Spring Conference. Contents. Conference Daily Saturday 14th March Follow us on #LDconf

Transcription

1 Spring Conference Conference Daily Saturday th March 0 Updates to the Conference Agenda & Directory, information from the Federal Conference Committee, timings for conference sessions, amendments, emergency motions and questions to reports; detailed information for Saturday th March and advance information for Sunday th March. Please read in conjunction with the Agenda & Directory. Contents Information update Exhibition update Conference sponsors Saturday th March timetable Conference Daily for Saturday th March Advance notice for Sunday th March Follow us on #LDconf Please keep hold of this Conference Daily throughout conference, and make sure you pick up a copy of Sunday s Conference Daily from the literature collection points in the ACC on Sunday th March. The Agenda & Directory and other conference publications, in PDF, plain text and clear print formats, are available online or ask at the Information Desk in the ACC. Published by the Policy Unit, Liberal Democrats, 0 George Street, London, SWP AE. Design and layout by Mike Cooper, mike@mikecoopermcc.co.uk.

2 Britain trades up to twenty times more with countries with which we have a direct air link, whilst by value 0 per cent of UK trade goes by air. Let Britain Fly is campaigning for politicians of all parties to make a public commitment to build vital new runways in order to build a stronger economy. Britain trades up to twenty times more with countries with which we have a direct air link, whilst by value 0 per cent of UK trade goes by air. The Airports Commission estimates that the cost of airport capacity constraint on UK GDP could amount to as much as billion between 0 and 00. There are over 0 emerging market destinations that are served by daily flights from other European cities but not from London. Paris has almost,000 direct services to China a year, compared to under,000 from London airports. Frankfurt serves destinations in Asia on a weekly basis compared to from London airports. Madrid-Barajas flies direct to destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean, compared to from London airports. The IMF predicts that over the next decade approximately half of all the economic growth in the world will be in the eight largest emerging market countries (including China, Indonesia, Korea, Russia, and Brazil). China could overtake the US as the world s largest economy by 0, according to the letbritainfly.com

3 Information update Delegate Card The ACC Liverpool Delegate Card is available to everyone attending spring conference. It is packed with offers, discounts and privileges across a range of bars, restaurants and hotels throughout Liverpool. You should have received your card with your conference pass, or you can pick one up from the Information Desk or on-site registration. Information Desk Telephone: Please note that the telephone number printed in the Agenda & Directory is incorrect. Ministerial Q&A sessions There will be a series of Ministerial Q&A sessions during conference, where you can ask questions of our Ministers on the issues relating to their responsibilities and their departments. All sessions will take place in Room on the Upper Level in the ACC. Saturday th March.0.0 Health Norman Lamb & Paul Burstow Transport & DCLG Stephen Williams & Susan Kramer.. * Treasury Danny Alexander Sunday th March.0.0 * Pensions Steve Webb * note change of times. Sessions are open to all, but party members will be given priority. Hearing loop provided.

4 Exhibition update Exhibition plan 0 0 GZ GZ CZ CZ CZ CZ CZ CZ CZ GZ 0 (not to scale) Key Exhibition stand Campaign zone Green zone Information point Literature collection point Seating area Phone bank Catering Lift Escalator

5 Exhibitors listed by stand number GZ eco action games GZ The Association for Decentralised Energy Directory of exhibitors GZ sustainability hub GZ John Muir Trust update GZ RSPB GZ The Wildlife Trusts GZ Green Liberal Democrats Liverpool Liberal Democrats Remembering Srebrenica Liberal Democrat History Group 0 Parliamentary Candidates Association Liberal Youth Airport Operators Association Humanist & Secularist Liberal Democrats Liberal Democrat Education Association (LDEA) LGBT+ Liberal Democrats Guide Dogs Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and LGA Liberal Democrats Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats and Lib Dems for Seekers of Sanctuary ALTER 0 Liberal Democrat Christian Forum 0 FaithAction 0 Open Doors UK & Ireland Agents and Organisers Association Prater Raines Foci Websites CentreForum Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform Association of Lib Dem Engineers and Scientists (Aldes) Business Events Bournemouth Tax Dodging Bill Coalition Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association 0 Liberator Social Liberal Forum Liberal Democrat Women The British Association for Shooting and Conservation CZ Liberal Democrats Team 0 CZ CZ CZ CZ CZ CZ Liberal Democrat Image Connect, NationBuilder and Lib Dem Campaigns Teams Evolution Print ONEPOST Printech Europe Limited RISO UK / Midshire Business Systems Galleria: Liverpool Convention Bureau Grant Thornton will not be exhibiting at conference. The following exhibitor is additional to those listed in the Agenda & Directory. Tax Dodging Bill Coalition Every year the UK loses billions of pounds to corporate tax dodging, while developing countries lose an estimated $0Bn a year. We want the next government to introduce a tax dodging bill to #maketaxfair. Conference sponsors Gleeds Established in, Gleeds is a leading global property and construction consultancy. We provide independent and expert advice, working with clients to solve their challenges and realise their ambitions. National Asian Business Association Nationally representing nine British Asian Business Associations to promote the United Kingdom as the best destination for inward investment, trade and encouraging world class enterprise. SITA UK SITA UK is a recycling and resource management company. Our purpose is to protect the environment by putting waste to good use.

