A national competition to find the most thoughtful and inspiring poem about Europe. The theme is ‘A Poem for Europe’.

The nation has been watching the shambles our politicians have made of the Brexit negotiations. Ordinary UK and European citizens may have felt powerless to affect the outcome so this competition offers the chance to respond creatively. Entrants are invited to share their emotions about Europe and its future by writing a poem (maximum length of 32 lines) expressing them. Shortlisted poems will be published online and in print too. Entrants have the chance to receive cash prizes if they win the competition.

The draft criteria include originality and imagination, technical skill, clarity in whatever message entrants wish to express and avoidance of political recriminations. The judging will be politically neutral – it is the quality of the poem that counts.