Spring Conference, with Great Features Such As My Schedule (The Easiest Way to Plan Your Conference) and a Searchable Fringe Guide and Agenda

AGENDA AND DIRECTORY

DEMAND BETTER SpringDEMAND Conference BETTER

13-15 MARCH 2020 I YORK

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Launching alongside existing LNER trains. Contents

Welcome to the Agenda & Feature 2–3 Directory for the Liberal Welcome to York Democrat Spring 2020 federal from Ed Davey and Mark Pack 2 conference. Conference information 4–14 Conference venue Conference hotel plans 9 York Barbican Conference venue plan 14 Paragon Street Exhibition: 15–20 York YO10 4AH List of exhibitors 15 The conference venue will open at Directory of exhibitors 16 16.30 on Friday 13 March. Fringe & training guide: 23–37 Conference hotel Fringe venues and key 23 Novotel York Friday fringe 24 Fishergate Saturday fringe 26 York YO10 4FD Training & Skills Programme 31

Official fringe venue Agenda: 39–57 Agenda index and timetable 39 Hilton York Friday 13 March 40 1 Tower Street York YO1 9WD Saturday 14 March 41 Sunday 15 March 53 Further information, registration Autumn 2020 conference and conference timetable 57 publications (including plain text and clear print Standing orders 58–69 versions) are available at: Federal Party 69 www.libdems.org.uk/springconference Map of York City Centre back cover

ISBN 978-1-910763-77-3

Edited and published by: The Conference Office, Printed by Park Communications Ltd, Liberal Democrats, 8–10 Great George Street, Alpine Way, London E6 6LA. London SW1P 3AE. Photographs © Liberal Democrats Design and layout by Mike Cooper, unless stated. [email protected].

SPRING Conference 2020 1 proposal that weakens our nation’s that weakens our proposal climate the world’s role in fighting us safe from crisis or keeping gangs and international crime We know we can global terrorism. safer with keep the British people with our full-on co-operation European and international partners. was a huge The last election with no bigger disappointment – Jo was always loss than Jo Swinson. a huge part of the parliamentary team and we have lost an important friend and colleague from our Commons ranks. It takes huge courage to lead a political party, especially at a time when the nation is facing the uncertainty and damage of Brexit. In leading our party through that time Jo stood up passionately for what we believe in and did not shy away from taking action to try and stop Brexit. And we thank Jo. Looking to the future, we must not be afraid to reflect, to challenge ourselves and to learn lessons from the last three disappointing elections. It’s why an independent elections review has already started work. The review must be something every member should play a part in. From the preliminary all- AGENDA AND Directory

2 With our sights firmly fixed on the With our sights firmly across the upcoming local elections venue for our country, it is a fitting and the gearing Spring Conference campaign. up of our local election when our We meet at a time deeply uncertain. nation’s future is We know that our relationship with the European Union will now change but we still do not know the details of what our ongoing relationship will look like. One thing is certain we cannot let the nature of that relationship be set solely on the whim of Boris Jacob Rees- and the likes of Johnson Mogg. We have to fight for our pro-internationalist, pro-trade and pro-environment beliefs, in a If Europe that maximises freedom. we don’t do it, nobody else will. We must not stand back and concede our liberal values and our liberal beliefs, to the authoritarian populist right. So over the next few months, every Liberal Democrat Parliamentarian will play their part to scrutinise the Government’s Brexit experiment. We will challenge and oppose any Welcome to York, a Liberal to York, a Liberal Welcome a led city with Democrat local tradition of a strong government presence. from Ed Davey and Mark Pack and Ed Davey from Welcome to York to Welcome

Feature Democrats Acting Co-Leader oftheLiberal Rt HonSirEd Davey, electric chargingnetworkandset carbon homes,constructarapid a ‘NorthernForest’,deliverzero- investing significantlytohelpcreate tackle theclimateemergencyby Democrats aretakingactionto In placeslikeYork,Liberal environment andclimatechange. more importantthanever–likethe success inthepast–andwhichare themes wherewe’vehadsuch And togetherwecancampaignon May. lessons intothelocalelectionsin electoral successandtakethose with theirstrongLiberalDemocrat must alsolearnfromlocalteams come in–thankyou!Theparty over 20,000replieshavealready member surveybeforeChristmas, SPRING Confe rence 2020 of theLiberal Democrats President and ActingCo-Leader Mark Pack, on thecampaigntrail! We lookforwardtoseeingyouout beyond. Let’s dothatforthisMayand Democrat valuesintechnicolour. passion, wecanpaintourLiberal economic realismtoenvironmental more caringsocialpolicies,from country. Frompoliticalreformto committed toradicalchangeinour to bereckonedwith–andaparty Liberal Democratsremainaforce councillors, wecanshowthat With moreLiberalDemocrat change toourcommunities. Democrat councillorstobring Zone. That’srealactionfromLiberal up theUK’sfirstvoluntaryCleanAir 3

Feature Conference information

If you have any questions at session will ensure wheelchair conference, please ask a steward or users are called in plenty of time Information go to the Information Desk in the to access the stage. foyer of York Barbican. l An induction loop system, which Be aware that flash photography is can be linked to hearing aids. frequently used in the auditorium. l Sign language interpretation Please ensure that all mobile during all auditorium sessions; a phones are on silent before number of seats are reserved for entering the auditorium. attendees using this service, at Please note that access to York the front of the auditorium to Barbican is only possible with a the left of the stage. valid conference photo pass. l Reserved seats at the front of the auditorium for those who would Accessibility benefit from being closer to the stage due to a visual impairment. If you need assistance at the venue, please contact the Information Mobility aids Desk in the foyer of York Barbican, where our dedicated access The Liberal Democrats have a steward will be on hand to help. limited number of electric scooters available for use around the If you need assistance or conference venue; they need to be information in advance, contact the returned each evening for charging. Conference Office on: To request the use of an electric [email protected] scooter please email the Conference Office prior to Auditorium facilities conference: l A wheelchair ramp at the side of [email protected] the stage; the chair of the Conference Access Fund We have established a Conference Access Fund to improve accessibility for members attending conference. The fund consists of a contribution from the conference budget as well as donations from Party members. Contributions made by members are ring-fenced; where applicable,

4 AGENDA AND Directory Conference information unused donations will be carried Coffee, tea, water – refills over to the next conference. As part of the party’s green policy: For details see: l Please bring your own water www.libdems.org.uk/access-fund bottle; free refills will be available in York Barbican. Accommodation l Please bring your own reusable Information Accommodation can be booked via coffee cups for use within York our local partner, Visit York: Barbican. tel: 01904 550080 Conference Extra and Daily Conference attendees are welcome to stay in York with a local party Conference Extra is published member, for a low-cost donation to ahead of conference and local party funds (cost dependent Conference Daily each day at on type of accommodation). conference, containing updates to the agenda including changes to For more information, email Aileen: timings, amendments, topical [email protected] issues, emergency motions and questions to reports, available via the Conference App and at: ATM www.libdems.org.uk/ Please note there is no ATM facility conference_papers inside York Barbican, and bars and catering outlets in the venue are Limited hard copies of Conference unable to provide cashback. Daily will be available each morning from the Information Desk and of There is an ATM in the nearby Conference Extra from the Riso/ Co-op store which is free to use. Midshire stand in the exhibition. Be green – Go paperless! Cloakroom York Barbican does not have a Distribution of literature cloakroom; however rails will be available for attendees to leave Distribution of literature is not coats at their own risk. Please do allowed inside or directly outside not leave bags unattended at any York Barbican. point within the venue. Excessive distribution of Under no circumstances will any promotional literature is not in line large bags or suitcases be allowed with the party’s environmental into York Barbican. policies.

SPRING Conference 2020 5 Conference information Anyone attempting to bring a large Information Desk number of fliers into York Barbican may be prohibited from entering The Information Desk is located in Information and a dilapidation charge will be the main foyer of York Barbican levied against any organisation or and is open as follows: individual responsible for ‘fly- Friday 13 March 16.30–18.30 posting’. Saturday 14 March 08.30–18.30 Sunday 15 March 08.30–13.30 Federal Board helpdesk You can contact the Information The Federal Board (FB) helpdesk is Desk by email: situated by the Information Desk in conferenceinformation@ the foyer of York Barbican. libdems.org.uk Members of the FB will be available to have strategic conversations with members at the following times: Internet access Saturday 14 March 10.30–12.30 Free wifi is available in York Saturday 14 March 14.00–16.00 Barbican, the Novotel and Hilton. Sunday 15 March 10.30–12.30 Barbican Network: Barbican Free Wi-Fi. Federal Conference No password is required.

Committee helpdesk Novotel Members of the Federal Network: Novotel. Conference Committee (FCC) will be No password is required. available to give advice at the Select complimentary wifi, enter Information Desk at the following your email address, tick to accept times: terms and click on connect.

Friday 13 March 17.00–18.00 Hilton Saturday 14 March 09.00–10.30 As the password changes daily, Saturday 14 March 14.00–16.00 please check with the front desk.

First Aid Left luggage In the event of needing First Aid, On Sunday 15 March please store please speak to a conference your luggage at your hotel after steward or go to the Information checkout. Desk. The stewards will arrange for First Aiders to attend and/or Alternatively, there will be a secure, request a paramedic. complimentary luggage service at the Novotel in Meeting Rooms 5 6 AGENDA AND Directory Conference information and 6; there will be a charitable box at York Barbican are either if you wish to donate to one of the degradable or reusable and all of hotel’s chosen charities. the plastics are recyclable.

Live stream Registration on-site In case you miss any sessions or On-site registration is located in the

want to watch again, the Box Office of York Barbican and is Information conference will be streamed live at: open at the following times: www.youtube.com/libdems Friday 13 March 16.30–18.30 Saturday 14 March 08.30–17.30 Lost property Sunday 15 March 08.45–11.00 At busy times you may experience Any lost property should be handed queues at on-site registration and in to the Information Desk in the we urge all those wishing to attend foyer of York Barbican. conference to pre-register via:

Q&A sessions www.libdems.org.uk/conference There will be a series of Q&A Security and safety sessions during conference where you can ask questions of our Access to York Barbican is possible spokespeople. All sessions take only with a valid conference photo place in York Barbican, Lendal pass worn with the official lanyard. Room. See Conference Extra and Conference photo passes must be Conference Daily for details. worn visibly at all times within the secure zone. Anyone found in the Quiet room secure zone without a valid pass will be escorted from the venue. Unfortunately, due to venue restrictions we are unable to Attendees will be subject to provide a quiet room at this event. compulsory bag searches at the Apologies for any inconvenience entrance. To ensure you can access this may cause. the venue as quickly as possible please only bring essential items Recycling facilities with you into the conference venue. Please allow time for queuing Recycling facilities are available during key times – particularly after throughout York Barbican – please lunch and ahead of popular events. make use of the collection bins. All Under no circumstances will any of the straws, cutlery and crockery large bags or suitcases be allowed

SPRING Conference 2020 7 Conference information into the secure zone. Any bag left Local taxi unattended will be brought to the If you need to book a local taxi in attention of the police and may be Information York, please call Streamline Taxis, removed and/or destroyed. tel: 01904 656565

Transport and travel Parking York Barbican is approximately 20 The nearest car park is Q Park on minutes walk (1 mile) from York Kent Street (YO10 4AH), just behind train station, 4 minutes (0.2 miles) York Barbican. from the Novotel and 8 minutes (0.4 miles) from the Hilton. Q Park has 5 dedicated disabled parking spaces. Please note, these Train travel to conference are not blue badge parking – for information on blue badge parking Discounted travel to conference via in York visit: LNER is available via: http://bit.ly/1nMYIZu www.libdems.org.uk/travel_ discounted_train_tickets

Novotel York Centre Fishergate, Fewster Way, York, YO10 4FD Tel: 01904 611660– Fax: 01904 610925 – Email: [email protected]

Newly refurbished Novotel York is a five minute walk from the Barbican where the main event is being held so an ideal place to meet for refreshments.

