Calling all Independent thinkers … to celebrate The Independent turning 40, we’re launching a competition we’re calling “New Voices” – and we want you to take part.

In order to enter, we want you to take a topic in the news, and write with the intent to change the way we think about it, submitting an opinion piece in the style of our award-winning Voices section.

Prizes (and publication) will go to the best entries that not only stand out from the crowd but which make us think differently. Simply send 600-800 words to newvoices@independent.co.uk

Your article can be funny, fiercely argued, silly, serious, observational, personal or po-faced, spotting a trend no one is talking about or taking the talk of the town somewhere startlingly fresh and original. A good entry will be fresh, fair and forward-thinking, full of strong opinion and independent thought.

Never written before or don’t have experience of prior publication? Great! This is for you. You can be at the start of your career, at the end of it, from any walk of life or background. It’s open to anyone and everyone. We think everyone has a writer in them – you just need the chance to show it.

Entry is free, and articles will be judged solely on the quality of writing and their ability to make us think differently.

• How to enter: Email your 600–800 word piece to newvoices@independent.co.uk by 23:59 GMT on 13 November 2026.

• Who can enter: UK residents aged 18 or over, who have not previously had an opinion column published by a national UK newspaper (print or digital). One entry per person.

• How winners are chosen: Entries are shortlisted by The Independent's Voices editor and judged by a panel of former editors, current editors and experts in non-fiction writing from outside the company, based on originality, quality of writing and strength of argument. The judges' decision is final.

• Prizes: The winner receives a cash prize of £500 plus £5,000 of advertising inventory donated to a UK-registered charity of their choice. Four runners-up each receive £2,500 of advertising inventory donated to a UK-registered charity of their choice.

• Publication: The winning entry may be published in The Independent and you accept our standard contributor terms (independent.co.uk/terms). Please note that entries must be your own original work and not have been published before.

• Promoter: Independent Digital News and Media Limited, Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London, England, EC2A 1AH

• Rules: This competition is run in accordance with The Independent's usual competition rules: independent.co.uk/rules