Our programme
Past events
A record of the Circle's In Conversation evenings, panel discussions, fireside chats and dinners — and the MPs, peers and guests who have joined us at the National Liberal Club.
2026–27 season
28 September 2026
David Howarth on Being Liberal
The former Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge and Professor of Law and Public Policy at Cambridge introduces his book "Being Liberal", exploring what makes the British Liberal disposition distinctive.
15 September 2026
In Conversation with Claire Young MP
with Earl Russell
The MP for Thornbury and Yate and former Leader of South Gloucestershire Council in conversation with Earl Russell, Lords Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change.
2025–26 season
14 July 2026
In Conversation with Steve Darling MP
The MP for Torbay and Spokesperson for Work and Pensions on welfare, the cost of living and standing up for communities.
23 June 2026
In Conversation with Mike Martin MP
The MP for Tunbridge Wells, the first Liberal Democrat elected in Kent and a member of the Defence Select Committee, closed the spring programme with a discussion on defence and national security.
19 May 2026
In Conversation with Josh Reynolds MP
with Luisa Porritt
The MP for Maidenhead joined former MEP and Camden councillor Luisa Porritt for a conversation on political renewal and community engagement. A near-capacity room, with eighteen guests staying for dinner.
21 April 2026
In Conversation with Helen Maguire MP
The MP for Epsom and Ewell and Spokesperson for Primary Care and Cancer, a former Captain in the Royal Military Police, on health policy and public service reform.
14 April 2026
Panel Discussion: Combating Illicit Finance
Chaired by Edward Lucas (The Times)
Timed ahead of the UK's International Illicit Finance Summit, this panel examined transparency in financial systems, property ownership and international cooperation, with Transparency International UK, Spotlight on Corruption and the APPG on Anti-Corruption and Responsible Tax.
17 March 2026
In Conversation with Pippa Heylings MP
The Spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero and MP for South Cambridgeshire on energy security, climate policy and community resilience.
17 February 2026
In Conversation with Gideon Amos OBE MP
The MP for Taunton and Wellington and Spokesperson for Housing and Communities on housing policy, planning reform and community-led development.
3 February 2026
Talk & Book Signing: John Howson, with Councillor Prue Bray
with Councillor Prue Bray
John Howson drew on his book "Teachers, Schools and Views on Education" to reflect on long-term trends in education policy and local government.
20 January 2026
In Conversation with Monica Harding MP
with Lord Purvis of Tweed
The MP for Esher and Walton and Spokesperson for International Development in conversation with the Liberal Democrat Leader in the Lords. Held to meet exceptional demand, and a strong fundraiser for the Circle.
15 November 2025
Fireside Chat: Councillor Carl Cashman
Chaired by Luke Hard
The Circle's first fireside chat, with the Leader of the Liverpool Liberal Democrats on engaging younger voters and local campaigning.
1 November 2025
In Conversation with Charlie Maynard MP
Economic reform, accountability and the application of liberal principles to national policymaking.
Duncan Hames, former Liberal Democrat MP 15 October 2025
Panel Discussion: Democracy at Risk?
Chaired by Edward Lucas (The Times)
A panel on corruption in the UK, cash-for-access, foreign influence and the resilience of democratic institutions.
1 October 2025
In Conversation with Luke Taylor MP
London-wide policy challenges, parliamentary priorities and campaigning in urban constituencies.
1 September 2025
In Conversation with Bobby Dean MP
The autumn programme opened with one of the Liberal Democrat MPs elected in 2024, ranging across tax reform, corporate governance and political polarisation.
2024–25 season
1 July 2025
In Conversation with Lisa Smart MP
An evening In Conversation with the MP for Hazel Grove.
3 June 2025
In Conversation with James MacCleary MP and Irina von Wiese
Chaired by Robert Orchard
The MP for Lewes and the former Member of the European Parliament Irina von Wiese, in conversation.
13 May 2025
In Conversation with Josh Babarinde MP and Paul Hunt
with Paul Hunt
The MP for Eastbourne in conversation with Paul Hunt.
29 April 2025
In Conversation with Will Forster MP
Chaired by Karyn Rihatsek
An evening In Conversation with the MP for Woking.
4 March 2025
In Conversation with Zöe Franklin MP
Chaired by Janet Berridge
An evening In Conversation with the MP for Guildford.
18 February 2025
In Conversation with Sarah Olney MP
Chaired by Jamie Sharpley
An evening In Conversation with the MP for Richmond Park.
7 January 2025
In Conversation with Sarah Dyke MP
Chaired by Noel Hadjimichael
An evening In Conversation with the MP for Glastonbury and Somerton.
5 November 2024
In Conversation with Alistair Carmichael MP
An evening In Conversation with the MP for Orkney and Shetland.
1 October 2024
In Conversation with Richard Foord MP
An evening In Conversation with the MP for Honiton and Sidmouth.
24 September 2024
Curry Night Fundraiser with Josh Babarinde MP and York Membery
A hors série fundraising evening for the Orpington Fund, with the MP for Eastbourne and the journalist York Membery.
2023–24 season
14 May 2024
In Conversation with Munira Wilson MP and Baroness Kramer
with Baroness Kramer
The MP for Twickenham joined Susan Kramer, Baroness Kramer, for a conversation spanning Parliament and public policy.
16 January 2024
In Conversation with Baroness Garden of Frognal
An evening In Conversation with the Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Garden of Frognal.