Conference Extra Liberal Democrats Autumn Conference Brighton 14-17 September 2024 PLAINTEXT VERSION Updates to the Conference Agenda and Conference Directory, information from the Federal Conference Committee (FCC), amendments, emergency motions and questions to reports. Please read in conjunction with the Conference Agenda and Conference Directory. Please keep Conference Extra with you throughout conference and get hold of a copy of Conference Daily each day - they will be vital to your understanding of the day's business - available at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers and via the Conference App. Limited hard copies of Conference Daily will be available at conference, from the Information Desk In the Brighton Centre. Contents Agenda Extra: Saturday 14 September 3 Sunday 15 September 12 Monday 16 September 25 Tuesday 17 September 33 Emergency motions ballot 39 Directory Extra: Exhibition update 48 Fringe update 52 Federal Conference Committee 54 Federal Policy Committee 55 Federal Board 56 libdems.org.uk/conference @LibDems @LibDemConf facebook.com/LibDems Published and promoted by Mike Dixon on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, 1 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PN. Design and layout by Mike Cooper. Photographs (c) Liberal Democrats unless stated. GENERAL ELECTION 72 CELEBRATION RALLY Main Hall. 14th September. 6.30pm. Conference App Download our Conference App for Spring Conference. With great features such as: My Schedule (the easiest way to plan your conference). A searchable Fringe Guide and Agenda. Conference Extra and Conference Daily as they are published. To download the App visit App Store or Google Play Agenda extra Updates and amendments to the Agenda printed in the Conference Agenda. Saturday 14 September F2 Federal Conference Committee Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Richard Younger-Ross Would the committee urgently review its total ban on leaflet distribution outside the conference centre as it restricts the rights of groups to campaign within the party on issues and amendments etc raised at conference? Q2. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q3. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? Q4. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What prompted the move of Spring Conference from York to Harrogate? Q5. Submitted by Gareth Epps Following the reference back at Bournemouth, what progress has been made to deal with vexatious proposals to amend the Constitution / Standing Orders? Q6. Submitted by Toby Keynes In Reports to Conference, can each report for a committee/function that does not have its own conference report session please state how members can raise questions? Q7. Submitted by Alisdair Calder McGregor How does FCC intend to fulfil its legal duties with regards to protecting members in light of a recent FAP ruling which has permitted an individual who assaulted another party member to attend conference? Q8. Submitted by Alisdair Calder McGregor What action has FCC undertaken or considered undertaking to improve accessibility in Fringe events? Q9. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of those on your committee? Q10. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q11. Submitted by John Grout National and Regional Conferences have had some good ideas lately, such as quick-fire policy pitch sessions and rotating Exhibition stand slots. How can members help FCC bring such innovations to a Federal Conference? Q12. Submitted by John Grout What are the main hurdles to the reintroduction of the Conference Creche, and how might these be overcome? Q13. Submitted by William Barter Motions for this conference were rejected due to planned submissions to a future conference by party spokespeople. Could a list of known upcoming proposals be placed on the website so that members can use their time and effort fruitfully? Q14. Submitted by William Barter FPC working groups undertake consultation of members ahead of making policy proposals. However no such consultation happens for spokespeople-led policy. Can FCC ensure relevant contact details are made available to members well ahead of motion submission deadlines so that members can provide similar input into spokespeople-led proposals? Q15. Submitted by Josh Lucas Mitte When FCC has rejected a motion because the party's spokesperson is bringing one soon, have the proposers been invited to contribute to the spokesperson's motion? F3 Standing order amendment: Rationalising the Reference Back Procedure The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In 1. a) (line 29), 4. c) (line 67) and 5. c) (lines 102 and 115), after 'any of the bodies' insert 'or groups'. In 4. c) (line 80) and 5. c) (line 115), after 'the body' insert 'or group'. In 4. c) (line 77), after 'the committee' insert 'or sub-committee tabling the report'. In 5. c) (line 112), after 'the body' insert 'tabling the report'. In 4. c) (lines 68-69), delete 'for business motions and 1.3 d) for policy motions'. In 5. c) (lines 103-104), delete 'for business motions and 1.3 d) for policy motions'. F5 Federal Policy Committee Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Michael Kilpatrick How is it possible that Section 20 of the Manifesto included no content whatsoever from the 'England in a Federal UK' policy from a Policy Working Group in 2021, and did not offer a 'Fair Deal for England'? Q2. Submitted by Tony Vickers The term 'National Nature Parks' didn't feature in the policy paper Tackling the Nature Crisis last autumn but first appeared in the manifesto. Does that make it Party policy to commit to creating them? Q3. Submitted by