Would you like to serve on one of the party’s Policy Working Groups? I have been on two groups in the past and they were a fascinating experience. We interviewed industry experts as well as policy specialists and had many challenging discussions as we put together the drafts of our eventual policy paper and motion to conference. Halfway through the process we consulted with members at federal conference.

If that appeals to you, and you already have some knowledge of the policy areas concerned, here are four new opportunities:

• A Thriving Economy
• International Security
• Defending and Strengthening British Democracy
• Primary Healthcare

The deadline for all applications is 21st April.

A Thriving Economy

Boosting productivity and getting the economy growing strongly and sustainably is critical for improving people’s living standards and wellbeing, expanding opportunity, and raising money to spend on public services and defence.

A new policy working group will build on our 2024 general election manifesto to further develop our distinctive Liberal Democrat narrative on why the economy has been performing so poorly, how to turn it around, and how to make sure everyone feels the benefits of growth equitably.

Apply here to join the Thriving Economy working group.

International Security

Last year, the party endorsed a wide-ranging policy paper on international security covering defence and security, diplomacy, international development and soft power. We knew then that a Trump return to the White House would pose new challenges.

Now that the grave challenges to the future of NATO, European security and more are starting to become clear, and will continue to evolve, a new policy working group will review our previous approach in the light of the world of ongoing developments, to outline our distinctive Liberal Democrat response to Trump, Putin and the other global challenges we face.

Apply here to join the International Security working group.

Defending and Strengthening British Democracy

After years of Conservative chaos and scandal, and months of Labour failure and inaction, public trust in politics is lower than ever – and we have seen how populists and authoritarians in the UK and around the world seek to exploit that lack of trust and new media to undermine our fundamental liberal democratic principles.

A new working group will develop the Liberal Democrat defence of our liberal democracy: how to protect it from foreign interference, restore public trust, and put meaningful power in people’s hands.

Apply here to join the Defending and Strengthening British Democracy working group

Primary Healthcare

A lack of access to primary healthcare is one of the biggest challenges people face. Millions of people wait weeks for a GP appointment, and seeing an NHS dentist can be almost impossible. This is bad for patients and bad for the NHS, increasing the pressure on ambulances and A&E as more people end up in hospital who shouldn’t have to be there. If we get it right, a well-functioning primary care system could help unlock a healthier life for us all, and a better and more effective NHS.

A new policy working group will develop our plan to tackle this crisis – improving early access to GP services, community pharmacies and dentists so everyone can get the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

Apply here to join the Primary Healthcare working group

* Mary Reid is a contributing editor on Lib Dem Voice. She was a councillor in Kingston upon Thames, where she is still very active with the local party, and is the Hon President of Kingston Lib Dems.