Restaurant Opening Times Breakfast: 7.00am-11.00am Lunch: 12.30pm-2.00pm Dinner: 6.00pm-10.00pm

Bar The Gourmet bar is a great place to meet for drinks including local beers, ales and spirits

Grab and Go Tea or coffee takeaway £2.00 Tea, coffee & choice of pastry £3.00 Crispy bacon baps £3.50 Sandwich & crisps £5.00

8 AGENDA AND Directory Conference hotel plans Plan of Novotel York

Meeting Meeting Room Room 5 6 Riverside Gourmet Bar Suite Restaurant Lounge L Information Reception

Kitchen Bar Office Fishergate Suite ➔ Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting Main Room Room Room Room entrance 4 3 2 1

Key Plan of Hilton York L Lift Stairs Micklegate Room Conservatory Toilets

Access routes shown are Terrace Bootham fully accessible. Room (Not to scale.) Terrace Walmgate Room Minster Room

Rose Within

L the Walls L ➔ CASTLEGATE Bar Entrance

Towers

Reception Towers Lounge Restaurant Office Bar ➔ Main Entrance TOWER STREET

SPRING Conference 2020 9 Debates and votes at conference Debates on policy and business Interventions: concise (one minute) motions are at the heart of speeches made from the intervention Information federal conference. It is microphone(s) on the floor of the through them that the party auditorium, during debates where it sets its policy and future is indicated in the Agenda. direction. Unlike in other Amendments: all motions except parties, Liberal Democrat emergency motions are open to members are sovereign, and amendment; amendments accepted what they decide really matters. will be printed in Conference Daily. The structure of debate on Voting: decisions on most motions policy and business motions: and all amendments and separate Proposer of the motion votes are by simple majority of those speaks voting (2/3 majority for constitutional amendments). To vote, voting V members must show their voting Proposers of any badge whilst seated on the ground amendments speak in turn floor of the auditorium. V Separate votes: a vote to delete or Speakers called on all sides of retain the specified words or section. the debate with the chair A request for a separate vote may be seeking to ensure balance submitted by any party member: by V the start of the first conference Interventions taken (if listed session on the day before the debate on the agenda) is scheduled, or by the deadline for emergency motions for debates V scheduled for the first day of Summators of amendments conference; using the online form at speak in turn www.libdems.org.uk/conference_ V submissions, by email to separate. The summator of the motion [email protected], or in writing to the Speakers’ Table in the auditorium. speaks V Counted vote: the chair of the The chair takes votes for and session may decide that a vote needs against the amendments and to be counted. Any voting member separate votes (if any) in turn may request a count from the floor; if fifty voting members stand and show V their voting cards, a count will be A vote will be taken on the taken. motion as a whole

10 AGENDA AND Directory Speaking and voting in conference debates

Eligibility to speak and vote auditorium, an auditorium steward or the Information Desk. All party members are entitled to speak and vote in conference There will be a facility to submit debates, providing they are: speaker’s cards electronically – see l attending conference as a party Conference Daily for details. Information member (and not an exhibitor or observer); and Completing a speaker’s card l not registered as a day visitor. When completing a speaker’s card: Party members fulfilling these 1 Submit your card well in criteria are known as ‘voting advance. The chair and aide team members’. for the debate will meet well in FCC may also give permission for advance to plan the debate – sometimes the previous day. other persons to speak (but not vote) in conference debates. 2 Fill in your card completely. Including the two sections on the Length of speeches back of the card as well as the The length of speeches is shown front, as this enables the chair and against each motion in the Agenda. aide to balance the debate and call people with relevant experience There are three lights on the and avoid a string of people speaker’s rostrum and visible making the same point. either side of the stage. The green light is switched on at the 3 Make sure it’s readable! beginning of the speech. The Don’t fill every square centimetre amber light is switched on 60 of the card, write illegibly, in very seconds before the end of the small letters, or in green ink … The allowed time (20 seconds before easier the card is to read, the more the end of an intervention). The likely you will be called. red light is switched on when all the time is used up, and the Interventions speaker must stop immediately. To speak during interventions, voting members should complete Applying to speak an intervention card, collected To make a speech in a debate you from and returned to a steward in must complete a speaker’s card, the auditorium. Speakers will be collected from and returned to the chosen by the chair of the session Speakers’ Table at the front of the by random ballot.

SPRING Conference 2020 11 Other conference sessions Emergency motions and Reports topical issue discussions The reports of Federal Information Committees and Parliamentary Emergency motions are debated Parties are printed in the and voted on and make formal separate reports document. party policy like other motions, but refer to a substantial Any party member may submit development since the deadline concise questions on these for submission of motions. reports. The chair will select which questions will be asked. Motions selected for debate, Questions to reports of the and/or for selection by ballot Parliamentary Parties may relate along with the ballot procedure, to any aspect of Liberal Democrat will be printed in Saturday’s activities in the Westminster Conference Daily. Parliament. Topical issue discussions allow Questions may be submitted members and spokespeople to using the online form: discuss and comment on a l at www.libdems.org.uk/ political issue live at the time of conference_submissions. conference; they do not make l by 13.00 Monday 2 March. party policy. Questions received by the The topical issue to be discussed deadlines above will be printed in is chosen by officers of the Conference Daily. Federal Conference Committee and Federal Policy Committee Questions on events occurring and will be printed in Saturday’s after the deadlines above may be Conference Daily. submitted on speaker’s cards at the Speakers’ Table up until one hour before the start of the relevant session.

Conference Extra and Conference Daily Conference Extra is published ahead of conference and Conference Daily each day at conference, containing vital updates to the agenda, available via the Conference App and at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers Limited hard copies of Conference Daily will be available each morning from the Information Desk and of Conference Extra from the Riso/Midshire exhibition stand.

12 AGENDA AND Directory Submitting amendments, emergency motions, topical issues and appeals

Amendments and emergency Drafting advice motions Submitters are encouraged to Amendments and emergency use our drafting advice service: motions must be: draft amendments and

l signed by 10 party members; emergency motions should be Information or submitted by: l submitted by one or more of: l 13.00 Monday 17 February. a local party, state party, Amendments, emergency regional party in England, motions and topical issues Federal Specified Associated should be submitted to the Policy Organisation or Federal Party Unit: Committee. l using the online form at Amendments and emergency www.libdems.org.uk/ motions must be submitted by conference_submissions 13.00 Monday 2 March. l or by post to Policy Unit, 8–10 Great George Street, Submitters should include: London SW1P 3AE. l For amendments – a short explanation of the intended Appeals effect of the amendment. l For emergency motions – a Appeals against the non- short explanation of its inclusion of emergency motions emergency nature. or amendments must be signed by the original drafting contact Topical issues and should be no longer than one side of an A4 sheet; give a Suggestions for topical issues contact name and telephone may be submitted by any party number; include a copy of the member by: motion/amendment to which l 13.00 Monday 2 March. they relate; and give justification The title of the issue should be for the appeal and new no more than ten words, and information Federal Conference should not include an expression Committee was unaware of of opinion; please include full when it made its decision. contact details of the submitter Appeals should be sent to: and up to 100 words explanatory l [email protected] background. and submitted by: l 13.00 Thursday 12 March.

SPRING Conference 2020 13 Room Lendal W R R Key on page 15 Key on page Fishergate Bar & Cafe ➔

28 29 30 31 9 6

8 27 5

7 4 34 26

➔ R 25 R 24 L

Exit ➔ W R 23 and toilets Auditorium R PARAGON STREET 10 22 First floor to seating area, AGENDA AND Directory 11

21 3 Entrance to LD VY secure zone

Image 12 ➔ 20

2 ➔ 1 ➔ 13 19 ➔ 17 15 18 16 14

Security / pass check R

On-site Registration

14 Conference venue plan venue Conference York Barbican York

Information The exhibition The exhibition will be open at the 15 Liberal Reform following times: 16 Prospect Magazine Friday 13 March 16.30–18.15 17 LGBT+ Liberal Democrats Saturday 14 March 09.00–18.00 18 Social Liberal Forum Sunday 15 March 09.00–13.00 19 National Liberal Club 20 Liberator Magazine Exhibitors listed 21 Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists by stand number 22 Liberal Democrat Women 23 Liberal Democrat Education 1 National Education Union Association 2 Parliamentary Candidates 24 Prater Raines Ltd Association

25 & 26 ALDC – Liberal Democrat Exhibition 3 Green Liberal Democrats Campaigners & Councillors and 4 Liberal Democrat History Group LGA Liberal Democrats 5 Liberal Democrat Friends of 27 RISO UK Ltd / Midshire Palestine Business Systems 6 Rights-Liberties-Justice (LDLA) 28 ALTER 7 Transport for the North 29 Young Liberals 8 Unity Trust Bank 30 Liberal Democrat European 9 Social Media Focus Group – Lib Group Dem 31 Liberal Democrat Disability 10 Liberal Democrats for Electoral Association (LDDA) Reform 32 Liberal Democrat Friends of 11 VisitBrighton Kashmir 12 Social Democrat Group 33 Election Workshop 13 Liberal Democrats for Seekers 34 Humanist & Secularist Liberal of Sanctuary Democrats 14 Liberal Democrat Christian LD Image Liberal Democrat Image Forum VY Visit York

Key to venue plan

Information desk Female toilet Seating area

Stairs Male toilet Refreshments

L Lift Disabled toilet Catering

Exhibition stand – key to stand numbers above. W Water point

Access routes shown are fully accessible. R Recycling

SPRING Conference 2020 15 Directory of exhibitors

Election Workshop Create great leaflets online with ALDC ALDC – Liberal Democrat artworker using ALDC’s templates. Campaigners & Councillors and LGA Learn how in fifteen minutes! Election Liberal Democrats Workshop provide Liberal Democrats ALDC and LGA Lib Dems provide advice, with print, design, envelopes, correx, training and resources for local posters and direct mail. Exhibition campaigners and councillors. Get in www.electionworkshop.co.uk touch and join a fantastic network of Stand 33 Lib Dems in ALDC. www.aldc.org www.libdemgroup.lga.gov.uk Stand 25 & 26 Green Liberal Democrats Promoting sustainability in politics, both within and beyond our party. Visit ALTER our stand for advice about how you can ALTER seeks to build support for Land make a difference. It’s not just about Value Taxation amongst Liberal changing the world, it’s about saving it! Democrats; and to promote and www.greenlibdems.org.uk campaign for this policy as a more @GreenLibDems Stand 3 sustainable and just resource-based economic system. www.libdemsalter.org.uk Stand 28 Humanist & Secularist Liberal Democrats For Liberal Democrats who believe the state should treat everyone equally Association of Liberal regardless of their religion or belief. Democrat Engineers and Scientists Recent campaigns cover caste The Association of Liberal Democrat discrimination, humanist weddings, Engineers and Scientists (Aldes) discrimination by schools and illegal provides a resource of engineering and schools. scientific know-how to support the www.hsld.org.uk Stand 34 Party. Meet our members and learn how to get involved. www.aldes.org.uk Stand 21

Follow our live blog Libdems.org.uk/ conferencelive

16 AGENDA AND Directory https://ldea.org.uk Democrats inpower. and providingadvicetoLiberal promoting LibDemeducation policies conferences; generatingnew ideas; through: publishingarticles; running Association aimstoimproveeducation The LiberalDemocratEducation Education Association Liberal Democrat www.disabilitylibdems.org.uk disabled peopleandcarers. ensure theyreflecttheviewsof members. Influencingpoliciesto people. Providingavoicefordisabled Working towinthevotesofdisabled Disability Association Liberal Democrat www.ldcf.org constructively inpolitics. backgrounds toengagepositivelyand Christians. WesupportChristiansofall and avoiceofliberaldemocracyamong We areaChristianvoiceintheParty Liberal DemocratChristianForum https://lgbt.libdems.org.uk/en/ lesbian, gay,biandtranspeople. gender andsexualminorities,including LGBT+ LibDemsarethePartybodyfor Democrats LGBT+ Liberal Directory ofexhibitors

SPRING Confe rence 2020 Stand 31 Stand 17 Stand 23 Stand 14 www.ldfp.eu defined ininternationallaw. for thehumanrightsofPalestiniansas recognition ofPalestineasaState,and Palestinian People,forimmediate LDFP fightsfortherightsof Friends ofPalestine Liberal Democrat face intheUKandacrossglobe. highlighting whatKashmiridiaspora party intheKashmiridiaspora.Also exists toincreasetheawarenessof Liberal DemocratFriendsofKashmir Friends ofKashmir Liberal Democrat www.liberalhistory.org.uk Liberal politicsinBritain. Liberal thoughtandashort history of including bookletsonLiberal thinkers, History Subscribe tothe ‘The pastilluminatesthepresent’. History Group Liberal Democrat www.ldeg.org campaigns andstudytrips.Joinat: and EUbysupportingactivists,online possible relationshipbetweentheUK LDEG workstoensuretheclosest European Group Liberal Democrat . Buy Liberal historypublications, JournalofLiberal

Stand 32 Stand 30 Stand 5 Stand 4 17

Exhibition Directory of exhibitors

Liberal Democrat Image Visit Liberal Democrat Image in the exhibition for all your campaign Liberal Reform materials. Follow us on Facebook and Liberal Reform exists on our website: within the Liberal Democrats to www.libdemimage.co.uk promote personal liberty and a fair Stand LD Image society supported by free, open and Exhibition competitive markets. We seek to make these values central to party policy. Liberal Democrat www.liberalreform.org.uk Stand 15 Women Liberal Democrat Women, Britain’s oldest feminist organisation. Visit our conference stand and discover why Liberator Magazine we’re still needed. Join our campaign Read the latest from the Party’s leading for gender equality in Town Halls, thinkers. As ever RB, shines light on the Westminster and beyond. dark corners of the Party. www.libdemwomen.org.uk www.liberator.org.uk Stand 20 Stand 22

National Education Liberal Democrats for Union Electoral Reform The National Education Union brings The home for Lib Dems who support a together the voices of more than fairer and more effective voting system, 450,000 teachers, lecturers, support working to ensure the party gets the staff and leaders, to form the largest arguments and the politics right, to education union in Europe. Visit our make reform happen. stand to hear what we think are the key http://lder.org/ issues in education as we start a new www.facebook.com/ decade. libdemsforelectoralreform Stand 10 www.neu.org.uk Stand 1

Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary National Liberal Club LD4SOS believe in standing up for The London home of Liberalism. asylum seekers in the UK and treating www.nlc.org.uk Stand 19 them with compassion, humanity and respect. www.ld4sos.org.uk Stand 13

18 AGENDA AND Directory www.prospectmagazine.co.uk pieces thatpromptyoutothinkagain. rigorous analysisandfinewriting,in challenges confrontingsocietythrough of intelligentdebate.Ittacklesthebig Prospect Prospect Magazine www.praterraines.co.uk and hugerangeoffeatures. emails toWIN.Realsupport,fairpricing you useyourwebsite,socialmediaand succeed onlinefor15years.We’llhelp Making LiberalDemocratcampaigns Ltd Prater Raines www.libdempca.org.uk David Naghi([email protected]). campaigning. Membershipenquiries: selection throughtoelection every stagefromapprovaland provides guidanceandmentoringat members wishingtobecomeMPs.It The PCAprovidessupporttoParty Candidates Association Parliamentary Directory ofexhibitors No passwordrequired establisheditselfasthehome Barbican FreeWi-Fi Network name: FREE WIFI SPRING Confe rence 2020

Stand 16 Stand 24 Stand 2

www.midshire.co.uk www.riso.co.uk options. volume outputwithvariousfinishing political partiesduetotheirhigh RISO printersareafavouritewith reseller ofRISOequipmentnationally. Midshire isproudtobethelargest Systems RISO UKLtd/MidshireBusiness www.rights-liberties-justice.uk groups andevents. politics. Infoonouractivities,research considers allaspectsoftheLawand Civil LibertiesandAccesstoJustice,R-L-J With anemphasisonHumanRights, Justice (LDLA) Rights-Liberties- SocialDemocratGroup www.facebook.com/ poverty. promote socialjusticeandreductionof political programme,particularlyto voice inpolicy-makingandtheparty To ensurethatsocialdemocracyhasa Social DemocratGroup

Stand 27 Stand 12 Stand 6

Exhibition Directory of exhibitors

Social Liberal Forum Visit York SLF exists to create a society where Discover your #OnlyInYork experience. everyone has access to the wealth, Visit us for all the local information you power and opportunity to enable us to need on what to see and do and where lead full and rewarding lives, unfettered to eat during your stay. by conformity and hardship. www.visityork.org Stand VY www.socialliberal.net Exhibition Stand 18

Social Media Focus Group – VisitBrighton Lib Dem VisitBrighton are the official tourism Discussing Social Media, Its Benefits, organisation for the city of Brighton Volunteering, and Where and Hove. Come along to our stand for Improvements Can Be Made. details on accommodation booking in

Stand 9 Brighton for Autumn Conference 2020 and information on the city. www.visitbrighton.com Stand 11 Transport for the North Transport for the North is England’s first Sub-national Transport Body and is making the case for transformational Young Liberals investment across the region including We provide a platform for young the up-to £39bn Northern Powerhouse people and students to have their Rail project. voices heard and act as a radical https://transportforthenorth.com/ pressure group within the Liberal Stand 7 Democrats. www.youngliberals.uk Stand 29

Unity Trust Bank Unity Trust Bank is a commercial bank with a social conscience. We have over 35 years’ experience supporting Trade Unions, because we share the same values. Bank with us, Bank on us. www.unity.co.uk Stand 8 Visit Liberal Democrat Image in the exhibition for all your campaign materials. On Facebook and at: www.libdemimage.co.uk

20 AGENDA AND Directory FISHERGATE FOOD MENU Enjoy some top quality food whilst attending this year's Liberal Democrat 2020 Spring Conference at York Barbican.