Gareth Epps Will FPC review the policymaking process and whether the slow, deliberative policy paper process is still fit for purpose? Q4. Submitted by Michael Berwick-Gooding Please can it be explained why our fiscal rules in the Manifesto were not identical to those we had passed in York in the Pre-Manifesto? Q5. Submitted by Michael Kilpatrick Do Lib Dems believe in evidence-based policy, and if so, why did the Manifesto suggest that scrapping VAT on children's toothbrushes acts to prevent tooth decay when evidence shows that VAT cuts are not passed onto consumers? Q6. Submitted by Michael Kilpatrick Do FPC not consider that they have a duty to consult the membership to verify the accuracy of policies included in the Manifesto, particularly policies written by officially-sanctioned Working Groups, to avoid glaring omissions or inaccuracies? Q7. Submitted by Abrial Jerram What can be done in the event that an otherwise fully satisfactory motion is not placed on the agenda for conference due to ongoing FPC work on the subject area, how can their views be reflected (after input by federal conference) in party policy? Q8. Submitted by Abrial Jerram How can FPC ensure that it makes the necessary changes to its policy output due to the change of government and do it at a sufficient pace for effective opposition? Q9. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q10. Submitted by Josh Lucas Mitte Have we polled policy lines against what our spokespeople say, as sometimes to voters what we say does not seem to support our policy goals? Q11. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of those on your committee? Q12. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q13. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? Q14. Submitted by Jim Williams In surveying public opinion, what kinds of qualitative sources will the policy review use to not only identify what the priority issues should be, but also why they matter to people and how they affect people's lives? Q15. Submitted by Jim Williams Since the Board's strategy review will be conducted iteratively over the coming years, how will the FPC ensure that its policy priorities continue to harmonise with the party's strategy after the completion of the policy review exercise? Q16. Submitted by Jim Williams How far will the policy review build upon the FPC's welcome recent trend towards policy-making structured around the outcomes that people want to see, rather than around the traditional divisions of responsibility of Whitehall departments? F6 Reforming Sunday Trading Laws Amendment One 10 members Mover: Cllr Simon McGrath. Summation: Brandon Masih. In 3. (line 45), after 'rights' insert 'ensuring that retail workers can reject requests to work on Sundays with no adverse consequences'. Amendment Two ALDC Mover: Cllr Darryl Smalley. Summation: to be announced. In 4. (line 46), after 'to' insert 'choose whether to'. F7 Climate Change Aide: Cllr Christine Willmore (Vice Chair of the Climate Change Working Group). Hall Aide: Fraser Graham. Members wishing to speak in this session should complete a speakerÕs card indicating which section of the consultation paper and aspect of the issue they wish to speak on, collected from and returned to the SpeakersÕ Table at the front of the auditorium, an auditorium steward or the Information Desk. Speakers will be called to speak from the intervention microphone for a maximum of two minutes. The consultation paper is available at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference/papers/autumn-2024/157-climate-change F8 Equitable and Improved Outcomes Throughout Pregnancy and the Neonatal Period Amendment One Southwark Mover: Humaira Ali. Summation: Rachel Bentley. After i) (line 6), insert: ii) The complexities of women giving birth have dramatically increased since the 1970s which has led to increased risk to women, significantly increased workloads for healthcare professionals especially midwives and an increased burden on the wider aspects of the health service. iii) The method for measuring maternity services (and therefore its requirements) has been in place since the inception of the NHS, is inaccurate as it is currently based solely on the number of women birthing at a location, ignores the volume and variety of increase to healthcare workloads as well as the complexity of mums and babies accessing care; A significant gap therefore exists in understanding the real resolution to many birthing challenges across the landscape. After 1. (line 52), insert: 2. Modernisation of the way maternity services are measured including use of women's birthing complexity (Dependency Score), volume and variety of healthcare professional workloads and improved reporting to determine maternity services priorities. Amendment Two LDCRE Mover: Dr Mohsin Khan. Summation: Lee Dargue. Delete 2. (lines 52-53) and insert: 2. Referral to NHS mental health support services to be made available after every miscarriage, not just after three, and for a report on mental health service waiting times for these patients to be published annually. After 8. (line 73), insert: 9. The Government to publish annual reports on progress in reducing miscarriage and stillbirth rates among ethnic minorities. Amendment Three Liberal Democrat Christian Forum Mover: to be announced. Summation: to be announced. After 8. (line 73), insert: 8. Interpreters for those whose first language is not English must be available when the expectant mother is with health professionals. F12 Europe - Restoring Links for Young People Amendment One 12 members Mover: Simon Hughes. Summation: Irina von Wiese. After 5. (line 70), insert: 6. Conference commits