Common Sense Group

Common Sense Group. The Common Sense Group is a caucus of Members of Parliament within the Conservative Party of the United Kingdom. Formed in 2020, it advocates for a traditionalist and nationally conservative platform, focusing on issues of national identity, cultural conservatism, and sovereignty. The group is named after the pamphlet Common Sense by Thomas Paine, though it interprets the concept through a contemporary political lens.

History and formation

The group was established in September 2020 by a cohort of Conservative backbench MPs, including prominent figures such as Sir John Hayes and Tom Hunt. Its formation occurred in the political context following the 2016 Brexit referendum and the subsequent First Johnson ministry, amid debates over the direction of the party and the implementation of Brexit. The founders cited a desire to uphold what they termed "common sense" conservative values in policy-making, reacting against perceived woke ideology and globalism. Early meetings were held at the National Conservative conference and the group quickly began to publish policy papers on subjects ranging from HS2 to BBC reform.

Political positions and ideology

The group's ideology is rooted in British unionism, cultural conservatism, and a robust view of parliamentary sovereignty. Key policy positions include advocating for stricter controls on immigration, protecting historical monuments and statues from removal, such as those related to Cecil Rhodes, and opposing what it labels cancel culture. It strongly supports the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 and has been critical of the European Court of Human Rights. The group often frames its stance as a defense of Britishness and has been associated with the broader National conservatism movement, aligning with think tanks like the Centre for Policy Studies and commentators such as Douglas Murray.

Membership and structure

Membership is restricted to sitting Conservative MPs and peers, with an estimated membership of around 60 parliamentarians at its peak. Notable members have included Miriam Cates, Alexander Stafford, and Bob Blackman. The group operates as an informal caucus without formal leadership, though Sir John Hayes is frequently cited as its de facto chairman. It coordinates through private meetings, often held in committee rooms within the Palace of Westminster, and collaborates with external groups like the Conservative Way Forward and the Bow Group. Membership is not publicly declared by all participants, reflecting the informal nature of parliamentary factions.

Activities and influence

The group's primary activities involve publishing policy reports, tabling Early Day Motions, and lobbying ministers within the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. It has been influential in shaping debate on issues such as sentencing reform, Online Safety Bill, and the government's approach to net zero targets. The group regularly submits letters to the Prime Minister, notably regarding BBC funding and the National Trust. Its influence was particularly noted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it pressured the Second Johnson ministry to ease lockdown restrictions and accelerate the reopening of the economy.

Reception and criticism

The group has received praise from sections of the right-wing media, including publications like the Daily Telegraph and commentators such as Allister Heath. However, it has faced significant criticism from within and outside the Conservative Party. Moderate One Nation Conservatives, such as Damian Green, have criticized its stance as divisive. The group has also been criticized by opponents like Keir Starmer and think tanks including the Institute for Public Policy Research for its views on social justice and climate change. Some analysts, writing for The Guardian and The Independent, have linked its rhetoric to broader trends of populism in Western politics.

Category:Conservative Party (UK) Category:Political factions in the United Kingdom Category:2020 establishments in the United Kingdom