Pepperoni Pizza - £7.50

Meat Feast Pizza - £7.50 Exhibition Cheese & Bacon Pizza - £7.50

Four Cheese Pizza - £7.50 (V)

Jackfruit Pizza - £7.50 (VG)

Various Cold Sandwiches - £4.00 (Vegan & Gluten Free Options Available)

Potato Wedges - £3.00 (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Kettle Chips - £1.50

Doddington Ice Cream - £3.00

A selection of fresh fruit and yoghurt will also be available throughout the day

If you have any specific dietary requirements please speak to a member of staff

yorkbarbican.co.uk @yorkbarbican

SPRING Conference 2020 21 Discover our #OnlyInYork experience visitork.org Fringe & training

22 AGENDA AND Directory Fringe guide

Official fringe venues Information Desk know or make a comment on your online feedback. Novotel York If you have any concerns or Fishergate, York, YO10 4FD compliments about a fringe event Hilton York at conference, please contact the 1 Tower St, York, YO1 9WD event organiser during or at the end of the session. Locations of venues are shown on the map of York City Centre on the back cover. Key to fringe listings

Fringe meeting access Refreshments provided All fringe events listed in the Hearing loop provided Novotel and Hilton hotels (our official venues) are wheelchair- By invitation only accessible. If you experience any access difficulties, please let the training Fringe &

The impact of poverty on educational outcomes; do schools need more support?

Saturday 14 March 1pm – 2pm Riverside Room, Novotel York Centre Fishergate, York YO10 4FD

Speakers: Dr Mary Bousted Layla Moran MP Joint General Secretary Education spokesperson (invited) National Education Union Lucy Nethsingha MEP Nigel Jones Former LGA Liberal Democrat Chair, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Children & Education Association Young People

Refreshments available

SPRING Conference 2020 23 Friday 13 March Fringe Friday early evening 18.30–19.30

Members’ Rally No conference experience is complete without joining Lib Dems from across the country at the conference Rally! Always a highlight Follow us on Twitter of conference, come join leading @libdemconf #LDconf parliamentarians and special guests. York Barbican, Auditorium

Fringe Friday mid evening 20.15–21.30

Liberal Democrat History Group St Albans Liberal Democrats General Election 2019: Disappointment How we won in St Albans Fringe & training for the Liberal Democrats In December, St Albans was the Professor Andrew Russell (Head of only seat we gained where we had Politics, Liverpool University) and James previously had no Lib Dem MP. Come Gurling (Chair, Federal Campaigns and hear what we think were some key and Elections Committee) will discuss learning points from our campaign. the Liberal Democrats’ 2019 General Novotel, Meeting Room 4 Election campaign and the outcome. Chair: Wendy Chamberlain MP. Northern Liberal Network Novotel, Meeting Room 1 + 2 How we win in the North Join Lord Dick Newby (Lib Dem Leader Green LibDems with Assoc Lib Dem in the Lords), Laura Gordon (Sheffield Trade Unionists Hallam), Cllr Lisa Smart (Hazel Grove) GREENING THE WORKPLACE – How can and Kamran Hussain (Leeds North various stakeholders better combat West) for the launch of the Northern Climate Change? Liberal Network, the party’s new voice Business UK emissions. What can LD for Northern England. Trade Unionists, Green Lib Dems, Novotel, Meeting Room 5 employees, business owners, elected representatives ... do to accelerate LGA Liberal Democrat Group climate change action? Sir Simon Councils and commercialisation Hughes (President ALDTU), Cllr Jane What it is, what it isn’t – and how Brophy (recent MEP), Martin Wiles commercial activity can make money (Bristol University), Campaign Against to stop service cuts! Speakers include: Climate Change TU group tbc. Councillor Keith House; Councillor Novotel, Meeting Room 3 Federica Smith-Roberts; and Sarah Olney MP. Chair: Councillor Alan Connett, LGA Liberal Democrat Group. Novotel, Riverside Room

24 AGENDA AND Directory Fringe Friday late evening 22.15–23.30 Liberal Democrats Conference Quiz Q&A sessions Come along and watch as Alastair There will be a series of Q&A sessions during conference where you can ask Carmichael MP delivers an entertaining questions of our spokespeople. night of questions and laughter. Tickets may be available on the door, All sessions take place in York Barbican, Lendal Room. depending on availability. See Conference Extra and Novotel, Fishergate Suite Conference Daily for details.

CIVIC DRINKS RECEPTION Members are invited to join Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, and York CivicCouncillors for welcomeDrinks drinks before Reception the Members’ Rally. Friday 13H Marchosted by 2020, the Rt Hon17.15–18.00, the Lord Mayor York of York Barbican, Cllr Julie Gunnell training Civic Drinks Reception CivicFringe & Drinks Reception Hosted by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Julie Gunnell Hosted by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Julie Gunnell

Friday 7 March 17.15–18.00, York Barbican Members are invited to join the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Julie Gunnell and Party President Tim Farron for a drink and speeches ahead of the Party’s traditional Exclusive oﬀer at Hilton York for all Liberal Democrats during the 2020 Conference Conference Rally. Friday 7 March 17.15–18.00, York Barbican Friday 7 March 17.15–18.00, York Barbican 25% oﬀ all food and Drink in our Towers restaurant and NEW Gin Bar Members are invited to join the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Julie Gunnell and Members are invited to join the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Julie Gunnell and Party President Tim Farron for a drink and speeches ahead of the Party’s traditional Party President Tim Farron for a drink and speeches ahead of the Party’s traditional Conference Rally. For reservaHons call - 01904648111 Conference Rally.

Towers Restaurant Rose within the Walls Choose from our extensive lunch or Dinner menu’s or try our popular a:ernoon tea. Why not try one of our Gin cocktails or choose Food served all day from our all day bar menu

Hilton Hotel, 1 Tower Street, York, YO1 9WD, Tel 01904648111 – email [email protected]

SPRING Conference 2020 25 Saturday 14 March

Fringe Saturday lunchtime 13.00–14.00

Social Liberal Forum Humanist & Secularist Liberal 2019 General Election: What next after Democrats the Shambles? You Can’t Say That! Criticising religious What can we learn from the mistakes beliefs in a hostile environment and failures of 2019? What are the big In an environment of widespread lessons for the future about strategy, hostility towards members of some messages and campaigning? Discussion faith groups, especially Muslims, what opened by Alistair Carmichael MP, criticism of religious institutions, beliefs Commons Chief Whip and Foreign and practices is acceptable? With Affairs spokesperson. Chair: Janice Pragna Patel (Director, Southall Black Turner. Sisters), Mohammed Amin MBE, Dr Novotel, Meeting Room 1 + 2 Rajin Chowdhury (candidate, Sheffield SE). Fringe & training Green Liberal Democrats Novotel, Meeting Room 6 Rural District & County Green Campaigning Best Practice – Mobilising National Education Union & Liberal Zero Carbon Communities Democrat Education Association Empowering local Circular Economies The impact of poverty on educational with toolkits and grants interacting outcomes; do schools need more with LEPs. Projects from Transport support? to Housing and Energy with excellent Join the NEU and LDEA to discuss the benefits for wellbeing and Sustainable support that schools need given that growth. With Layla Moran MP, Cllr poverty is on the increase. Speakers: Pippa Heylings, Cllr Steve Mason, Sue NEU Joint General Secretary Mary Jefferson (Realising Possibilities). Bousted; LDEA Chair Nigel Jones; Lucy Novotel, Meeting Room 3 + 4 Nethsingha MEP; and Layla Moran MP (invited). LIBDEMS AGAINST TRIDENT Novotel, Riverside Room BAN THE BOMB! Do you care about the future of our Liberal Democrat European Group World? Nuclear Weapons pose a wipe- Liberal Democrat European Group AGM out threat to our planet as well as Members are invited to review recent climate change does. Chair: Baroness activities and discuss how the party can Sue Miller and guest speakers from the campaign for the closest possible UK- party plus CND’s General Secretary. EU relationship. Join LDEG on door £10. Novotel, Meeting Room 5 Hilton, Bootham Room

26 AGENDA AND Directory Fringe Saturday lunchtime 13.00–14.00 continued

Lib Dem Business & Entrepreneurs Social Democrat Group Network / Radical Centre Think How broad a church should the Liberal Tank, Radix Democrats be? Wherever Next for the Centre Ground Last December, we got 11.6% of the A panel discussion with: Sir Ed Davey vote and 11 MPs. If we want more MP, Interim Leader of the Liberal success, do we need to be more Democrats, Miranda Green, FT welcoming of different opinions? Columnist and Deputy Opinion Editor, And, if so, how should be go about Joe Zammit-Lucia, co-Founder, Radix it? Speakers to be announced. www. and LDBEN member, Jake Field-Gibson, facebook.com/SocialDemocratGroup/ Politika – The Radix Youth Wing. Hilton, Hilton, Micklegate Room Walmgate Room

Rights-Liberties-Justice (Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association) The United Kingdom – Can it Survive? Has Brexit been achieved at the cost Training & Skills of the Union? What if countries would Training courses are taking place prefer to be part of the EU rather than the UK? A Panel will consider whether in the Novotel and Hilton training the UK’s nations should become between 09.30 and 17.30 Fringe & federal, confederal or independent. on Saturday 14 March. Details: www.rights-liberties-justice.uk See pages 31–37 for details. Hilton, Minster Suite

Fringe Saturday early evening 18.15–19.15 Transport for the North campaign message? William Wallace, Devolution in the North and the Lords Foreign Affairs spokesperson, opportunities it will create and Sheila Ritchie, elected MEP for Join us for a panel chaired by the Scotland 2019. Chair: Cllr Louise Harris. Leader of the City of York Council and Novotel, Meeting Room 3 + 4 TfN Board member, Cllr Keith Aspden, to discuss what devolution means for Liberal Reform the North and the opportunities it will The Liberal Democrats and The Decade create. Ahead Novotel, Join Liberal Reform and special Meeting Room 1 + 2 guests to discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead for the Liberal Social Liberal Forum Democrats as we enter the 2020s. Will Britain and Europe after Brexit: What this be the decade that the Lib Dem next for the Lib Dems? Fightback comes into full force? After four years of anti-Brexit Novotel, Meeting Room 5 campaigning, what is our plan for the UK outside the EU? What is the LibDem

SPRING Conference 2020 27 Fringe Saturday early evening 18.15–19.15 continued

learning about ALDC’s new projects and Young Liberals plans for the May elections. A Public Health Approach to Knife Hilton, Micklegate + Bootham Crime A discussion on the need to tackle Rights-Liberties-Justice (Liberal knife and gang violence as a public Democrat Lawyers Association) health matter with focus on youth “Europe is the Future”. But, what is our services and early intervention. future? Novotel, Meeting Room 6 “We’re out” were David Dimbleby’s words on 24/06/2016. Most Liberal Green Liberal Democrats Democrats do not accept this to be our Urban & City Green Campaigning – Hear country’s fate. We are internationalist about Key successful campaigns for and Europe is our future. But how do Sustainable Cities we get there? Our panel discusses. Preparing for May Elections? Green Details: www.rights-liberties-justice.uk. projects can be popular from Buildings Hilton, Minster Suite & Transport to Energy & Green Fringe & training Spaces. Wera Hobhouse MP leads City Liberal Democrats Education best practice with Cllr Jane Brophy Association (Trafford), Cllr Adele Morris (London/ AGM and Address by Layla Moran MP LGA), Cllr Paula Widdowson (York), Cllr Join the LDEA for our AGM, followed by Kris Brown (Liverpool) and Mary Page a speech from Education Spokesperson (Bristol Mayor Cand). Layla Moran on “Liberal Democrat Novotel, Riverside Room Priorities in Education”. All conference attendees welcome; LDEA members ALDC – Association of Liberal will be able to stand for and elect the Democrat Councillors & Campaigners 2020–2021 LDEA Committee. ALDC Members meet up and drinks Hilton, Walmgate Room A chance for ALDC members to network, chat and grab a drink while Fringe Saturday mid evening 19.45–21.00 LGA Liberal Democrat Group Green Liberal Democrats Has declaring a Climate Emergency GLD AGM with guest speaker Daisy made a difference in your council? Cooper MP Hear what Lib Dem Councils are doing Come and vote on key Officer posts for and ideas for action you can take our vital GreenLibDem organisation locally. Speakers: Councillor Keith and have your input on key priorities. Aspden; Councillor Adele Morris, LGA Special appearance from our new St Liberal Democrats; Councillor Bridget Albans MP Daisy Cooper to inspire us Smith; Wera Hobhouse MP. Chair: for activism coming up to May elections Councillor Ruth Dombey, Deputy and beyond. Leader, LGA Liberal Democrats. Novotel, Meeting Room 5 Novotel, Meeting Room 3 + 4