Liberal Democrats to work and campaign across the UK with youth organisations, schools, colleges, universities and others in the public, private and voluntary sectors for the reciprocal Youth Mobility Scheme, passport and visa-free school trips and a full return of the UK to Erasmus+ as an associated country all to be in place by 2027 at the latest. F13 Defence and Veterans The panel is: Richard Foord MP (Spokesperson for Defence), Mike Martin MP, Helen Maguire MP, Chris Coghlan MP, Cameron Thomas MP and Ian Roome MP. F14 Supporting Disadvantaged Children Amendment One West Suffolk Mover: Andy McGowan. Summation: Helen Korfanty. In 3. a) (line 61), after 'needs' insert 'or who are young carers'. After 5. (line 73), insert: 6. Introduce a Young Carers Pupil Premium so that schools have the proper resources to support pupils who are young carers. Amendment Two 13 members Mover: Callum Robertson. Summation: Rob Herd. After 5. (line 73), insert: 6. The establishment of a Commissioner for Tackling Educational Disadvantage who shall be tasked with identifying centres of excellence for tackling the disadvantage gap, promoting best practice within the education sector and producing evidence led guidance on the effective spending of Pupil Premium funding. Sunday 15 September F16 National Nature Parks Chair: Cllr Jon Ball (Vice Chair, FCC). The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In iv) (line 28), delete 'countryside and produce high-quality food for our tables' and insert 'including woodland, heathland and moorland, particularly upland peat. This will support the recovery of natural flood protections, carbon storage and thriving ecosystems whilst also providing high-quality food for the table'. In 3. (line 63), after 'restoration' insert: 'with a need for special protection of areas of woodland, heathland and moorland, and of the creation and maintenance of natural flood protection'. Amendment One Manchester Mover: Alan Good. Summation: Chris Northwood. After V. (line 16), insert: VI. The government has set a deadline of 2031 for all rights of way in England to be added to an official map, but data gathered by the BBC suggests nearly 8,000 requests to get public paths and bridleways added to the map have not been processed - and some date back to the 1980s. After iv) (line 29), insert: v) Rights of Way must be recorded clearly to be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. After 5. b) (line 71), insert: c) Scrap the 2031 deadline for the Definitive Map Modification Orders. Amendment Two Sheffield Mover: Andy Sangar. Summation: Rebecca Atkinson. After 5. b) (line 71), insert: 6. Support greater access to National Nature Parks via the promotion and maintenance of walking routes and cycleways plus frequent public transport options from nearby towns and cities and within the Park, to reduce private vehicle use and consequent problem parking over time. F17 Our Plan to Save the NHS The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In 8. (lines 82-84), after 'care estate' insert 'and IT systems'; after 'concrete' delete 'and' and insert ','; and after 'bulidings' insert 'and incompatible, failing digital infrastructure'. In 9. (line 86), after 'care' insert 'and to provide sufficient funding to local authorities to cover the increased costs of social care resulting from these measures'. Amendment One Lambeth Mover: David Whitaker. Summation: Stevan Cirkovic. In M. (line 38), after 'primary care estate' insert 'and mental health estate'. After v) (line 54), insert: vi) Community-based care in non-institutional environments should be expanded where appropriate - physical health checks in pharmacies as well as community mental health provision are important pillars of modern health services that are efficient, preventative, and accessible to all communities, involving the right professionals in the right spaces. In 8. (lines 82-84), after 'care' insert 'and mental health'; delete 'to end' and insert 'to move from'; and after 'failing digital infrastructure' insert 'and therapeutic environments that promote recovery'. Amendment Two 10 members Mover: Peter Lacey. Summation: Tom Gordon MP. After 9. (line 86), insert: 10. To introduce a fair funding deal for hospices and to include palliative and end of life care services in priorities and planning guidance for the NHS to ensure a whole system response to the growing need for these services. F18 Topical issue discussion: Labour's economic policy and the foundations for long-term prosperity Hall Aide: Fraser Graham. Proposer: Duncan Brack. Response: Sarah Olney MP (Spokesperson for Treasury and Business). Summation: to be announced. This is an opportunity for members to discuss and further develop the Liberal Democrat alternative to the Labour Government's economic approach, without agreeing specific policy at this stage. Proposer and response: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. F20 Q&A session: Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Questions will be put to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats by Carolyn Quinn. Members may submit concise questions (maximum 25 words) on any topic, online until 17.00 on Saturday 14 September, or on a form collected from and returned to the Speakers' Table by 12.50 on Sunday 15 September. F21 Leading the Way - Liberal Democrat policy direction in the years ahead Aides: Cllr Lucy Nethsingha (Vice Chair, FPC) and Eleanor Kelly (Vice Chair of the Policy Working Group). 