We need a single guiding point that policy, communication, and a revitalised brand can flow from. Without losing the breadth of values that makes us strong

Most liberals and Liberal Democrats have instincts – and often detailed, powerful, personal articulations – for why they are liberal and/or Lib Dems. Our constitution is also an impressive illustration, as is the history of liberal ideas and achievements. We have many pillars: internationalism, environmentalism, liberty, equality, community, and more – all working together. But that breadth which is so often a strength also presents a struggle: communicating a single, clear vision or “north star” that means the public instinctively and immediately know who we are and what we stand for. 

What liberals and Liberal Democrats often lack is a single guiding beacon for both storytelling and policymaking. 

The idea of a platform – for every individual to thrive and live their own version of a best life –   is increasingly my own personal way of understanding my progressive/social liberal politics… as well as what policy and decision making can ultimately strive toward. It works well on the doorstep. But that needs a conversation to hold long enough that the platform idea becomes natural enough to weave in.

There’s something about the platform that still isn’t quite boiled down enough to make me confident in it as the finished idea. That’s where I’d love some help from anyone who either resonates with or sees the problem in this idea – alongside everyone who has already helped shape it, of course – thank you and we’ll talk more in Brighton! 

A single framing for liberalism: A platform to live your version of a best life.

From that platform comes three core concepts: freedom, fairness, and opportunity. From these our broader value set and policy can flow in all its forms.

• Meaningful freedom. 

A platform sees freedom really mean something. That meaningful freedom must come from a solid foundation (NOT a safety net for when something goes wrong) that includes health, housing, environment, purpose, political voice, community, education, and all the elements that allow individuals and communities to thrive under their own definitions.

• Freedom in a fair society that works especially for the least advantaged.

A platform means a fair society – and goodness knows that could be defined in many ways. For me, and I see for many liberals, fairness in many ways means the version of society that works best for the least advantaged. A society that you would think is fair not knowing who you were in it (the “veil of ignorance”). 

• Genuine equality of opportunity, not just theoretical opportunity written in law.

Opportunity that feels real. Underpinned by all the foundations of meaningful freedom… again: health, housing, environment, purposeful work, political voice, community, education, and more.

What a platform is not…

A platform is not a safety net vs incentives to work. It provides everyone with the environment and means to thrive from a solid base – rather than having the bare minimum (if that) kick in once something has gone wrong.

A platform is not regulation vs freedom. Freedom cannot be meaningful for everyone if individuals and organisations are allowed to negatively affect the freedom of others to live their best lives.

A platform is not government vs markets and business. Markets and government in partnership at their best can achieve extraordinary things to provide a platform for everyone to thrive. But that “public-private collaboration” must strive toward clear visions, values, and outcomes for the kind of society we want to see.

A platform is not individuals vs community. Community gives every individual the opportunities to engage in whatever ways they want to in their best lives.

A platform is not housing vs local communities. A platform is not technology and innovation vs jobs and the planet. A platform is not the environment vs prosperity. A platform is not health vs wealth. A platform is not democracy vs action at the speed we need to address the climate and sustainability emergency. A platform is not defence vs public services…

Government and politics can strive toward this platform. Not minimal government. Not dictating lives. But giving individuals and communities everything they need to be free to live their versions of a best life.

* Josh works on climate and sustainability across research, consulting, convening, and advocacy, focusing on systems change and new economics. Josh is a member of the Lib Dem Federal Policy Committee (FPC). He is a former PPC and Cambridge City Councillor with the opposition portfolio for Climate, Environment, and the City Centre.