Although the tern "neoliberal" is meant as an insult, it need not be. It stands in contrast to the Marxist position of Labour, and the illiberal, protectionist and sometimes xenophobic attitude set against it. Neoliberalism is a viable third alternative.

Recently Prof Colin Talbot of Manchester's Dept of Government was abused by a Corbynite student for suggesting the term was meaningless, and that few people admitted to being one. I disagree. The term fills a void. "Liberal" has been contaminated by American usage to mean left-wing, pro-big government, pro-big state spending. In their terms Hillary Clinton is a liberal. "Libertarian" has been similarly tainted by American usage, often equated with somewhat whacky extremism.

It is cumbersome to use "Liberal in the European sense" to describe those who value personal liberty over state direction. Fortunately, the term "neoliberal" covers a series of values that go together, and it is simpler to express.