I have to quibble with the use of the word 'liberal' to describe the left-wing with regards to British politics.

The American definition of liberalism, which basically means anybody opposed to the right-wing (it almost seems to be a term of abuse), invariably the Republicans (conservatives).

In British (and European) politics with their multi-party systems liberalism is more distinct, and often encompasses some sort of social democracy. It's not allied with socialism (although in my opionion it share many of it's values) but has had an identity of it's own since it's inception.

I would just stick to calling the left-wing of British politics just that - it's a broad church and has always been a vital and colourful part of out political landscape. Best not to try and dumb it down to the level of the US's rather uninspiring two-party capitalist system.

It also has sod-all to do with the current government who are not so much socialists but the bastard offspring of the shavings from Thatcher's dangleberries. In my opinion.