28 AGENDA AND Directory Fringe Saturday mid evening 19.45–21.00 continued

Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Rights-Liberties-Justice (Liberal Sanctuary (LD4SOS) Democrat Lawyers Association) “Lift the Ban” – campaign for the right to Rights-Liberties-Justice: Planning for the work for asylum seekers future – the forthcoming Constitutional What Liberal Democrats have done, Commission (and R-L-J’s AGM) what the situation is elsewhere and The Conservatives’ Constitutional how we can get involved at every level. Commission will review the ‘power Mary Brandon from Asylum Matters, balance’. However, where the Executive Dr. Ruvi Ziegler from LD4SOS and exerts its will through Parliament, Christine Jardine MP will speak and what happens to democracy if we then answer questions. are deprived of independent judicial Novotel, Riverside Room review? We discuss RLJ’s ‘counter- commission’ and campaign plans (and Association of Liberal Democrat AGM). www.rights-liberties-justice.uk Engineers & Scientists (ALDES) Hilton, Minster Suite STEMM Drinks Reception with Layla Moran MP: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine Join ALDES and Layla Moran MP for a STEMM drinks and networking training reception. Whether you’re involved Fringe & in or enthusiastic about Science, We want to Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, hear from you! or Medicine – you’ll find fascinating We will be sending round a people, the importance of evidence- feedback survey link soon. informed policy, and how to get involved. Please let us know about your Hilton, Micklegate Room experience at conference.

Fringe Saturday late evening 21.30–late

Glee Club Liberal Democrats Glee Club is back this Spring! Come Whisky tasting with Alistair Carmichael along and enjoy as we reel out the MP Liberator Song Book classics with guest A unique opportunity to taste, discuss appearances. Entry is free on the door. and learn a bit about malt whisky in a Novotel, Fishergate Suite relaxed, friendly environment. RSVP by Note: this event starts at 22.00 emailing [email protected] or call and ends at 01.00 07469 714839. Hilton, Micklegate + Bootham

SPRING Conference 2020 29 Whisky Tasting With Alistair Carmichael MP A unique opportunity to taste, discuss and learn a bit about malt whisky in a friendly and relaxed environment. Tickets: £30 (numbers limited) Apply to [email protected] Or call 07469 714839 Fringe & training Proceeds to support campaigning in Orkney and Shetland 2130 - 2300, Saturday 14 March, Micklegate and Bootham, Hilton

Building Britain’s Communities

Harnessing digital innovation to create affordable homes, efficient infrastructure, and a stronger economy.

Advisory / Commercial & Contract Management / Programme & Project Management / Property & Asset Management

30 AGENDA AND Directory Training & Skills Programme

Welcome to our Spring Conference Each training session is 'tagged' with 2020 training programme! coloured buttons that indicate what you Whether you’re just starting out as a can expect to learn. You can turn up to Liberal Democrat member, or whether any training session you like, unless you’ve been a member for decades, otherwise indicated. there’s a training session for everyone. Please remember that all training is first You can learn new skills, brush up on come first served. If you’re unable to existing skills or even learn how to take attend a session and would like further on new roles in the party. info email us at [email protected] Enjoy your conference! What skills will you learn at conference?

diversity campaigning

Learn how to engage diverse people and Whether you have been campaigning and communities or find out how to build a fighting elections for decades or are just training successful and sustainable political career as getting started, learn the latest techniques Fringe & a person from an under-represented group. and brush up on your existing skills.

digital compliance

Learn how to get the most from the party’s These courses will keep you up to date on suite of digital tools. Find out how to legal and compliance issues. Particularly engage voters and supporters through a useful for election agents and local party range of digital channels. officers.

fundraising personal

Whether you are trying to win an election Personal development courses will help you or grow your local party, fundraising is develop a range of skills that will enable you crucial. Learn how to fundraise, get ideas, to grow in your roles within the Liberal tips, tricks as well as advice and support. Democrats as well as in the outside world.

party roles teams

Across the party there are many roles you Building diverse, winning teams is crucial could take on. Learn the skills needed to take to our success at all levels. These courses on different party roles and find out about how will help you build a team and enable your you can develop your skills further. team to thrive and grow further.

SPRING Conference 2020 31 Training & Skills: Saturday Saturday 09.30–10.45

Growing through campaigns Speaking at Conference How to use issue based campaigns to (women only) grow your organisation and influence. Find out what is involved in speaking at Campaigns Team conference and how to make the most Novotel, meeting room 1&2 of an opportunity to do so. personal party roles Campaign for Gender Balance Novotel, meeting room 6 diversity personal Your journey to becoming an MP (BAME only) Agent and election law This will cover all stages of the journey Double session (0930 - 1230) Fringe & training and will cover: becoming approved, choosing your seat, a winning selection What every agent and campaigner needs campaign and support available to know about running an election, from throughout from the RDC. standing candidates to completing your expenses returns. Racial Diversity Campaign Novotel, meeting room 4 2 parts - 0930 to 1045 and 1115 - 1230. Please attend both sessions. diversity personal Compliance & ALDC Hilton, Micklegate room Introduction to getting the most compliance party roles from Spring Conference Find out how to get the best experience at our Conference in York from the team Managing casework for candidates who pull conference together and know and councillors all the secrets. We explore different strategies and tools Federal Conference Committee that councillors and candidates use to Novotel, meeting room 5 keep on top of their case load. personal ALDC Hilton, Bootham room Top Tip for Training party roles compliance personal The coloured buttons tell you what skills you will learn in each session. Use this as a guide to help you find the right training for your needs. ! 32 AGENDA AND Directory Training & Skills: Saturday continued Saturday 09.30–10.45 cont.

Pick a ward and win it - What is my You could be an MP message for the local election campaign? Thinking about parliamentary candidate approval? We want to encourage What will set you apart from the candidates from all backgrounds. Hear competition on polling day? This module from inspiring speakers and get tips on is to help candidates develop their completing your application. message for leaflets, direct mail and social media. Candidates Team Hilton, Minster suite ALDC Hilton, Walmgate room party roles diversity personal party roles campaigning Saturday 11.15–12.30 training Building to win in 2024 Building inclusive teams Fringe & How to build your organisation to win Does your membership reflect the in 2024. communities that you wish to serve? Probably not as much as it should, and Campaigns team we all have a part to play in fixing that. Novotel, meeting rooms 1&2 Come and find out how you can help to campaigning teams diversify your local membership. This session will explore ways that you can Building a political profile in the take practical steps to foster inclusion Liberal Democrats and increase engagement with diverse (BAME and women only) communities in your area. This session looks at ways you can build Membership & Diversity team your brand reputation within the Lib Novotel, meeting room 5 Dems. We will explore how best to diversity teams navigate the party, where the opportunities are and how to make the Top Tip for Training at York most of them. Conference Racial Diversity Campaign/Campaign for The coloured buttons make suggestions Gender Balance as to what skills you will learn in each Novotel, meeting room 4 session.

diversity party roles Use this as a guide to help you find the right training sessions for your needs.

SPRING Conference 2020 33 Training & Skills: Saturday continued Saturday 11.15–12.30 cont.

Bouncing Back! Be a Councillor - taking the climate (Open to all) agenda forward on your council. Politics is never predictable and there are We can make a difference in our areas times when we all need to pick ourselves and local councils on one of the world’s up and draw on our inner resources to most pressing issues. Come and share overcome a disappointing result. your ideas and find out more at this Campaign for Gender Balance workshop. Novotel, meeting room 6 ALDC personal Hilton - Bootham room personal teams Technical training - How to do direct Fringe & training mail Local and regional media skills Industry still spends billions on direct How can you make a bigger impact in mail because it works as part of your regional and local media? This communication and fundraising. We will session, run by the LDHQ Press Office, discuss who you should write to and will give you the basic tools you need to what a good piece of direct mail looks succeed. like. Candidates and Press teams ALDC Hilton, Minster suite Hilton, Walmgate room party roles campaigning personal digital campaigning

Saturday 14.30 - 15.45

Being the credible challenger Intro to Lighthouse How to position yourself to win the Lighthouse is the party’s new tool for next election in your area. managing your local party, membership Campaigns team and donations. Come along to this Novotel, meeting rooms 1&2 practical session and learn how it works and what it can do for you. personal campaigning party roles Membership team Novotel, meeting room 3 party roles digital campaigning fundraising

34 AGENDA AND Directory Training & Skills: Saturday continued Saturday 14.30 - 15.45 cont.

Powerful political storytelling Unconscious Bias – what is it and What is the most powerful way to why it matters motivate voters? Storytelling! This Unconscious bias is the source of interactive workshop explains briefly the prejudice and discrimination. science underlying why stories work and Understanding how to recognise and gives you the framework and tools to challenge unconscious biases create stories to engage different appropriately will help build high audiences on and offline. performance teams. Campaigns team Diversity Team Novotel, meeting room 4 Novotel, meeting room 5 campaigning personal diversity teams

How CGB can help you get elected Compliance training for local party (women only) Treasurers training Fringe & Q & A session where you can ask a panel An essential guide for new and of volunteers about how CGB helped get experienced treasurers. them elected. Come along and find out Compliance Team how CGB can help you develop your role Hilton, Micklegate room and help with your aspirations within the compliance party. Campaign for Gender Balance Novotel, meeting room 6 diversity personal Top Tip for Training The coloured buttons Pick a ward and win it - Good local election literature underneath each session Hone your local literature to hit the make suggestions as to mark and make an impact during your what skills you will learn local election. in each session. Use this ALDC as a guide to help you Hilton, Bootham room find the right training for campaigning your needs.

SPRING Conference 2020 35 Training & Skills: Saturday continued Saturday 14.30–15.45 cont.

Technical training - Understanding Planning to raise, raising to win your audience for Facebook advertising Learn how to upskill your team to plan for ambitious campaign fundraising, Social media can be a powerful and including tactics to use when no election persuasive tool in a campaign. Find out is imminent. how to best target your efforts for the biggest impact. Fundraising team ALDC Hilton, Minster suite Hilton, Walmgate room fundraising teams digital campaigning Fringe & training Saturday 16.15-17.30

Winning control of your council Intro to Lighthouse This session is aimed at people wanting Lighthouse is the party’s new tool for to win councils within the next four managing your local party, membership years. and donations. Come along to this Campaigns team practical session and learn how it works Novotel, meeting rooms 1&2 and what it can do for you. campaigning Membership team Novotel, meeting room 3 Public speaking party roles digital campaigning Everyone gets nervous about speaking fundraising in public. This workshop gives you the Employment and wellbeing best practical skills to master your nerves and practices present yourself confidently, powerfully and truthfully both on political and other Looking at what is best practice in HR - occasions. contracts, performance reviews and staff wellbeing. Campaigns team Novotel, meeting room 4 HR team campaigning personal Novotel, meeting room 5 personal

36 AGENDA AND Directory Training & Skills: Saturday continued Saturday 16.15–17.30 cont.

Staying safe on social media Compliance training for local party (women only) Treasurers Women politicians have particular An essential guide for new and challenges in the digital world. Come and experienced treasurers. find out how to manage them. Compliance Team Campaign for gender balance Hilton, Micklegate room Novotel, meeting room 6 compliance diversity personal Developing skills - Persuading Pick a ward and win it - GOTV and electors to vote for us using Connect to win your local What motivates people to vote for a election candidate or a party? We look at the How we use the data we have gathered science behind the art of persuading throughout the year is vital to getting the people to vote for us. These practical training Fringe & best result on polling day. Find out how exercises aim to improve your ability to to do this in this module. produce persuasive material. ALDC ALDC Hilton, Bootham room Hilton, Walmgate room digital campaigning campaigning

Fundraising - how to approach large donors Thank you! Asking for money can be daunting, but only if you are not prepared. Get the If you’ve not been able to skills that you need to approach major attend a session or would like donors and ask for the resources that more information on anything you need to fund a campaign. to do with training then please Fundraising team Hilton, Minster suite get in touch with us: fundraising campaigning [email protected]

SPRING Conference 2020 37

What are your thoughts on Social Media? Fringe & training Visit Social Media Focus Group Lib Dem @ Premium stand (9) and tell us your thoughts

Discuss further Monitoring, Posts, Comments, Likes, Reporting, and Management

38 AGENDA AND Directory Agenda index and timetable

Friday 13 March

15.00–17.00 Consultative session: Liberal Democrat Principles and Values 40 18.30–19.30 Members’ Rally (civic drinks from 17.15–18.00)

Saturday 14 March

09.00–09.10 F1 Opening of Conference 41 09.10–09.20 F2 Report: Federal Conference Committee 41 09.20–09.30 F3 Report: Federal Policy Committee 41 09.30–10.10 F4 Policy motion: Hong Kong 42 10.10–11.40 F5 Consultative session: General Election Review (party members only) 43 11.40–12.30 F6 Policy motion: Children in Care 44 12.30–12.50 F7 Speech: Jo Swinson 46 14.10–14.50 F8 Policy motion: Electoral Reform 46 14.50–16.00 F9 Consultative session: General Election Manifesto (party members only) 49 16.00–17.05 F10 Topical issue: Europe 50 17.05–17.25 F11 Report: Federal Board 51 Agenda index F12 Report: Campaign for Gender Balance 51 17.25–18.00 F13 Business motion: Supporting the Trans and Non- Binary Communities within the Liberal Democrats 51

Sunday 15 March

09.00–09.20 F14 Reports: Parliamentary Parties 53 09.20–10.30 F15 Emergency motions or topical issues 53 10.30–11.05 F16 Policy motion: Welcoming Child Refugees 54 11.05–11.45 F17 Policy motion: Student Mental Health 55 11.45–13.00 F18 Speech: Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP, Acting Co-Leader of the Liberal Democrats 57

All conference sessions, except the consultative session on Friday 13 March (see page 40), take place in the Auditorium in York Barbican. SPRING Conference 2020 39 Friday 13 March 15.00–17.00 Consultative session

Liberal Democrat Principles and Values

Chair: Duncan Brack; Rapporteur: Dr Jonathan Everett. Novotel, Meeting Rooms 1–4

Consultative sessions provide a less formal mechanism than full-scale conference debates for party members to participate in the party’s policy- and decision-making process. Each session examines a particular topic and hears contributions from party members and in some cases outside speakers. This session will be organised by the Federal Policy Committee. The conclusions of the session will be taken into account when drawing up their final recommendations.