6 Saturday th March Timetable for Saturday th March Please note that timings are approximate only. Some items of business may occur earlier than indicated. Conference representatives wishing to speak in any of the debates are requested to fill in and submit a speaker s card as soon as possible F Formal opening of the Federal Conference by Lord Mayor Cllr Erica Kemp CBE F Report: Federal Conference Committee F Report: Federal Policy Committee F Policy motion: Mental Health F Speech: Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP 0.. F Policy motion: Stronger Economy, Fairer Society, Opportunity for Everyone 0.. F Speech: Jo Swinson MP Lunch..0 F Policy motion: Five Green Laws.0.0 F Speech: Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP.0. F0 Q&A session with Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP..00 F Policy motion: A Better Deal for Britain s Workforce.00. F Reports: Parliamentary Parties..00 F Report: Federal Executive F F F Report: Federal Finance and Administration Committee Report: Diversity Engagement Group Report: Campaign for Gender Balance If no page number is indicated next to a session or item of business, there are no changes or additional information to that in the Conference Agenda and Directory. Left luggage A left luggage facility will be available at the Jury s Inn between 0.0 and.00 on Sunday th March. A nominal fee will apply. Conference Bar From on Saturday evening, ACC Liverpool will be hosting the conference bar on the Upper Level, outside the main auditorium. A range of wine, spirits and ales will be available, along with a variety of bar snacks.

7 Saturday th March Additions and updates to the Agenda for Saturday th March. F Q Report of the Federal Conference Committee Submitted by Andrew Hudson Why does the electronic submission procedure for topics for discussion and requests for separate votes require a proposer and seconder to enable submission? F Q Report of the Federal Policy Committee Submitted by Spencer Hagard Will the FPC agree that the scope of its review of the working group process should be comprehensive, not only with a view to increasing inclusiveness, and will it commit to full prior consultation with the Party membership about the review s scope and terms of reference? LIBERAL REFORM FRINGE EVENT BARONESS KISHWER FALKNER TIM FARRON MP BARONESS JULIE SMITH TOM PAPWORTH WHAT SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT STOP DOING? Saturday th March,.-.pm, ACC Room C - You are also invited to join Liberal Reform for drinks after this event With austerity set to continue well into the next parliament, we ask our panel of politicians and economists what big items of spending can be cut altogether in order to protect the budgets that we value most.

8 Saturday th March F Policy motion: Mental Health Aide: Hall Aide: Liz Lynne Cllr Jon Ball The Federal Conference Committee has accepted the following drafting amendments to the motion: 0 0 In A. (line ) after NHS insert: and Local Authority. In D. (line 0) after benefits insert: ; there is also evidence of a strong association between mental illhealth and personal debt. After F. (line ) insert: G. Current First Aid at Work courses do not include mental health first aid. In. (line ) after NHS insert: and local government. In. (line ) after DWP insert:, DCLG. After. a) (line ) insert: b) Compulsory personal, social and health education to include education promoting well-being, education on all the major mental health disorders, and information on how best to act to help those at risk. c) Mental health education to form a key part of training for teaching and care staff in our schools, colleges and universities; and for those institutions to demonstrate clear policies and provision to support the mental health needs of young people in their care. In. f) (line ) after into insert: and remain in. After. g) (line ) insert: h) For local government, with its responsibility for public health, to be seen as a key partner in supporting people who experience mental health problems and in helping tackle the stigma around mental health issues in our local communities. i) Stronger regulation of creditor practices and behaviours towards debtors with mental health problems and improved support for money, debt and welfare advice alongside financial education and capability programmes.. The families and carers of those experiencing mental health crises or with enduring mental health conditions to be supplied with appropriate information, advice, and support. Where peer support groups are not available, government to work with the third sector to create provision.. To consult with external bodies on the content of, and how best to include training in, Mental Health First Aid, with a view to incorporating elements of Mental Health First Aid into existing First Aid at Work courses.