16.30 Speech Chair: Layla Moran MP (Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs). Aide: Cllr Nick da Costa (Chair, FCC). F21A Magen Inon (Israeli educator and peace advocate) F23 Federal Board Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Leon Duveen Can the Board explain why any group that is not an Affiliated Organisation (AO) and has stated aims that are against Party principles is allowed to have a stall in the Exhibition? Our Conference is a private gathering of Liberal Democrat members, not a public forum open to all. With this in mind, what measures will be taken to make sure that any group, even if it includes Party Members that is not an AO and has aims that are against Party principles can be refused? Q2. Submitted by Adam Robertson Will the Federal Board be changing its structures and strategy to ensure that the Party is looking a party ready for power, or being able to react quickly if political developments happened within the centre of British Politics? Q3. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What efforts are being made to harmonise the National, Devolved, Regional and Local campaigns we run, to make sure that successes in one election can transfer well to others? Q4. Submitted by Janet Grauberg Strategy - in terms of developing a new strategy, how are local parties and other party bodies going to be engaged in the process? Q5. Submitted by Jim Williams A tide of anti-Tory sentiment helped the Party deliver a record-breaking number of Liberal Democrat MPs this year. How will the Federal Board's strategy review ensure that any lessening in anti-Tory sentiment does not result in fewer Lib Dem MPs at the next General Election? Q6. Submitted by Jim Williams Every Lib Dem gain in this General Election was achieved from second place. Our success this year leaves us with only 27 second-place seats. How will the Federal Board's strategy review ensure we bring more seats within reach of returning a Lib Dem MP? Q7. Submitted by Jim Williams Evidence and experience suggest that it is wise to avoid being a junior coalition partner. Looking ahead over the next two to three General Election cycles, how ambitious will the Federal Board be when setting long-term Party aims? Q8. Submitted by Christine Headley Will the Board consider ways of providing support to candidates and campaigners to promote wellbeing and avoid burnout? Q9. Submitted by Caron Lindsay Will the Board consider improving support for candidates and campaigners from marginalised groups who are subject to abuse when representing the party? Q10. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of those on your committee? Q11. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q12. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How did Board work well, or less well, with Federal Committees and Bodies, during the General Election campaign? Q13. Submitted by Sarah Lewis Which Federal Committee is accountable (and on what timeline) for providing a comprehensive and transparent response to the recommendations of the General Election Review; and under what circumstances will these recommendations be referred to Conference? Q14. Submitted by Rebecca Jones What is the board doing to ensure trans people are free from transphobia within the party such as misgendering? Q15. Submitted by Alisdair Calder McGregor The party has consistently failed to deal with bad actors abusing the complaints process to terrorise party members who are also members of sexual and gender minorities. By soft pedalling for years, the party has emboldened these bullies in the hope they will go away. Instead, they have made the situation worse by using party funds to try and set precedents in court to undermine equalities legislation and our commitment to a fair and equal society. As we have seen with recent far right riots, treating the purveyors of hatred gently is tearing the fabric of our society apart. Does the party recognise the damage it is complicit, through inaction, in doing, to the fabric of our society and what is it planning to do about it? Q16. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q17. Submitted by Pete Dollimore Does the board see emerging technology such as AI as an opportunity or a risk? How will we harness it for best effect? Q18. Submitted by Tony Vickers Why, after 24 years as a recognised AO, is ALTER no longer listed as one on the Party website? Q19. Submitted by Mark Johnston ?Party standards: What steps are the Board, the Board's Disciplinary Sub-committee and the Senior Adjudicators taking to ensure infringements of equality law are not repeated? Have ?all the relevant officers had suitable legal training? for this purpose? Q20. Submitted by Leon Duveen The Media (especially the BBC) don't seem to have caught up with the fact that we no longer have a duopoly in UK politics. What actions have or will be taking to ensure that we get the exposure (especially on in the broadcast media) that having 72 MPs (30% of opposition MPs) merit? Q21. Submitted by Sarah Lewis As part of the annual review of AOs, will the Federal Board give consideration to the role of AOs in formulating an adequate Party response to events of particular concern to specific communities within our Party's membership e.g. the racist/Islamophobic riots of Jul-Aug 2024? Q22. Submitted by Josh Lucas Mitte Many branches made detrimental sacrifices to support target candidates, has allocating part of MP's tithes to the regions been considered to support such local parties? Q23. