Traditionally, the main role in the struggle for power in Parliament has two roles: to the beginning of XX century. Conservatives (Tories) - Party of big business and the aristocracy and the Liberals, reflecting the interests of medium and small capital in the first decades of the XX century. They were replaced by Labor - the Social Reform Party with a collective membership of trade unions.
A small number of seats in parliament are also two parties representing the interests of historical provinces: Scottish and Welsh. Despite the fact that in 80 years, in terms of the economy and the complexity of the social fabric of society, the number of parties has increased (because of right-wing Labor Party was made the Social Democratic Party), the main features of the electoral geography emerged as a result of the rivalry of two major parties. In northern areas, as well as in the centers of major cities is dominated by supporters of Labor, in the south, in rural and per-urban agglomerations - conservatives. In the elections in May 1997, after 18 years of Conservative government, a major victory with massive majorities Labor won.
Conservative Party - is one of the oldest political parties in the country. There at the end of the XVII century, and expresses the interests of the aristocracy of land and higher clergy, the Anglican Church. It should be in positions of individualism and free enterprise, decentralization and privatization of the economy.
In terms of foreign policy for the Conservatives has approach to solving the most pressing international problems. The party shares the concept of «nuclear deterrent», in favor of maintaining and upgrading nuclear capabilities Britain, the country's continued membership in NATO and the EU, while on the extent of British involvement in European integration processes in the party is still a serious rift.