All conference sessions, except the consultative session above, take place in the Auditorium in York Barbican. Friday

MEMBERS’ RALLY Friday 13 March 2020 18:30 -19:30

Join Lib Dems from across the country at this year’s Spring Conference Rally.

You’ll hear from some of our newest MPs and other leading Lib Dems as we look ahead to this year’s elections.

All Members welcome!

40 AGENDA AND Directory Saturday 14 March

09.00 Party business

Chair: Mark Pack (President of the Liberal Democrats). Aide: Joe Toovey. Hall Aide: Cllr Joe Otten.

F1 Opening of Conference by Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of York City Council

@YorkLibDems, #LDconf

09.10 Party business

Chair: Cara Jenkinson (Vice Chair, FCC). Aide: Joe Toovey. Hall Aide: Cllr Joe Otten.

F2 Federal Conference Committee Report

Mover: Geoff Payne (Chair, Federal Conference Committee).

The deadline for questions to this report is 13.00, Monday 2 March. Questions selected will be detailed in Conference Extra. Questions on events occurring after the deadline may be submitted up until 08.50 on Saturday 14 March. See page 12 for further information.

F3 Federal Policy Committee Report

Mover: Sally Burnell (Vice Chair, Federal Policy Committee).

The deadline for questions to this report is 13.00, Monday 2 March. Questions Saturday selected will be detailed in Conference Extra. Questions on events occurring after the deadline may be submitted up until 08.50 on Saturday 14 March. See page 12 for further information.

09.30 Policy motion

Chair: James Gurling. Aide: Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey. Hall Aide: Liz Lynne.

SPRING Conference 2020 41 AGENDA AND Directory The UK and China signed the Sino-British declaration in 1984; signed the Sino-British declaration The UK and China included a lodged at the United Nations and the declaration was continues to ensure that Hong Kong 50-year-long commitment in a “one country, two systems” framework to function under and Kong’s high degree of autonomy order to uphold Hong was universal suffrage; Hong Kong sovereignty progress towards UK to China on 1st July 1997. handed from the said the ministry spokesman Lu Kang In 2017 China’s foreign “no longer has any practical significance”. legally binding treaty socio-economic Up to two million people, across different of Hong Kong calling for backgrounds, have taken to the streets democratic reforms. with reports of police using Clashes and violence have escalated, and firing shots of live rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, ammunition. Lord Ashdown, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats, abode in UK if China ever campaigned on providing right of in the international treaty. reneged on the promises enshrined British people are concerned A recent poll showed that 63% of region, while 49% believe that about human rights erosion in the Hong Kong”. British MPs should “speak up about protestors and reports of The sentencing of pro-democracy contravention of the police violence in Hong Kong represent Sino-British declaration. to ensure that The UK has a moral and legal responsibility rights are upheld in Hong democracy, the rule of law, and human Kong. in their fight for human The UK must stand with Hong Kong rights, calling for a full and independent investigation into police violence, and for further progress towards universal suffrage. Conference believes that: Conference calls for: Conference notes that: Conference a) i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) b) c) Hong Kong Hong 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 23 members Affairs). for Foreign MP (Spokesperson Hon Alistair Carmichael Mover: Rt Nick Chan. Summation: F4 Saturday 14 March 14 Saturday 42

Saturday steward orthe InformationDesk.Seepage 11forfurtherinformation. returned tothe Speakers’Tableatthefront oftheauditorium,anauditorium a concisecontributionshould submitaspeaker’scard,collectedfromand This sessionisforpartymembers only.Anypartymemberwishingtomake • • • include: This sessionformspartofthewider2019GeneralElection Reviewandwill F5 (Vice Chair,FCC). Chair: GeoffPayne(Chair,FCC).Aide:BexScott.Hall Aide:CllrNickDaCosta 10.10 debate willbeprintedinConferenceExtraandSaturday’sDaily. for separatevotes–seepage10is13.00,Monday2March.Thoseselected The deadlineforamendmentstothismotion–seepage13andrequests procedure forspeakinginthisdebate,seepage11. amendments: 4minutes;allotherspeakers:3minutes.Foreligibilityand Mover: 7minutes;summationofmotionandmoversany Applicability: Federal. Saturday 14March 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 An opportunityforgeneral feedbacktothereviewpanel. first stageinvestigationby thereviewpanel). review (tobesetoutinConference Extraprecedingconference,basedonthe Contributions fromtheflooronthreekeythemesunder discussioninthe Thornhill. An introductionfromtheChairof2019ElectionReview, Baroness General ElectionReview 3. 2. 1. Consultative session control equipmenttoHongKong. partners indefinitelysuspendallexportlicensesforcrowd The UKgovernmenttoensurethattheandourinternational excessive ormilitaryforcetoendtheprotests. relationship withChinatohelpensureBeijingrefrainsfromusing The UKgovernmenttouseBritain’sdiplomaticandtrading right toabodeallholders. (Overseas) Passportoffer,extendingtheschemetoprovide the peopleofHongKongbyreopeningBritishNational ensuring thattheUKhonoursourlegalandmoraldutyto The LiberalDemocratstopursueinParliamentallroutes SPRING Confe rence 2020 43

Saturday AGENDA AND Directory Every child, no matter where they live or what the circumstances, deserves a great start in life so they have the support, relationships, skills and knowledge they need to succeed. The Conservative Government has failed to focus effectively A child or young person is referred to children’s services every person is referred to children’s services A child or young in care has and the number of children 49 seconds on average than 15% since 2010. increased by more to be (LAC) are five times more likely Looked-after Children than their classmates; almost temporarily excluded from school educational needs or a disability three-fifths of them have special leave primary school (SEND), and less than a third of them reading, writing and maths. meeting the expected standards in risen faster than any other Children’s social care budgets have spend over two-thirds area of local council spending; councils on LAC and safeguarding, of their children’s social care budgets have been squeezed. meaning that early intervention services places for LAC; most children’s Councils struggle to find suitable located where property homes are privately run and are often with the greatest need. prices are low rather than in areas for teenagers ‘Unregulated accommodation’, intended living, varies widely in transitioning from care into independent stop-gap for young people with quality and is too often used as a children’s place in a residential more complex needs who need a home. believe their allowances Almost two-thirds of foster carers costs of looking after foster and expenses do not meet the full children. Policy Motion Policy Conference believes that: Conference notes that: Conference notes ii) i) A. B. C. D. E. F. Children’s Social Care Children’s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 F6 11 members MP (Spokesperson for Education). Mover: Layla Moran Nethsingha. Summation: Cllr Lucy Chair: Jon Ball (Vice Chair, FCC). Aide: Dr Belinda Brooks-Gordon. Hall Aide: Brooks-Gordon. FCC). Aide: Dr Belinda Ball (Vice Chair, Chair: Jon John Bridges. 11.40 Saturday 14 March 14 Saturday 44

Saturday Saturday 14March 69 68 67 66 65 64 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 1. g) f) e) d) c) b) a) v) iv) iii) commitments tostopchildrengetting intocrisis,including: Conference reaffirmsthe LiberalDemocrats’2019manifesto Conference callsontheGovernmentto: Investing over £1billionayearextrain children’scentresand children’s homemanagers. Develop anationalworkforce strategyforsocialworkersand kinship carers. Explore whetheranallowance schemeshouldbesetupfor given fundingtomeetthesecosts. recommended bycentralgovernment,ensuringcouncils are to payfostercarersatleasttheminimumweeklyallowance actual costoflookingafterchildrenandrequireall councils Review theallowancesforfostercarerssothatthey reflectthe who arereadytotransitionintoindependentliving. councils findhigh-qualityplacesforthoseolderteenagers incare Create anewkitemarkforunregulatedaccommodation tohelp regional variationsincosts. children’s homesthemselveswhereneeded,taking accountof funding andanunderwritingmechanismtohelpcouncilsrun child whoneedsaplacehasone,byprovidingbothcapital Address theshortfallinplacesforchildrencaresothatevery academies, tosupportthisaim. moves andSENDfunctionsforallschoolsintheirarea,including councils shouldadministertheadmissionsprocess,managed Ensure thatLACareprioritisedwithintheeducationsystem;local preventative servicestostopchildrenfromgettingintocrisis. sustainable financialfooting,includingdedicatedfundingfor Provide additionalfundingtoputchildren’ssocialcareona well. and supportedproperlysothattheycancareforfosterchildren Foster carers,includingkinshipshouldbecompensated networks ifitisintheirbestinterests. accommodation closetotheirbirthfamilyorothersupport Children incareshouldbeabletolivehigh-quality workers. programmes suchaschildren’scentresandfamilysupport statutory children’sservicesandsupportingearlyintervention Local councilsshouldnothavetochoosebetweenfunding increasing. on children’ssocialcaredespitecouncilspendingitrapidly SPRING Confe rence 2020 45

Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 @joswinson, #LDconf AGENDA AND Directory providing a dedicated youth services fund for local authorities. for fund youth services a dedicated providing the limit and abolishing the two-child child poverty by Reducing cap. benefits children’s mental standards in new waiting time Introducing health services. the amount for SEND to reduce additional funding Allocating Health an Education, a child with towards supporting schools pay and Care Plan. Policy motion Lunch Speech 2. 3. 4. Electoral Reform Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson, 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 Federal Policy Committee Mover: Wendy Chamberlain MP (Spokesperson for Political and Constitutional Reform). Summation: Tara Copeland. F8 Chair: Liz Lynne. Aide: Jon Ball (Vice Chair, FCC). Hall Aide: Joe Toovey. Chair: Liz Lynne. Aide: Jon Ball (Vice 14.10 12.50 F7 Chair: Geoff Payne (Chair, FCC). Aide: Cara Jenkinson (Vice Chair, FCC). Hall Chair: Geoff Payne (Chair, FCC). Aide: Aide: Jon Ball (Vice Chair, FCC). 12.30 Saturday 14 March 14 Saturday only. Applicability: England and summation of any summation of motion and movers Mover: 7 minutes; For eligibility and all other speakers: 3 minutes. amendments: 4 minutes; in this debate, see page 11. procedure for speaking 13 – and for requests to this motion – see page The deadline for amendments March. Those selected for – see page 10 – is 13.00, Monday 2 for separate votes Conference Daily. in Conference Extra and Saturday’s debate will be printed 46

Saturday Saturday 14March 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ii) i) E. D. C. B. A. which voters canexpressonlyafirst and secondpreference,thus as Mayorsare conductedusingtheSupplementary Votesystem in Conference furtherregrets thatelectionsforsinglepositionssuch their rightsandlong-term interests. abroad weredeniedtheir votesdespitetheimpactofelectionon 17-year olds,EUcitizensliving intheUKandmanycitizensliving Conference alsoregretsthat inthe2019GeneralElection16-and Conference believesthat: Conference deeplyregretsthatFirst-Past-the-Post: country isrun. powerless, excludedandrobbedoftheirrightfulsayoverhowour system isdoingtoourdemocracy,leavingmillionsofpeoplefeeling Conference deploresthedamagethatUK’scurrentelectoral and afairersocietyasresult. that reallymattertopeople,leadingimprovedpublic services politicians andpartieswillhavetobemorefocused onthethings With abetterelectoralsystemandmoredemocratic institutions, clean air. schools andhospitals,affordablehousing,safecommunities and also anecessarymeanstobuildingbettercountry, withgood Improving ourdemocracyisanimportantendinitself, butitis no choicebetweencandidatesofthesameparty. Entrenches thepowerofpartyestablishments,asitallowsvoters their mostfavouredone. tactically againsttheirleastfavouredcandidateinsteadoffor Denies votersagenuinechoice,asitforcesmanytovote parties, unabletoproperlyholdtheirrepresentativesaccount. conclusion; peoplearetakenforgrantedbypoliticiansand Creates fartoomanysafeseatswheretheoutcomeisaforegone British people. as theyhaveshiftedfarfromtheviewsofvastmajority their griponthevastmajorityofseatsinWestminster,even Has allowedtheConservativeandLabourpartiestomaintain 865,715 votestoelecttheloneGreen. it needed336,038votestoelecteachLiberalDemocratand SNP MPandjust38,264votestoelecteachConservative,while 2019 GeneralElectionittookJust25,883votestoelecteach Is fundamentallyunfairandunrepresentative–intheDecember SPRING Confe rence 2020 47

