/b700_secularisation_repeal_bill_2018_second/ (e.g.)

I would support the repeal if it accommodated for other faiths.

Another thing – Over time you have also called for the Lords to have more authority than they do now. Do you not see this as undemocratic?

If one defines democracy as rule of the people and by the people, then the system in which we currently live is deeply flawed already. So yes, I would say that in a basic sense, it would be viewed as undemocratic. But, one of the attractions of Democracy is the protection from the rule of tyranny by majority. So in a system in which the majority are increasingly having a say at the detriment of the minority, a system that protects the rule of law and the minority within it, is surely a good thing?

Some people would go as far to call your brand of politics “extremist”, would you agree with them?

All politics are extreme from certain points of view, so for some people yes, I am extreme.

Do you see yourself as extreme compared to the political norm?

No.

Finally, when the LPUK joined the Conservatives in the last government, you were a notable exception in Leafy’s last cabinet. Why do you think this is? Can you be trusted?

The Conservatives run a right ship, (sic) I don’t think that my vocal ways when it comes to things I disagree with go hand in hand with cabinet collective responsibility.

So, what’s next for HenryJohnTemple?

For me, I’m looking to stay in the Lords, and ultimately – to stay asking questions, of this Government, and all sides of the House – to matter how unpopular those questions may be.