Changes

Up until the mid-19th century, the forerunners of the Conservatives were known as [[Tory|Tories]], and the name has persisted as a common nickname both for the political party and those believed to be in agreement with it.

Up until the mid-19th century, the forerunners of the Conservatives were known as [[Tory|Tories]], and the name has persisted as a common nickname both for the political party and those believed to be in agreement with it.

Many issues that are commonly used to define Conservatives in the US have little or no relevance in other countries - for example, UK Conservatives do not campaign on issues of gun control or abortion rights, and only a minority are overtly hostile to homosexuality (although they may oppose legislation designed to enforce equality). Fewer still express [[racist]] views, and are generally disciplined by their party when they do. Nevertheless, there is generally a strong bias towards the nuclear family over other forms of cohabitation. Since the late 1970s, UK conservatives have been defined by an advocacy of [[Laissez-faire]] economics, privatization and lower taxation.

There is generally a strong bias towards the nuclear family over other forms of cohabitation. Since the late 1970s, UK conservatives have been defined by an advocacy of [[Laissez-faire]] economics, privatization and lower taxation.<!-- Citations needed -->

Religion as a whole and biblical literalism in particular play only a very minor role in UK politics (arguably with the exception of Northern Ireland), and a lack of a religious belief is not considered incompatible with British conservatism.

Religion as a whole and biblical literalism in particular play only a very minor role in UK politics (arguably with the exception of Northern Ireland).

In common with conservatives in many other countries, UK Conservatives tend towards a [[Nationalist]] outlook, and are traditionally sceptical of the [[European Union]], although it was the Tory Prime Minister [[Edward Heath]] who took Britain into the [[EU|EEC]].

In common with conservatives in many other countries, UK Conservatives tend towards a [[Nationalist]] outlook, and are traditionally sceptical of the [[European Union]], although it was the Tory Prime Minister [[Edward Heath]] who took Britain into the [[EU|EEC]].