“We will put the UK at the heart of global efforts to protect our marine environment.”

Our marine environment is in crisis. Programmes like the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 have revealed the scale of the threat.

The world’s beloved marine species like whales and turtles face numerous threats. Plastic pollution, over-fishing, high volumes of shipping traffic, and rising temperatures are but a few.

We must act now to ensure that our global ocean thrives for future generations to enjoy.

Over the next Parliament, we will expand the ‘Blue Belt’ of Marine Protected areas. By 2030, this will cover at least 50% of the UK’s territorial waters. This includes overseas territories.

This policy will ensure better regulation of commercial activities, such as fishing. It will also protect biodiversity in key habitats through effective monitoring.

We will also protect and restore England’s lakes, rivers and wetlands. We will reform water management and introduce higher water efficiency standards. Additionally, plastic pollution is a major threat to the marine environment. To tackle this issue, we will introduce a Zero-Waste and Resource Efficiency Act. This will encourage the transition towards a circular economy in the UK.

We will put the UK at the heart of global efforts to protect our marine environment.

This is at the heart of our plan to build a brighter future.

Our Volunteer Hub has just opened in central London, and we’ve had a great first week. Hundreds of volunteers have come through our doors in the past few days, but there’s always room for more. Here are our top 10 reasons to make the Volunteer Hub your after-work or weekend destination: 

One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. More women are killed or incapacitated by violence against them than by cancer. Every week, two women in England in Wales are killed by a current or former partner.

Faced with these facts it seems almost impossible to imagine the mountain we need to climb to end violence against women. We need to take bold action now to tackle this crisis. This International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I’m proud to set out the Liberal Democrat plan to protect women from violence.

One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

So you’re thinking about volunteering for the Liberal Democrats.

Good choice.

It can seem a bit daunting to come and work with the people you see on the news or on Have I Got News For You.

But take it from me: as someone who volunteered, it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Here’s why.

1. There has never been a more exciting time to volunteer with the Liberal Democrats

#Swelfie

It’s election season, which means that things around here are going supersonic. This election is going to be one of the most important in our lifetimes. Brexit, the economy, and progressive politics are all hanging in the balance.

We have a brilliant, inspiring leader in Jo Swinson, a fantastic array of candidates in seats across the country, and the wind in our sails. We had our best ever results in the local and European Parliamentary elections and we won the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election.

It’s a hugely exciting moment for the party – and you could be a part of it.

2. We are the party that will stop Brexit

‘Nuff Said.

None of this “negotiate again” nonsense from Labour. Not Johnson’s awful Brexit deal.

Just stopping this pointless, damaging Brexit dead in its tracks.

3. Your work is genuinely important

Help Us Fly!

No matter where you volunteer, whether it be out canvassing with your local party, at Lib Dem HQ, or even with one of our MPs, you won’t just be stuck in a filing room.

We are extremely grateful for all of the hard work our volunteers put in, and we are committed to ensuring your time with us is exciting, rewarding, and fun.

4. It opens up a world of opportunities

A Whole New World

When you volunteer with us, you will meet people from all walks of life. Whether in an office or out on the streets, you will get an opportunity to make new friends and even network.

We at the Liberal Democrats are a family, and we love to see people flourish. Volunteering not only looks great on a CV, but there might even be opportunities opened up to you there and then!

Take it from me – I volunteered, and here I am now.

5. Fun for all the family

We are family

Speaking of being a family, the Liberal Democrats are full of funny, inspiring, welcoming people from across the party.

The atmosphere is one of fun, excitement and passion – we are all here because we care deeply about the progressive, liberal politics that the party stands for.

Anyone who shares these values is extremely welcome, and we would love to hear from you.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to stopping Brexit and building a brighter future. If you want to be part of our plan for the future, sign up now!

You can get involved at the amazing new volunteer hub in London by emailing us:

volunteer@libdems.org.uk

Or sign up here to find out about other ways to help across the country:

https://www.libdems.org.uk/volunteer

Time and time again, through his actions and his friends, Boris Johnson has proven himself unfit to be Prime Minister.

Only the Liberal Democrats can stop Boris Johnson.

Only we can win seats from Tory MPs and kick Johnson out of office.

Will you help us do just that by pledging your vote to the Liberal Democrats?