9 Saturday th March Amendment One LGBT+ Liberal Democrats Mover: Dave Page Summation: Sarah Brown After F. (line ) insert: G. LGBT+ people especially transgender and gender-non-conforming people are at a higher risk than the general public of mental health issues, and that some licensed therapists regrettably exploit them by offering unethical and harmful therapies aimed at changing their sexual or gender identity. After vi) (line ) insert: vii) Working with NHS England to develop the Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy. After. g) (line ) insert: h) Monitor the impact of the Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy and expand it to cover transgender and gender-non-conforming people. Amendment Two Liberal Youth Mover: Summation: Alexandra White Ryan Mercer 0 After A. (line ) insert: B. One in ten year olds have a diagnosable mental health problem according to the Office of National Statistics. Delete iv) (lines ) and insert: iv) Publishing the Mental Health Strategy No health without mental health which prioritises early intervention and support for children and young people and providing 0m investment to improve support for young people with eating disorders. After. g) (line ) insert: h) A combined strategy between the Department of Health, Department for Education and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to help Schools and Universities more effectively provide support for the mental health of pupils and students. i) Better support for family members, especially children, of those with mental health problems and learning disabilities to help them cope with the extra stresses in their home environment. Background briefing This motion further develops mental health policy as outlined in the pre-manifesto policy paper, Stronger Economy, Fairer Society (0) and policy motion Equality and Fairness in Mental Health Provision (September 00). This motion in particular sets out our whole life approach and how this will be achieved.

10 Saturday th March F Policy motion: Stronger Economy, Fairer Society, Opportunity for Everyone The Federal Conference Committee has accepted the following drafting amendments to the motion: 0 In i) (line ), after gender identity insert, religion, belief. After. f) (line ) insert: g) Giving legal recognition to humanist wedding ceremonies. After. f) (line ) insert: g) Combating the growing inequality of income and wealth in our society, shifting the overall burden of taxation from jobs and wealth creation by: I) Reforming Business Rates with a site-value-only levy. II) Tasking Land Registry with registering the ownership of all land in England and Wales. III) Working towards a form of Land Value Tax which would progressively replace other property taxes. Amendment One Central Bedfordshire and conference representatives Mover: Stephen Kearney Summation: James Sandbach After. f) (line ) insert: g) Ensuring that measures to support people with disabilities include a replacement for the Independent Living Fund in line with our declared objective to enable everyone to get on in life. Amendment Two Tatton, Shipley & Keighley, Stockton, NW Hampshire, Sutton and conference representatives Mover: Mark Pack Summation: Jayne McCoy In. a) (line ) after national income insert: ; we will use taxes on the wealthiest, on banks and big business, and on polluters, and we will bear down on tax avoidance and tax evasion, to limit the impact of deficit reduction on public services. After. a) (line ) insert: b) Protecting the poorest and most vulnerable in society by limiting savings in the welfare budget and, once the deficit has been cleared, uprating welfare benefits in line with inflation again. Amendment Three 0 conference representatives Mover: Dr Julian Huppert MP Summation: Thomas Brennan 0

11 Saturday th March After. c) (line ) insert: d) Extending the regulatory regime for DNA and fingerprint records in the Protection of Freedoms Act to cover all biometric data and biometric-equivalent unique individual identifiers, such as facial images, facial and gait recognition software, and similar records, databases, and processes. e) A moratorium on the creation of any new government databases of our citizens, the processing of such databases, or the application of new technologies, techniques, or processes to such databases, without prior Parliamentary scrutiny and approval. Background briefing The motion sets out key themes for the general election manifesto. It reaffirms core policies on balancing the cyclically adjusted current budget by 0/, cutting income tax by 00 for lower earners, protecting education funding from nursery to, guaranteeing equal care and waiting times for mental health by meeting the financial needs of the NHS and introducing Five Green Laws. It builds on the pre-manifesto policy paper, Stronger Economy, Fairer Society (0). F Aide: F Speech: Jo Swinson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, and Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs Cllr Jon Ball Policy motion: Five Green Laws The Federal Conference Committee has accepted the following drafting amendments to the motion: Delete. (line ) and insert:. A Nature Act, with measures to conserve nature and provide access to it, including: In. (line ) after to delete reduce and insert: reduce harmful impacts of transport including. After. e) (line ) insert: f) Actively promote cycling and walking in order to improve health and air quality significantly. in. b) (line 0) delete kwh and insert kwh. In. b) (line ) delete 0 and insert 0. Amendment One conference representatives Mover: Duncan Brack After i) (line ) insert: ii) The creation of the world s first Green Investment Bank.

