Things I think our party should be really pushing for, especially given the number of MPs we now have in Parliament:

1. Sorting out the major problems in the NHS. More NHS dentists, more specialist cancer centres, and get waiting list to start chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (and surgical operations to remove tumours) right down (I know our official policy is a 62 day target, I think this is good, let's push the government on this );

2. Rejoining the single market...now , not several years down the line or as the final part of a longer process - but right now or as soon as possible (yes, fully, so that we have freedom of movement between the UK and EU);

3. Decriminalisation of cannabis - recreational use should be permitted, not only medical use. As liberals, we of course draw from the 'harm principle' - as long as you're not hurting anyone else through using, whether you use drugs or not should not be anyone else's business (certainly not the state's !). It should be regulated and legislation should ensure a minimum age restriction of, say, 18.

In my view, it should (ideally) be available in smokeless form only (so gummies and cakes would be legal, but not joints;....as we do want a smoke-free future);

4. Assisted dying: let's back the bill that is currently going through the Lords. I know this is a matter of conscience, but I think anyone who is truly liberal or progressive should get behind this. The best palliative care in the world doesn't always alleviate the physical pain associated with the dying process and the body shutting down. Terminally ill people should have the choice as to whether or not they die before they reach the point that they are in constant agony;

5. Put pressure on the government to do all they can for free trade with Trump's America, and try to maintain good relations with the US, EU and wider world. As liberals, we are internationalist in outlook and believe passionately in global cooperation and keeping peace between nations. Tariffs are awful, and at the heart of the economic side of liberalism is free (global) trade, free market capitalism, and a belief that the globalised economy and increasingly interconnected world is a good, not bad, thing. Globalisation and free trade are fundamental to our liberal tradition and philosophy.

The algorithm on Instagram decided I might be interested in this and on a whim I’ve booked to go, sharing here in case others may be interested. The event description reads:

“Join us for a dynamic bookfair celebrating the radical enlightenment liberalism tradition. Alongside the stalls, we will host engaging speaker sessions on stage, discussing key topics such as free-market environmentalism, housing reform, and the historical fight against protectionist policies like the Corn Laws. Speakers will provide insights into these themes from both historical and contemporary perspectives, giving attendees a deeper understanding of how these ideas influence today's policies and reforms.”

Free tickets on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/radical-liberal-bookfair-london-tickets-1078004272799?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYhpjGt63uiAX21qxIuHdM60u6j4mrd_qG9sHQUvuX1wj8q0Q4aoNDMTCE_aem_n5VgLhDfQQtD6avNVrEKcw

10 essential works that every liberal should have on their bookcase:

1) The Wealth of Nations - Adam Smith. This is the classic that laid the groundwork for understanding free markets and economic freedom.

2) On Liberty - John Stuart Mill. Essential reading on personal freedom and the "harm principle"; a core tenet of liberal thought regarding individual autonomy and state power.

3) The Road to Serfdom - Friedrich Hayek. Why economic freedom is necessary to prevent authoritarianism; essential reading for economic liberals.

4) A Theory of Justice - John Rawls. Introduces the concept of "justice as fairness" and offers a liberal framework for addressing social justice and equality.

5) Development as Freedom - Amartya Sen. This broadens liberalism to include freedom as an end goal, linking economic and personal freedom to well-being and development.

6) Four Essays on Liberty - Isaiah Berlin. Explores "positive" and "negative" liberty, helping to understand the nuances of freedom and individual rights in society.

7) Anarchy, State, and Utopia - Robert Nozick. A perspective arguing for a minimal state, balancing individual rights with a restrained government role.

8) The Quest for Cosmic Justice - Thomas Sewell. This work will make those of us who consider ourselves liberals, to realise whether we truly are in fact liberals, or are really social democrats. It is a critique of modern social justice efforts, arguing for equality of opportunity rather than outcome.

9) In Defense of Globalisation - Jagdish Bhagwati. A defense of free global trade (seems appropriate right now with the re-election of "Tariff Man" to the US Presidency!); explaining how globalisation can foster prosperity, reduce poverty, and support liberal values internationally.

10) *The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy * - William Julius Wilson. Examines the impact of economic shifts on urban poverty and advocates for targeted public policies to address inequality, all whilst remaining within a framework of liberal, market-based solutions.

Given the unfortunate rise to the top of populism, it naturally makes it harder for more liberal parties. Is there a way to make liberalism at least come across as populist for the purposes of elections? Is this something we should explore?

Hi there, just curious how exactly the Lib Dems position is on prisons.