Saturday AGENDA AND Directory Allow voters to give their support to their preferred parties their support to their preferred Allow voters to give helping the worst party and candidates, without the risk of sneak through. for every vote, in Force politicians and parties to compete every part of the country. Proportional representation by the Single Transferable Vote by the Single Transferable Proportional representation which MPs and local councillors in England, system to elect all would: right to vote in elections and 16- and 17-year olds to be given the referendums. in the UK to stand and vote in The existing rights of all EU citizens the right to full participation Local Elections to be protected, and who have lived in the UK in civic life to be extended to EU citizens ability to stand for office or for five years or more, including the Elections. vote in UK referendums and General able to vote for MPs in All UK citizens living abroad to be and to participate in UK separate overseas constituencies, referendums. introduced for elections to The Alternative Vote system to be Mayors. single positions such as directly-elected with them to vote Plans to require voters to bring identification to be scrapped. The introduction of a legal requirement for local authorities to inform citizens of the steps they must take to be successfully registered with far greater efforts in particular to register under- represented groups. a) b) still giving incentives to vote against their least preferred candidates candidates preferred least their to vote against incentives still giving their favourites. positively for rather than a plans to introduce the Conservative notes with alarm Conference elections in the 2019 local despite their trial voter ID law, compulsory from and warnings people their vote hundreds of having denied “present a significant the proposals and academics that charities a basic engagement and risk compromising barrier to democratic in society”, of the most marginalised groups human right for some and people from BAME communities including older people, homeless people. calls for: Conference therefore 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 Saturday 14 March 14 Saturday 48

Saturday debate willbeprintedinConferenceExtraandSaturday’sDaily. for separatevotes–seepage10is13.00,Monday2March.Thoseselected The deadlineforamendmentstothismotion–seepage13andrequests procedure forspeakinginthisdebate,seepage11. amendments: 4minutes;allotherspeakers:3minutes.Foreligibilityand Mover: 7minutes;summationofmotionandmoversany Applicability: Federal,except5.(lines cards. Foreligibility andproceduresfor speaking, seepage11. Party members wishingtomakeconcise commentsshouldsubmit speaker’s taxation andpublicspending, andthebalancebetweenthem,right? adequately, oratall,inthe manifesto?Didwegetourproposalsforadditional worked badly?Whatissues wereoftenraisedbyvoterswhichnotcovered Which particularpoliciesworked wellwiththevotersinyourarea,andwhich Were itsmainmessagesthe rightones,orshouldtheyhavebeendifferent? This sessionisyourchancetotelltheFPCwhatyouthought ofthemanifesto. within thepartythatitwouldnormallyexpecttocarry out. policy, inevitablytheFPCwasunabletoconductsame kindofconsultation of themanifestoatspeed.Althoughitwascoursebased onexistingparty After theelectionwascalled,FederalPolicyCommittee (FPC)agreedthetext www.libdems.org.uk/manifesto. The party’smanifestoforlastyear’sgeneralelectionis availableat F9 FCC). HallAide:ChrisAdams. Chair: CllrNickDaCosta(ViceChair,FCC).Aide:CaraJenkinson 14.50 Saturday 14March 83 82 81 80 79 78 77 76 Manifesto FeedbackConsultation public. carefully composedsoastobegenuinelyrepresentativeoftheUK should addressalloftheseproposals;theCommissionmustbe to holdaConstitution,DemocracyandRightsCommission,which Conference callsontheGovernmenttodeliveritscommitment democracy”. that “makingsureeveryvotecountsthesame[is]cornerstoneof Conference notesthestatementin2019ConservativeManifesto Consultative session SPRING Confe rence 2020 68–69) whichisEnglandonly. 49

Saturday AGENDA AND Directory Topical issue discussion Topical Issue discussion on Europe Main messages and manifesto introduction and chapter 1 (Europe). introduction and and manifesto Main messages and 4 (Environment). chapters 2 (Economy) Manifesto Society). Care) and 6 (Fair 5 (Health and chapters 3 (Education), Manifesto and 8 (Political Rights, and Equalities), chapters 7 (Freedom, Manifesto 9 (International). Reform) and Constitutional The Federal Conference Committee (FCC) understands that the UK’s relationship The Federal Conference Committee many party members are passionately with Europe is a critical issue which of Liberal Democrat policy on this is the concerned about. The development within the party, and will clearly subject of widespread debate and reflection during our forthcoming leadership be a major aspect of the party’s debates to reserve this slot for a topical issue election. The FCC has therefore decided this process of reflection, which will allow discussion about Europe as part of making any firm decisions. It is the FCC’s views to be expressed while not yet on Britain’s relationship with the EU at intention to hold a policy-making debate the Autumn conference. orders, a topical issue discussion As explained in conference standing and topical relevance, is a discussion on a policy issue of significant member can propose a title for the topical conducted without a vote. Any party the deadline for suggested titles is issue discussion (maximum ten words); will be printed in Conference Extra 13.00, Monday 2 March. The title selected pages 12 and 13. and Saturday’s Conference Daily. See Introducer of issue and spokesperson’s response: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. to In addition to speeches from the platform, voting members will be able F10 Chair: Duncan Brack. Aide: Dr Belinda Brooks-Gordon. Hall Aide: Geoff Aide: Dr Belinda Brooks-Gordon. Chair: Duncan Brack. Payne. 16.00 A panel of speakers will introduce the session and give brief responses to the will introduce the session and give A panel of speakers Manifesto Group); Dr panel will include Lord Newby (Chair, points made. The and Wendy Chamberlain and Manifesto Group Member); Christine Cheng (FPC MP. party members only. This session is for The session will be split into four sections: into four be split will The session 1 2 3 4 Saturday 14 March 14 Saturday 50

Saturday Saturday 14March Summation: CharleyHasted. Mover: FraserGraham. LGBT+ LiberalDemocrats F13 (Vice Chair,FCC). Chair: JenniLang.Aide:GeoffPayne(Chair,FCC). Hall Aide:CaraJenkinson 17.20 page 12forfurtherinformation. after thedeadlinemaybesubmittedupuntil16.05,Saturday14March.See selected willbedetailedinConferenceExtra.Questionsoneventsoccurring The deadlineforquestionstothisreportis13.00,Monday2March.Questions Mover: CandyPiercy(Chair,CampaignforGenderBalance). F12 page 12forfurtherinformation. after thedeadlinemaybesubmittedupuntil16.05onSaturday14March.See selected willbedetailedinConferenceExtra.Questionsoneventsoccurring The deadlineforquestionstothisreportis13.00,Monday2March.Questions Mover: MarkPack(PresidentoftheLiberalDemocrats). F11 Chair: CllrJoeOtten.Aide:LizLynne.HallBexScott. 17.05 discussion. Foreligibilityandproceduresforspeakingseepage11. make concise(maximumone-minute)interventionsfromthefloorduring 3 2 1 Liberal Democrats Supporting theTransandNon-BinaryCommunities withinthe Campaign forGenderBalanceReport Federal BoardReport i) Conference notesthat: Business motion Party business within themedia inrecentyears. The Transcommunity hasbeensubjected towidespreadattack SPRING Confe rence 2020 51

Saturday AGENDA AND Directory There has yet to be a Trans or Non-Binary individual elected to to elected individual Non-Binary Trans or to be a has yet There of Commons. of the House be a member using pronouns to be addressed should be able All individuals they are comfortable. with which facilities at to use toilet should be able All individuals of harassment. without fear conferences non-binary women, trans men are men and Trans women are identities are valid. conferences should feel able to attend party All party members fear of harassment or discrimination. and events without Regional HQ and all venues for Federal and Liberal Democrat facility; at least one gender-neutral toilet conferences to have and from the Accessible toilet facility, this should be separate the venue. should be clearly signposted within pronouns for all Conference passes to include preferred to specify their preferred attendees, with all attendees permitted or to opt not to have pronouns at the time of registration pronouns shown on their pass. to allow for pronouns Speakers cards for conference debates debates to address to be specified to allow those moderating speakers by their preferred pronouns. sessions to be given Presenters at party events and training gendered language. guidance on avoiding unnecessarily Close of session Conference reaffirms the Liberal Democrat commitment that: the Liberal Democrat commitment Conference reaffirms for: Conference calls ii) a) 1. iii) iv) b) 2. 3. 4. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 18.00 Saturday 14 March 14 Saturday Applicability: Federal. and movers and summation of any Mover: 7 minutes; summation of motion 3 minutes. For eligibility and amendments: 4 minutes; all other speakers: see page 11. procedure for speaking in this debate, motion – see page 13 – and for requests The deadline for amendments to this 13.00, Monday 2 March. Those selected for for separate votes – see page 10 – is Extra and Saturday’s Conference Daily. debate will be printed in Conference 52

Saturday Sunday 15 March

09.00 Party business

Chair: Chris Adams. Aide: Geoff Payne (Chair, FCC). Hall Aide: Dr Belinda Brooks-Gordon.

F14 Reports of the Parliamentary Parties

Movers: Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP (Commons); Lord Newby (Lords).

The deadline for questions to this report is 13.00, Monday 2 March. Questions selected will be detailed in Conference Extra. Questions on events occurring after the deadline may be submitted up until 18.00 on Saturday 14 March. See page 12 for further information.

09.20 Emergency motions or topical issue discussions

Chair: Cara Jenkinson (Vice Chair, FCC). Aide: John Bridges. Hall Aide: Jon Ball (Vice Chair, FCC).

F15 Emergency motions or topical Issue discussions

This slot has been reserved for the debate of emergency motions and/or discussion of topical issues. The deadline for emergency motions and for suggestions for topical issues is 13.00, Monday 2 March. The motion selected for debate or the motions proposed for the ballot will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday’s Conference Daily. See pages 12 and 13. Emergency motion timing – mover of motion: 5 minutes; all other speakers 3 minutes. Topical issue timing – introducer of issue and spokesperson’s response: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedures for speaking, see page 11. Sunday 10.30 Policy motion

Chair: Chris Maines. Aide: Dr Belinda Brooks-Gordon. Hall Aide: Chris Adams.

SPRING Conference 2020 53 Sunday 15 March F16 Welcoming Child Refugees

12 members Mover: Christine Jardine MP (Spokesperson for Home Affairs). Summation: To be announced.

1 Conference believes that: 2 i) Child refugees who have been forced to flee their homes and 3 separated from their families are some of the most vulnerable 4 people in the world. We must do all we can to protect them. 5 ii) The UK has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in 6 need, but now the Conservative Government is turning its back 7 on child refugees and failing to live up to our obligations to them. 8 iii) Providing refugees with safe and legal routes to sanctuary in 9 the UK is the best way to combat people smuggling and human 10 trafficking, and to prevent people from making dangerous 11 attempts to cross the Channel. 12 Conference notes with dismay that: 13 a) The Conservative Government has still not fulfilled its 14 requirement under Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 15 (the “Dubs Amendment”) to resettle 480 unaccompanied child 16 refugees from elsewhere in Europe as soon as possible. 17 b) In 2016, the Government committed to resettle 3,000 refugees 18 in the UK under the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme 19 by 2020, but only 1,712 people had been resettled under the 20 scheme as of the end of September 2019, including just 986 21 children. 22 c) The Conservative Government has chosen to withdraw the UK 23 from the Dublin System, which enables people applying for 24 asylum in the EU – including unaccompanied children – to be 25 reunited with their family members in another member state. 26 d) Unlike most EU countries, the UK does not allow unaccompanied Sunday 27 child refugees to sponsor family members to join them, and the 28 Conservative Government has refused to support the Refugees 29 (Family Reunion) Bill – tabled by Liberal Democrat peer Baroness 30 Hamwee – which would rectify that. 31 Conference calls on the Government to: 32 1. Urgently fulfil its requirement under the Dubs Amendment to

54 AGENDA AND Directory Sunday 15 March 33 resettle 480 unaccompanied child refugees from elsewhere in 34 Europe. 35 2. Fulfil its commitment to resettle 3,000 people under the 36 Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme by the end of 2020. 37 3. Maintain rights for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in 38 Europe to be reunited with family members in the UK. 39 4. Support Baroness Hamwee’s Bill to expand family reunion rights 40 so that unaccompanied child refugees in the UK can sponsor 41 close family members to join them. 42 5. Ensure that all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are 43 provided with specialist legal advice. 44 6. Resettle 10,000 unaccompanied child refugees from elsewhere in 45 Europe over the next ten years.

Applicability: Federal. Mover: 7 minutes; summation of motion and movers and summation of any amendments: 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see page 11. The deadline for amendments to this motion – see page 13 – is 13.00, Monday 2 March. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Sunday’s Conference Daily. The deadline for separate votes is 09.00 on Saturday 14 March – see page 10.

11.05 Policy motion

Chair: Cllr Simon McGrath. Aide: Jenni Lang. Hall Aide: Duncan Brack.

F17 Student Mental Health Charter

10 members Mover: Munira Wilson MP (Spokesperson for Health and Social Care). Summation: Layla Moran MP (Spokesperson for Education).

1 Conference notes with concern that: Sunday 2 A. Many students are struggling with their mental health but are 3 not receiving the support they need. 4 B. Over a quarter (26%) of UK universities have failed to increase 5 funding for mental health support within the last five years.

SPRING Conference 2020 55 Sunday 15 March 6 C. A third of universities do not record average waiting times for 7 counselling. 8 D. The average longest wait for counselling faced by a student 9 in the UK was 43.5 days – over half the length of a standard 10 university term. 11 E. There is a large disparity in the support and awareness within UK 12 universities of the mental health support they provide. 13 Conference believes that: 14 i) The NHS must transform mental health services to ensure 15 mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical 16 health. 17 ii) Universities must fulfil their duty of care to their students by 18 delivering improved mental health support and services. 19 iii) The government has a role in supporting universities to share 20 best practice on mental health services. 21 Conference calls on the Government to: 22 a) Develop a Student Mental Health Charter for universities in 23 England in consultation with students, mental health charities 24 and universities and introduce it through legislation. 25 b) Include in the Charter guaranteed access to provision of mental 26 health support; guaranteed provision of mental health support 27 of a certain standard; recording and reporting waiting times to 28 allow students and prospective students to have knowledge of 29 when they will be able to access services. 30 c) Ensure all universities have the aim to reach zero suicide. 31 Conference reaffirms pledges in the Liberal Democrat 2019 32 manifesto to: 33 1. Require universities to make mental health services accessible 34 to their students, and introduce a Student Mental Health Charter 35 through legislation.