12 Saturday th March 0 Before I. (line ) insert: I. Investment in low-carbon and resource-efficient technologies and infrastructure must lie at the heart of Britain s industrial strategy, helping to secure jobs, exports and long-term prosperity. Delete. (line ) and insert:. A Resource Efficiency and Zero Waste Britain Act, to help create a circular economy and minimise waste, by: After. (line ) insert: a) Tasking the Natural Capital Committee with identifying the key resources being used unsustainably and recommending legally binding targets for reducing their net consumption. b) Using smart regulation and public procurement to support circular economy models, including promoting design that enhances repairability, reuse and recyclability, and requiring specified products to be sold with parts and labour guarantees for at least five years to ensure people benefit from products which are made to last. Delete. e) (lines 0) and after. f) (line ) insert: g) Creating an Office of Resource Management, working across Defra, DCLG and BIS to ensure that government actions support these aims for resource efficiency and waste minimisation without placing excessive burdens on individuals or businesses. Amendment Two conference representatives Mover: Neil Stockley After. d) (line 0) add: e) Treating upgrading the energy performance of housing stock as a priority, high-added-value national infrastructure investment, to be designated as capital expenditure. f) Adopting a comprehensive strategy to tackle fuel poverty in the social housing and privately rented sectors with, as a first step, a commitment to bring all fuel-poor homes to Energy Performance Certificate Band C or above by 0. Background briefing This motion further develops the Five Green Laws outlined in the pre-manifesto policy paper, Stronger Economy, Fairer Society (0). It builds on existing policy set out in policy paper 0, Green Growth and Green Jobs (0), policy paper 0, Sustainable Prosperity and Jobs (0) and policy motions The Greenest Government Ever (0) and A Green Stimulus for Economic Recovery (0). F Speech: Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Aide: Hall Aide: Cllr Paul Tilsley CBE Sandra Gidley

13 Saturday th March F Policy motion: A Better Deal for Britain s Workforce Summation: Rt Hon Simon Hughes MP Amendment One Barrow & Furness Mover: Andrew Hudson Summation: Clive Peaple After. (line ) insert:. Support a rigorous review of the effects of employment tribunal fees to determine whether there have been unwanted consequences and to ensure no one has been deterred from legitimate access to justice.. Conduct a review of the effects of benefit sanctions on sick and disabled people. Amendment Two Liberal Youth Mover: Summation: Emily Tester Ryan Mercer Delete. (ines ) and insert:. Review the remit of the Low Pay Commission, further strengthen the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage, and clamp down on abuses by employers seeking to avoid paying the minimum wage, by reviewing practices such as unpaid internships. Background briefing This motion develops policy in support of workers rights and trade unions. Key proposals include defending the check off method for trade union subscription and making sure the law enables unions to represent their members effectively. It builds on policy on the National Minimum Wage in policy paper 0, A Balanced Working Life (0). The last full statement of policy on this area was policy paper 0, Rights and Responsibilities At Work (00). F Q Reports of the Parliamentary Parties Submitted by Andrew Hudson Why did the Liberal Democrat ministers support a % rise in political parties allotted general election expenditure against the recommendations of the electoral commission? Q Submitted by Andrew Hudson Why did the Liberal Democrat members of the committee considering the modern slavery bill oppose enabling extension of the remit of the Gangmaster Licensing Authority? Q Submitted by Gordon Lishman What will happen if the Parliamentary Party in the Commons agree to support a government which contains other

