How to contribute to the Federal Policy’s Agenda 2020
By Geoff Payne in Liberal Democrat Voice
Originally published by South Lincolnshire Liberal Democrats
The Federal Policy Committee (FPC) is presently in the process of a major review exercise called 'Agenda 2020' to consider,
The challenges that the United Kingdom will face over the coming years, (economic, social, environmental, political), and, in the light of it, to prepare,
A statement of the distinctively Liberal Democrat approach and,
A map of the policy development that the FPC needs to carry out in order to achieve it.
Given what happened to the party in May, it is now more important than ever that we assert our own identity and project to the electorate what it means to be a Liberal Democrat and why the country needs Liberal Democrats.
The Agenda 2020 group (of which I am a member) has put together a paper for discussion. It was the subject of two very lively sessions at conference and now it is out for wider consultation from members of the party. We really want to hear your views.
A webpage has been set up here.
On that page, you can read our consultation paper and submit your ideas using the form provided. It is a very easy way to feed in what you think. The deadline is 9th November 2015 so there is plenty of time.
We are also running an essay competition. The question is "What does it mean to be a Liberal Democrat today?" and we are looking for submissions of up to 1,000 words. There is a shortlisting committee and the shortlisted entries will be voted on by party members. The winner will have their essay published on the party website and receive a copy of 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill, signed by Tim Farron. The deadline for essays is 2nd November 2015.
After every meeting of FPC and FCC, I produce a short report about what was discussed. If you are a party member and would like to join that mailing list, drop me a line at geoff@geoffpayne.org. The next FPC meeting is next week.
* Geoff Payne represents the English Party on the Federal Policy Committee. He is also one of the Vice-Chairs of Federal Conference Committee. He chaired the Criminal Justice Working Group.
Read more by Geoff Payne or more about federal policy committee or party organisation.