Sunday 36 2. Ensure all frontline public service professionals, including in 37 universities, receive better training in mental health. 38 3. Introduce further mental health maximum waiting time 39 standards for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. 40 4. Use some of the additional revenue raised by putting 1p on 41 Income Tax to provide additional investment in mental health. 42 5. Transform mental health by treating it with the same urgency as 43 physical health.

56 AGENDA AND Directory Sunday 15 March Applicability: England only. Mover: 7 minutes; summation of motion and movers and summation of any amendments: 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see page 11. The deadline for amendments to this motion – see page 13 – is 13.00, Monday 4 March. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Sunday’s Conference Daily. The deadline for separate votes is 09.00 on Saturday 14 March – see page 10.

11.45 Speech

Chair: Geoff Payne (Chair, FCC). Aide: Cara Jenkinson (Vice Chair, FCC). Hall Aide: Cllr Nicholas da Costa (Vice Chair, FCC).

F18 Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP, Acting Co-Leader of the Liberal Democrats

@edwardjdavey, #LDconf

13.00 Close of conference

Conference timetable Autumn 2020 26–29 September 2020, Brighton

Drafting advice deadline (motions) 13.00 Wednesday 17 June 2020 Motions deadline 13.00 Wednesday 1 July 2020 Drafting advice deadline 13.00 Tuesday 31 August 2020 Sunday (amendments, emergency motions) Deadline for amendments to motions, 13.00 Monday 24 September 2020 emergency motions, topical issues, questions to reports

SPRING Conference 2020 57 Standing orders Standing orders – glossary of terms Business motion occurred after the deadline for the A proposal to conduct the affairs of the submission of amendments. It must be Party in a particular way or to express brief and uncontentious. an opinion on the way affairs have been conducted. Full session Any part of the conference agenda Business amendment during which debates, topical issue A proposal to change a business discussions or discussion of business, motion. Any such proposal should be including formal reports, takes place. significant, should be within the scope This specifically excludes formal of the original motion and must not be speeches such as those by the Leader a direct negative. or Party Officers. Committee Point of order Throughout these standing orders, A suggestion to the chair of a debate Committee means the Federal that the conduct of the debate, as laid Conference Committee unless down in the standing orders, has not otherwise qualified. been followed correctly. Constitutional amendment Policy motion A proposal to change the constitution A proposal to adopt a new policy or of the Party. reaffirm an existing one. This includes Secondary constitutional motions accompanying policy papers. amendment Policy amendment An amendment to a constitutional A proposal to change a policy motion. amendment. This must not introduce Any proposal should be of significant new material. importance, should be within the scope Consultative session of the original motion and must not be A meeting where selected areas of a direct negative. policy or strategy are considered in Policy paper greater depth than is possible in full A paper prepared by the Federal debates. Policy Committee and submitted to Day visitor conference for debate under the terms Someone who has paid the appropriate of Article 7.4 of the Federal Party day visitor fee. Day visitors are not constitution. entitled to speak or vote in full sessions Procedural motion of conference. A proposal that the conduct of a debate Emergency motion should be changed in a specific way. A proposal which relates to a specific Procedural motions are: recent development which occurred Move to next business after the deadline for submission of A proposal that the conference motions. Emergency motions must be should cease to consider an item of brief. Standing business and immediately move to orders Emergency amendment the next item on the agenda. An amendment to a motion which Reference back relates to a specific event which A proposal to refer a motion or

58 AGENDA AND Directory Standing orders amendment to a named body of the local parties, under the provisions of Party for further consideration. Article 6.3 of the Federal constitution. Request for a count Standing order amendment A request to the chair that a specific A proposal to change these standing vote be counted and recorded orders. rather than decided on the chair’s assessment of a show of voting Secondary standing order cards. amendment An amendment to a standing order Separate vote amendment. This must not introduce A request to the chair of a debate new material. that a part or parts of a motion or amendment should be voted on Topical issue discussion separately. A discussion on a policy issue of Suspension of standing orders significant and topical relevance, A proposal to relax specific standing conducted without a vote. orders for a stated purpose. Voting member Special conference A member attending conference An additional meeting of the who has satisfied the requirements conference requisitioned by the Federal for attendance and has paid the Board, Federal Policy Committee, registration fee presently in force for conference itself or 2% of party party members as agreed by FCC, and members, in not fewer than 10% of who is not a day visitor [or observer]. Standing orders

1. The conference agenda motion accompanying the proposed 1.1 What is on the agenda strategy of the party, business motions, constitutional amendments The agenda for each meeting of and standing order amendments. conference, other than a special c) Policy motions (including motions conference, shall include time for: accompanying policy papers). a) One or more consultative each d) Emergency motions. sessions; save that the Committee e) Topical issue discussions. may decide not to hold any f) Any other business which the consultative sessions at a spring Committee thinks appropriate. conference. The time to be allocated to each type of b) A business session or sessions for business and the order of that business the consideration of reports from shall be decided by the Committee the Parliamentary Parties as listed provided that conference may decide in Article 17 of the Federal Party’s not to take any particular item on the Constitution, the Federal Board, agenda. the Federal Policy Committee and the Federal Conference Committee 1.2 Conference or council of state together with, when appropriate, parties reports from any other body the In addition, time before or after any Committee considers appropriate, meeting may be agreed with the accounts, the annual report, a relevant state party for a meeting of the orders Standing SPRING Conference 2020 59 Standing orders

conference or council of that party. 1.5 The deadlines by which motions, amendments, reports and questions 1.3 Right to submit agenda items to reports must be submitted a) Reports to conference may be submitted only by the bodies listed The Committee shall specify: in paragraph 1.1(b). a) The closing date for the receipt of b) Business motions (including policy motions (including motions amendments and emergency accompanying policy papers), business motions and amendments), business motions, constitutional constitutional amendments amendments and amendments to and secondary constitutional standing orders, which shall be at amendments, standing order least eight weeks before the start of amendments and secondary conference. standing order amendments b) The closing date for the receipt of may be submitted by the Federal amendments to motions published Board, Federal Policy Committee, in the agenda and emergency state parties, regional parties in motions, which shall be at least two England, local parties, Specified days before the start of conference. Associated Organisations and 10 c) The closing date for the submission party members. Business motions, of written reports from the bodies standing order amendments listed in paragraph 1.1(b), which and secondary standing order will be set so as to enable their amendments may also be submitted distribution with the agenda. Any by the Federal Conference supplementary report submitted Committee. later than this deadline may only c) Motions accompanying policy papers be tabled at conference with the may only be submitted by the permission of the Committee. Federal Policy Committee. d) The closing date for the submission d) Policy motions (including of questions to any of the reports amendments, emergency policy listed in the agenda, which shall be motions and amendments) may at least two days before the start be submitted by the Federal Policy of conference, except for questions Committee, state parties, regional to the reports of the Parliamentary parties in England, local parties, Parties in the House of Commons, Specified Associated Organisations House of Lords and European and 10 party members. Parliament, where the closing date e) Proposals for topical issue shall be at least one hour before the discussions may be submitted by any start of the business session at which party member. the report is due to be considered. e) Notwithstanding 1.5(d), questions 1.4 How motions and amendments may always be submitted to any are submitted of the reports listed in the agenda All motions and amendments must arising from events occurring after be submitted to the Committee. They the deadline specified in 1.5(d). The must must identify a person authorised deadline for these questions shall to agree to their being composited or be one hour before the start of the

Standing redrafted. The detail of methods of business session at which the report orders submission will be notified for each is due to be considered. conference via the party website. f) The closing date for proposals for topical issue discussions, which shall

60 AGENDA AND Directory Standing orders be at least two days before the start show of hands may be taken to indicate of conference the weight of opinion among members present on any issue that has been 1.6 Notification of deadlines debated. All dates specified under Standing Order 1.5 shall be pulicised to party 3. The agenda members and bodies entitled to submit 3.1 The shortlisting of motions motions. Publication in the party newspaper/magazine and website may The Committee shall draw up the be treated as notice for this purpose. agenda and shall decide which of the motions duly submitted shall be 1.7 Later deadlines in special included in it. The Committee may circumstances allocate time for one or more policy In special circumstances the Committee or business motions to be selected by may specify later dates than those ballot. Copies of motions not selected indicated above. In particular, where shall be available for inspection and developments which, in the opinion of will be supplied to any party member the Committee, are of great importance on payment of a copying charge and have taken place after the closing date postage. for emergency motions and questions 3.2 Motions for the amendment of to reports, the Committee may make the constitution or standing orders time available for an additional emergency motion or for a statement Save as detailed below in Standing to be made on behalf of the Party or for Order 4.3, all proposed amendments additional questions to be submitted to to the constitution or standing orders reports. must be selected for debate. 2. Consultative sessions 3.3 Balance between State and Federal policy debates 2.1 The subjects for consultative The Committee shall, in drawing up the sessions agenda, have due regard to the balance The subjects for debate at consultative of State and Federal policy debates sessions shall be chosen by the and in particular shall as far as possible Committee on the advice of the organise the agenda so that all matters Federal Policy Committee and, where which relate solely to one or more state appropriate, the Federal Board, parties but not all State Parties or the and published in the agenda. Two Federal Party shall be considered at or more such sessions may be held either the beginning or the end of the simultaneously. conference. 2.2 Speaking at consultative sessions 4. Selection of motions and Any member of the Party may be called amendments to speak at a consultative session and, 4.1 Compositing or otherwise with the approval of the chair, non- altering motions members with relevant expertise may also be called. In drawing up the agenda the Committee shall seek to reflect the 2.3 Voting at consultative sessions range of views in the Party as indicated At the discretion of the chair a vote by by the motions and amendments orders Standing SPRING Conference 2020 61 Standing orders

submitted. The Committee may: a) It is similar in effect to another a) Treat any severable part of a motion motion that has been selected for or amendment as a separate motion debate or ballot. or amendment. b) It is similar in effect to a subject b) Redraft a motion or amendment so chosen for a topical issue discussion. as to improve expression, remove c) It is unclear as to its meaning or inaccuracy or superfluity or take intent or is, in the opinion of the account of new developments. Committee, too poorly drafted to c) Composite similar motions or provide a sensible basis for debate. amendments. d) It falls outside the definition of emergency motions. 4.2 Selection of amendments No amendment shall be taken to any The Committee shall decide which motion selected under this Standing of the amendments duly submitted Order. to each motion shall be selected. No 4.5 Ballots for emergency motions amendment shall be selected if, in the opinion of the Committee it is All emergency motions, except those insubstantial, outside the scope of rejected under Standing Order 4.4, the motion, or tantamount to a direct must be placed either on the agenda negative of the motion. for debate or in a ballot for selection by Conference. The Committee may 4.3 Motions for the amendment of hold separate ballots to select which of the constitution or standing orders a range of emergency policy motions The Committee may refuse to select and which of a range of emergency a motion for amendment of the business motions to debate. If one or constitution or standing orders if, in more ballots is held the Committee their opinion, it is: shall circulate the text of all balloted a) Similar in effect to another motion motions to the voting members as which has been selected for debate soon as practicable and shall specify or ballot at the same meeting of a closing time for the ballot. Following conference. the counting of any ballots the b) Similar in effect to a motion that has Committee shall organise the debates been rejected at either of the last on the motions in the order chosen by two meetings of conference. conference in the ballots. c) In the case of amendments to the 4.6 Emergency amendments constitution, incomplete in that it leaves unamended some other part The Committee shall have complete of the constitution which contradicts discretion whether to select emergency the meaning of the amendment. amendments for debate. d) In the case of amendments to 4.7 Topical issue discussions standing orders, incomplete in that it leaves unamended some other part The choice of subjects for topical of standing orders which contradicts issue discussions shall be made by the meaning of the amendment. the Officers of the Committee in e) Ambiguous. consultation with the Officers of the Federal Policy Committee. In choosing Standing 4.4 Emergency motions orders the subjects, the Officers shall have The Committee may reject an regard to the significance and topicality emergency motion if: of the subjects proposed and whether