14 Saturday th March political parties and a Special Conference then expresses the opinion that it supports the agreement, but with a majority between 0% and two-thirds? Q Submitted by Suzanne Fletcher We are proud of achievements of this Government in the last year in areas such as the modern slavery bill, and the positive impact it will have on victims. Also the way that FGM issues have been highlighted and pursued. However we are concerned that protection of, and rights of, women and girls who have suffered from FGM or are justifiably fearful of it, are not being taken as much note of if those women and girls have sought sanctuary in this country. A culture of disbelief by the Home Office means that many women and children, presently living in the UK, are still in danger of FGM. What steps are the Liberal Democrats in Government taking to change this culture and give these women and girls the protection that they need? Q Submitted by Suzanne Fletcher I congratulate Sarah Teather MP who chaired the APPG into the use of Immigration Detention in the UK, and thank Julian Huppert MP and Baroness Sally Hamwee who also were part of the group. An excellent report has been produced that has been widely acclaimed by many organisations working in the asylum and refugee field. What steps will the parliamentary party take to ensure that the implementation of the recommendation of the Inquiry into the Use of the Immigration Detention in the United Kingdom that no one should be detained for more than twenty eight days is implemented in the first year of the next parliament. F Q Report of the Federal Executive Submitted by Sarah Noble Does Article of the Federal Constitution Support for a government which contains other political parties apply to Supply and Confidence agreements, and will the Federal Executive submit a constitutional amendment that clarifies this matter for the next Federal Conference? Q Submitted by Spencer Hagard Will the FE agree to i) full prior consultation with the Party membership about the terms of reference and process for the governance review and ii) provide a progress report about the review to Autumn 0 Conference and hold a consultative session about it in Bournemouth? Q Submitted by Suzanne Fletcher Why has the Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary been missed off the list of Associated Organisations to be given a link person with the Federal Executive? Q Submitted by Gordon Lishman What will happen if the Parliamentary Party in the Commons agree to support a government which contains other political parties and a Special Conference then expresses the opinion that it supports the agreement, but with a majority between 0% and two-thirds. Q Submitted by Suzanne Fletcher What steps in the party taking to provide rebuttals for party activists to use when challenged by untrue allegations about our policies or actions?

15 Sunday th March Advance notice for Sunday th March. F Emergency motion or topical issue discussion The Federal Conference Committee has decided to schedule an emergency motion as well as a topical issue discussion. FA Emergency motion: Leaders Debates conference representatives 0 Conference notes that: i) Approximately 0m people watched the first debate in 00. ii) There has so far been a failure to reach agreement between the broadcasters and political parties for a model for debates for the 0 General Election. iii) That David Cameron has refused the most recent proposal from the broadcasters. iv) That Ed Miliband has refused a challenge to meet Nick Clegg head to head in a debate. Conference believes that: a) Broadcast debates between party leaders encourages public participation and engagement in the democratic process. b) The political parties should avoid narrow party interest and act in good faith in order to facilitate such debates in the wider public interest. Conference calls for:. All invited party leaders to participate in the planned debates for the 0 General Election.. After the 0 General Election broadcasters to formalise the process for debates in General Elections, ensuring they happen and setting a clear threshold for those eligible to participate. FB Topical issue: The Detention of Women in Immigration Centres Introduction: Summation: Jack Davies Dr Julian Huppert MP (Vice Chair, Federal Policy Committee) Introduction: minutes; summation: minutes; other speakers: minutes. F Mover: Policy motion: Freedom of Expression in Europe and Beyond Maajid Nawaz The Federal Conference Committeee has accepted the following drafting amendments: In line, delete Islamophobia and insert anti-muslim hate. Delete F. and G. (lines 0) and insert: F. There is a difference between hateful words or conduct directed against believers as people and words or conduct that amount merely to sacrilege, blasphemy or apostasy in the eyes of others and

16 Sunday th March 0 that freedom of expression and freedom of belief in a democratic and free society requires blasphemy, sacrilege and apostasy to be unfettered. G. The attacks were in no way a true reflection of mainstream Islamic beliefs and that it is unacceptable to seek to hold Muslims or islam in general in anyway responsible for these criminal acts. In line, after Rights insert (ECHR), and after Strasbourg delete Courts and insert Court. In line, delete European Convention on Human Rights and insert ECHR. After c) (line ) insert: d) Forcing the Conservatives to climb down over the need to protect whistleblowers by ensuring judicial oversight of police data requests for journalists sources. In. (line ) after blasphemy insert and apostasy. Amendment One conference representatives Mover: Elizabeth Jewkes Summation: Claire Mathys After G. (line 0) insert: H. Everyone should have the right to practise a religion, or no religion and that everyone has the right to change their religion if they wish. After. (line ) add:. Progress with the abolition or repeal of laws anywhere in the world which interfere with a person s right to choose, practice or change their religion, or to have no religion. There will be a separate vote on the words from and for in line to the end of line. Internet access The ACC offers free, unsupported Wi-Fi across all areas of the venue. To access the Wi-Fi: Go to your internet settings and select the network Free_Wi-Fi. This will take you to the ACC s landing page. Click the free access button. You should now be connected to the internet. Delegate Card The ACC Liverpool Delegate Card is available to everyone attending spring conference. It is packed with offers, discounts and privileges across a range of bars, restaurants and hotels throughout Liverpool. You should have received your card with your conference pass, or you can pick one up from the Information Desk or on-site registration.