62 AGENDA AND Directory Standing orders they are likely to provoke a lively appeal has been allowed. discussion. 6.2 Appeals against exclusion from 5. Special meetings conference 5.1 Timetabling of special meetings Any person excluded from conference by a decision of the Chief Steward The Committee shall, as soon as shall have the right of appeal to the practicable after the requisitioning of Committee at the next of its regular a special meeting of the conference, meetings. The exclusion shall remain in fix a date for the meeting, draw force pending the appeal. up the agenda and, if appropriate, specify a date for the submission 7. The chair of amendments. The meeting shall 7.1 Who chairs conference deal only with the business stated in the notice of requisition save that The President, if present, shall normally the Committee may allow time for take the chair at the formal opening emergency motions and for business and closing of conference and when which is formal or, in its opinion, the Party Leader is making a formal uncontentious. speech from the platform. At all other sessions the chair shall be appointed 5.2 Preferred timescales for special by the Committee. Normally no person meetings shall chair more than one session at In setting dates for the submission of any meeting. motions and amendments and giving 7.2 The chair’s aide notice thereof and of the conference itself the Committee shall endeavour The Committee may appoint an aide or to follow the timescales laid down aides to assist the chair of each session. elsewhere in these standing orders but, where this is not practicable, the 8. Conduct of debate Committee shall set such dates as it 8.1 Variation in the order of business sees fit. The Committee may propose to the 6. Appeals conference a variation in the order of business as set out in the agenda. 6.1 Appeals against rejection of Such variation shall be put to the vote motions and shall take effect if approved by a The Committee shall provide written majority of those voting. reasoning to the nominee of the proposers for the rejection of any 8.2 Withdrawal of motions and motion or amendment. The proposers amendments may appeal, in writing, to the next Once the Committee has included a meeting of the Committee. Any such motion or amendment, or part of a appeal shall provide reasons why, motion or amendment, in the agenda, in the opinion of the proposers, the may not be withdrawn except by leave expressed reasons for rejection are of conference. not valid. If the appeal is allowed, the motion or amendment shall be 8.3 The order of debate treated as an emergency motion or The Committee shall direct the order amendment according to the stage of of debate. Generally, however, a the agenda-setting process at which the orders Standing SPRING Conference 2020 63 Standing orders motion will be moved and immediately its views on the subject before the thereafter the amendments and conference. The Federal Board shall options will be moved in the order have similar rights on business motions directed by the Committee. There will or motions to amend the constitution, then be a general debate. The movers as shall the Federal Conference of amendments and options (or their Committee on motions relating to the nominees) shall have the right of reply proceeding and procedures of the in the same order (except that where conference and to amend standing an amendment or option has not been orders. Such a person shall be called opposed during the debate, the chair of to speak for the same length of time the session shall have the right to direct as the person replying on behalf of the that its movers shall not exercise their mover of the motion. right of reply), after which the mover of 8.7 The selection of speakers the motion (or the mover’s nominee) shall have the right of reply. Votes shall Voting members wishing to speak in then be taken on the amendments any debate shall submit a speaker’s and options in the order in which they card, prior to the commencement have been moved and, finally, on the of the debate in which they wish to substantive motion. The Committee speak, stating whether they wish to may direct that part of any motion or speak for or against an amendment, amendment or groups or amendments the motion or part of the motion. The may be the subject of a separate chair shall be responsible for the choice debate. of the speakers and shall attempt to provide a balanced debate between the 8.4 Topical issue discussions different viewpoints in the conference, The Committee shall direct the order of but may announce a departure from the discussion. Normally the proposer this rule if there is an overwhelming of the subject shall speak first, and a preponderance of members wishing to representative of the Federal Policy speak on the same side. The chair shall Committee shall speak last. have the discretion to accept speakers’ cards after the start of the debate. 8.5 Who may speak Save as provided for in these standing All voting members may speak at a full orders, no person may speak more session of conference. Additionally, than once in any debate. the Committee may invite any person 8.8 The length of speeches to address the conference as a guest. Neither such provision shall prejudice The Committee shall set out in the the right of the chair of a session to agenda time limits for speeches. select speakers. 9. Voting at conference 8.6 The special rights of the Federal Committees 9.1 The method of voting Provided that the Federal Policy Voting cards shall be issued at each Committee is not proposing the motion meeting to voting members. The or any of the amendments to be taken Committee may direct that voting on in a debate on a policy motion or on any issue be by ballot. Subject thereto Standing orders motions relating to the policy-making all votes at full sessions shall be taken processes of the Party it shall have the by show of voting cards. right to nominate a person to report

64 AGENDA AND Directory Standing orders 9.2 Counting of votes reasons and ask conference whether it wishes to consider the request to A vote by show of voting cards shall be move to next business. If conference counted: decides, by a simple majority of a) If the Committee has so directed. those voting, to do so, the person b) If the chair so directs. who made the request may speak. c) As the result of a procedural motion The chair may allow other speakers. under Standing Order 11.5 below. All speeches under this standing A recount will only be held if the chair order shall be limited to two is not satisfied that the first count was minutes. If conference decides not to accurate. debate the proposal, it falls. 9.3 Separate votes d) The proposal shall require a two- thirds majority of those voting A separate vote may be taken on a part being to be passed. If it is carried of a motion or amendment: the current agenda item shall be a) On the direction of the Committee. abandoned without any further b) At the discretion of the chair. debate or vote and, at the discretion c) As a result of a procedural motion of the chair, either the next agenda under Standing Order 11.4 below. item shall be taken or there shall 10 Points of order be an adjournment until the time at which the next agenda item was due 10.1 Making a point of order to be taken. Any voting member may rise on a 11.2 Reference back (moved by a point of order which shall be taken voting member) immediately except that, during a vote, no point of order shall be taken that a) A voting member, who has not does not refer to the conduct of the already spoken in the debate, may, vote. The chair’s decision on all points at any time before the chair has of order shall be final. asked the first speaker in reply to stand by, submit, in writing, a 11 Procedural motions request to refer back the motion under debate. The submission 11.1 Next business shall state to whom the motion is a) A voting member may, during any to be referred and shall include a full conference session, submit, in statement of the reasons, including writing, a request that conference reasons why voting against the move to next business, giving the motion would not achieve a similar reasons to do so. The submission result, not exceeding 75 words. shall not exceed 75 words. b) The chair may take the request to b) The chair may either take the refer back at whatever stage of the request immediately upon receipt, debate they consider appropriate. If or at the end of any speech currently more than one request is received, being made. If more than one the chair shall decide which to take. request is received the chair shall No more than one request may be decide which to take. No more than taken with respect to any motion. one request may be taken in respect c) When the request is to be taken, the to any motion or report. chair shall read the statement of c) When the request is to be taken, the reasons and ask conference whether chair shall read the statement of it wishes to consider the request orders Standing SPRING Conference 2020 65 Standing orders to refer. If conference decides, by other speakers on the request. a simple majority of those voting, c) The reference back shall require a to do so, the person who made the simple majority of those voting to request may speak and the mover be passed. If it is carried the current of the substantive motion, or their agenda item shall be abandoned nominee, may reply. The chair may without any further debate or allow other speakers. All speeches vote and, at the discretion of the under this standing order shall be chair, either the next agenda item limited to two minutes. If conference shall be taken or there shall be an decides not to debate the reference adjournment until the time at which back, it falls. the next agenda item was due to be d) The reference back shall require a taken. simple majority of those voting to d) If passed, the Federal Policy be passed. If it is carried the current Committee shall, before the next agenda item shall be abandoned meeting of the conference, circulate without any further debate or its reasons for acting under this vote and, at the discretion of the section and its comments on the chair, either the next agenda item motion and any amendments shall be taken or there shall be an thereto accepted for debate. adjournment until the time at which 11.4 Separate vote the next agenda item was due to be taken. A voting member of conference e) If the substantive motion is referred may request that the chair take a to the Federal Board, the Federal separate vote on a part of a motion Policy Committee or the Federal or amendment provided that such a Conference Committee that body request is in writing and received by the shall, in its report to the next commencement of the first conference meeting of the conference, state session on the day before the debate what action it has taken on the is scheduled. If the debate is scheduled reference. for the first day of conference, the request must be received in writing 11.3 Reference back (moved by the by the same deadline as that for Federal Policy Committee) emergency motions. The Committee a) The Federal Policy Committee may, shall have complete discretion whether at any time before the beginning to take a separate vote. In exceptional of the debate on a motion, submit, circumstances, the Chair of the in writing, a request to refer that debate shall have discretion to accept motion to the next meeting of the a request for a separate vote if it is conference. The chair shall announce received in writing after this deadline. the existence of such a request at 11.5 Counted vote the start of the debate. b) The chair may take the request to Any voting member may ask for a refer back at whatever stage of the counted vote, which shall be taken debate they consider appropriate. if the request is supported by 50 A nominee of the Federal Policy members rising in their places and Committee will speak and the mover showing their voting cards. Standing orders of the substantive motion, or their nominee, may reply. The chair shall 11.6 Suspension of standing orders have discretion whether to allow a) A voting conference member may,

66 AGENDA AND Directory Standing orders during any full conference session, e) A motion to suspend standing orders move a motion for the suspension shall only be carried if supported by of standing orders. The mover shall at least two-thirds of the conference submit the motion together with a members voting. If the procedural written statement of its purpose, not motion is carried all standing orders exceeding 75 words, to the chair, shall remain in force except only for who shall read them to the meeting. the purposes set out in the motion. The chair may either take the 11.7 No procedural motions during request immediately upon receipt, votes or at the end of the speech currently being made. No procedural motion can be moved b) No motion to suspend standing during a vote. orders may suspend any requirement of the constitution, nor 12 Reports any part of these standing orders 12.1 Which reports are tabled which govern: i) The rights of, or timetable for, The business session or sessions of the submission of motions and conference must include consideration amendments. of reports from the bodies listed in ii) Consultative sessions. Standing Order 1.1(b). iii) Procedural motions for next 12.2 Submission and selection of business or suspension of questions standing orders. c) No motion to suspend standing A voting member may submit questions orders to introduce a motion or to any report tabled for consideration, amendment on to the agenda can by the deadlines set under Standing be taken unless the motion or Orders 1.5 (d) and (e). The Committee amendment has been submitted to shall publish in advance of the report the Committee in accordance with session all the questions submitted the published timetable and, where a under Standing Order 1.5 (d) which are right of appeal against non-selection in order, compositing similar questions exists, the right has been exercised. where appropriate. d) The chair shall read the statement 12.3 Whether questions are in order of purpose and, if the suspension or not is allowable in the terms of this standing order, ask the conference A question shall be ruled out of order whether it wishes to debate the if it asks the body submitting the request for suspension. If the report about issues which are outside conference decides not to debate its duties and responsibilities. If the the request, it falls. If the conference question could be answered by another decides, by a majority of those body reporting to the same conference, present and voting, to hear the the Committee may transfer the request the mover may speak and question to that body. a representative of the Committee 12.4 How questions and may reply. The chair shall have the supplementary questions are put discretion to allow other speakers. and answered All speeches on the motion to suspend standing orders will be After the report is moved, the mover, limited to two minutes. or their nominee, shall answer the orders Standing SPRING Conference 2020 67 Standing orders

questions in turn. After each question 12.6 Receipt of reports from other has been answered, the voting bodies member who submitted the question Any report tabled by a body other will be given the opportunity to put than a Federal Party committee or a supplementary question, speaking sub-committee must be submitted for for a maximum of two minutes, and receipt by the conference and must the mover, or their nominee, will be be voted upon accordingly. A voting given an opportunity to respond. The member may move not to receive chair shall determine the time given the report, by submitting a speaker’s to the mover in moving the report card prior to the commencement of and replying to questions. The chair the consideration of the report. A shall also determine how many of move not to receive a report must be the published questions, and how debated (except that the chair shall many of the questions submitted have discretion to choose between under Standing Order 1.5 (e), can more than one move not to receive be taken. After the conference the the same report), at the conclusion of Committee shall publish the answers the question session. The person who to all questions submitted under made the request shall speak and the Standing Orders 1.5 (d) and (e) which mover of the report, or their nominee, are in order, and to all supplementary shall reply. The chair may allow other questions asked. speakers, and shall determine the time 12.5 Approval or rejection of reports given to all speakers. from Federal Party committees or sub-committees 13 Amendment of standing orders Any report tabled by a Federal Party committee or sub-committee must 13.1 Amendment of standing orders be submitted for approval by the These standing orders may be conference and must be voted upon amended by a two-thirds majority of accordingly. A voting member may members of conference voting on a move the rejection of any part of the motion duly submitted and selected report or of the report as a whole. in accordance with standing orders. A voting member wishing to move a Subject to any amendment they shall rejection shall submit a speaker’s card remain in force from meeting to prior to the commencement of the meeting. consideration of the report, stating the section(s) which they wish to have 14 The Chair and Vice Chairs rejected. All moves to reject a report must be debated (except that the of the Committee chair shall have discretion to choose 14.1 Chair and Vice Chairs between moves to reject the same At its first meeting after a new election part of the report), at the conclusion of the Committee shall elect a Chair, who the question session. The person who must be a member of the Committee made the request shall speak and the directly elected by party members, mover of the report, or their nominee, and at least one Vice Chair, who must shall reply. The chair may allow other Standing be members of the Committee either orders speakers, and shall determine the time directly elected by party members or given to all speakers. elected by one of the State Parties.

68 AGENDA AND Directory SPRING Conference 2019 The Federal Party Officers of the Federal Party Party President; two councillors; three state party representatives; one Acting Co-Leader Ed Davey MP representative of the FCEC; and fifteen Acting Co-Leader members directly elected by conference and President Mark Pack representatives. It must be chaired by the Chair of FFRC Anthony Harris Party Leader. Treasurer Lord German Vice President (England) Tahir Maher Federal Board (FB) Vice President (Scotland) Sheila Ritchie Vice President (Wales) Paula Yates The FB is responsible for directing, Chief Executive Mike Dixon co-ordinating and overseeing the implementation of the party’s strategy Federal Conference Committee and the work of the Federal Party. The FB (FCC) also has responsibility, at least once per Parliament, for preparing a document The FCC is responsible for organising outlining the party’s strategy, for the two Federal conferences each year. submission for debate and agreement by This includes choosing the agenda conference. from the policy and business motions submitted by party members, local, The FB has 35 voting members: Party regional and state parties, specified President (who chairs it); Party Leader associated organisations and Federal and three other Parliamentarians; committees, and taking decisions on the chairs of the three state parties; venues, registration rates and other the chairs of each of the Federal organisational matters. It works within a committees including a vice-chair of budget set by the FFRC. the FPC; a councillor; a Young Liberals representative; three state party The FCC has 22 voting members: Party representatives; and 15 directly elected President; Chief Whip; three state party members. representatives; one representative from the FB, two from the FPC, one from the Federal Finance and Resources Federal Communications & Elections Committee (FFRC) Committee (FCEC), one from the Federal People Development Committee (FPDC); The FFRC is responsible for planning and fifteen directly elected members. It and administering the budget and elects its own chair, who must be one of finances of the Federal Party, overseeing the directly elected representatives its administration and ensuring its compliance with the Political Parties, Federal Policy Committee (FPC) Elections and Referendums Act 2000, as well as overseeing the Party’s risk The FPC is responsible for researching management operations and its Risk and developing policy and overseeing Register. the Federal Party’s policy-making process, including producing policy The FFRC has 14 voting members: the papers for debate at conference and Registered Treasurer and Chair; the drawing up (in consultation with the Registered Treasurers of the three state relevant parliamentary party) the Federal parties; five other members (elected by election manifestos for Westminster and the FB); Party Treasurer; Party President; European elections. one representative of the Parliamentary Office of the Liberal Democrats; Chief The FPC has 29 voting members: Party Executive; and one member of Federal Leader and six other Parliamentarians; staff. orders Standing DEMAND BETTER THAN BREXIT 69