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? Q24. Submitted by Katherine Howells Complaints Report states 7 respondents were sanctioned with a warning. How many of these were issued on dismissed complaints and does Fed Board consider it equitable to issue a sanction on a complaint that is dismissed? Q25. Submitted by John Grout Given the severe challenges of the decade so far (Covid-19, social media changes, Conference cancellations, tech re-platforming), how do the Board and FPDC intend to support and nurture the party's community of AOs going forwards? Q26. Submitted by Zoe Hollowood Do the accounts presented within the FFRC report include the English, Scottish and Welsh parties or are these separate entities? Do they get consolidated into a parent entity? Q27. Submitted by Jacqueline Harris Baker Given a non diverse group of MPs what will the mechanism be to ensure that the parliamentary party represents the interests of the entire nation? Q28. Submitted by John Grout As we are now over the halfway point of the current party committees' term, how does the Board feel the new constitutional arrangements vis-a-vis the Federal Council are working? Are they working as intended, and is there scope for improvement in the Board's view? Q29. Submitted by Helen Baxter In the Federal Finance and Resources Committee report, the Balance Sheet (page 19) isn't consistent with the Balance Sheet as per the audited set of 2023 accounts submitted to the Electoral Commission. Is this perhaps an older version? In addition, the net assets should agree to the total funds and the heading should say "as at 31 December 2023". F24 Campaign for Gender Balance Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q2. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of those on your committee? Q3. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q4. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? F25 Federal Campaigns and Elections Committee Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Caron Lindsay How can the federal party ensure that we build on our Westminster success at the Scottish and Welsh elections in 2026? What support will they make to those vital campaigns? Q2. Submitted by Adam Robertson In Suffolk, we are potentially facing a 1981 result of ZERO seats at the next County Council Election. For areas such as Suffolk to succeed electorally could 'Special Measures' be considered to help Suffolk? Q3. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q4. Submitted by Josh Lucas Mitte Many campaign staff will leave the party to work for the new MPs, how can FCEC ensure we retain expertise knowledge as we approach the locals? Q5. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of those on your committee? Q6. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q7. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? Q8. Submitted by Simon Hughes How many 2024 UK General Election Liberal Democrat a) candidates and b) elected MPs define themselves as from a UK ethnic minority? Q9. Submitted by Oliver Jones-Lyons With lack of parliamentary representation no longer an excuse, how can we achieve all important press coverage going forward? Q10. Submitted by John Grout How does the party intend to retrench and recover in Labour-facing urban areas where we have been losing ground to the Green Party lately? Q11. Submitted by John Grout The targeting strategy obviously worked well this year in terms of seats, but left many local parties looking at disappointing results having helped their neighbours win. When will the cavalry arrive for these local parties, many of which face Labour? Q12. Submitted by John Grout In the last Parliament we campaigned successfully on a platform of being "not-the-Conservatives". What plans to FCEC have to re-focus on positive reasons to vote Lib Dem, and on what we stand for, particularly in the context of a Labour government and insurgent far-right? Q13. Submitted by Brandon Masih What lessons have been learned from local elections on the growing strength of the Green Party where we have intentionally stood down for them? F26 Federal International Relations Committee Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Adam Robertson How effective have our Liberal Sister Parties have said the 'Cordon Sanitaire' has worked in their country against the Radical Right, as we may need to potentially have one against Reform? Q12 Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q3. Submitted by Christopher Johnson With events in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan ongoing, what is your committee doing to engage with our sister parties in the Caucasus to bring peace and democracy to the region? Q4. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What advice would you give members looking to become involved in the international side of the party but who don't know where to start? Q5. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of those on your committee? Q6. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q7. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? F27 Federal Council Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Abrial Jerram Can you elaborate on the mechanisms, other than calling in and overturning decisions, that Federal Council members use to scrutinise the work of Federal Board? Q2. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q3. Submitted by Toby Keynes Is FC concerned, not just about how the party conducts litigation, but why it so often faces litigation from current and ex members, some of them dedicated and long-standing, in the first place? Q4. Submitted by Gareth Epps From the report, it is not clear what work Federal Council has done. Is there a strategy or programme in place? Q5. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate Does Federal Council have a work plan in place? Q6. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q7. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? F28 Federal Appeals Panel Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for your committee since last conference given the general election? Q2. Submitted by Gareth Epps A decision potentially impacting personal safety at Conference has been issued. It is not in the Panel's report nor on the Party website. Why not? Q3. Submitted by Alisdair Calder McGregor What legal advice did FAP obtain prior to ruling that an individual who assaulted another member of the party should be permitted to attend conference, and how does it envisage that the party and Federal Conference Committee should uphold their legal duties with regards to protecting members without the power of justified exclusion? Q4. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of those on your committee? Q5. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to improve diversity and inclusion on your committee? Q6. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you manage working with our 72 new MPs? Are there areas you can see opportunities and risks? Monday 16 September F29 Fair Votes Now Chair: Baroness Doocey. Amendment One 19 members Mover: George Cunningham. Summation: Caroline Voaden MP. After v) (line 14), insert: vi) That despite around 3.5 million Britons resident overseas being entitled to register to vote, only around 200,000 are estimated to have done so, roughly the same as in 2019, despite a huge increase in the numbers eligible following the abolition of the 15-year rule. After d) (line 39), insert: e) British citizens overseas maintain an active and committed interest in UK events, and that fostering a higher involvement of those citizens in elections would play an important role in maintaining links with the ever-growing British diaspora. In 5. (line 55), after 'Commission' insert 'and by providing adequate budget for effective communications to electors, both within the UK and overseas'. After 6. (line 56), insert: 7. To avoid delay in international delivery of postal ballots, to enable electronic delivery of ballot papers to those who request them, to allow voting in person at all British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates as well as to publicise proxy voting as an alternative to postal voting. Amendment Two Enfield Mover: Matt McLaren. Summation: Rob Wilson. After e) (line 42), insert: f) The Liberal Democrats have always produced strong local champions who prove by their example the value of a strong, hardworking local MP to constituents. g) The existence of local constituencies has been a popular and integral feature of British democracy since the 19th century, and our mission to reform the electoral system must take account of this. h) The use of different forms of the Additional Member System (AMS) in Scotland, Wales and Greater London has proved successful for more than two decades now, and similar systems across Europe have ensured proportionality whilst maintaining a vital local constituency link for voters. i) The Jenkins Commission in 1998 proposed a form of the Additional Member System, known as the Alternative Vote Plus (AV+) for elections to the House of Commons, but the then Labour government failed to implement this recommendation. j) The Single Transferable Vote system, whilst useful in other contexts, requires the creation of constituencies which are far too large to maintain a "constituency link" for voters, creates undesirably lengthy delays in ascertaining election results which may damage post-election market confidence, and is only used by two countries for their primary legislative chamber of parliament (the Republic of Ireland and Malta). Delete 1. (lines 44-46) and insert: 1. Replace the first past the past system for UK General Elections, with a form of mixed-member proportional representation by the Alternative Vote Plus system (AV+), that will: a) Ensure that a fixed number not exceeding two-thirds of Members of the House of Commons are elected to represent geographical constituencies via the Alternative Vote (AV) system, maintaining a constituency link for all voters and ensuring all local MPs have received the support of at least half of their constituents. b) Provide stronger proportionality in the chamber by giving all voters the chance to vote on a separate regional list ballot, with a fixed number not exceeding one-third of Members of the House of Commons being elected in these regions on party lists via the D'Hont system. F32 Emergency motion: The Israel-Gaza Conflict - an immediate bilateral ceasefire and securing two states Hall Aide: Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed. 10 members Mover: Layla Moran MP (Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs). Summation: Lord Purvis. Conference notes: I. The ongoing humanitarian devastation in Gaza, where now over 40,000 Palestinians are now estimated to have been killed and vast numbers have life changing injuries. II. That almost one year on from the deplorable 7 October terrorist attacks which killed over 1,100, many survivors are traumatised including by the use of sexual violence and there remains an ongoing hostage situation, with over 100 Israelis still held by Hamas. III. The clear risk of escalation across the region, with increased tensions in August 2024 raising concerns about a regional war, and increased violence in the West Bank in the context of ongoing trauma to the Palestinian people. IV. The role of Iran, which continues to destabilise the region including via its Revolutionary Guards, its supply of arms to its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, and the military responses which it threatens against Israel. V. Ongoing cases at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, and the UK's Government's July 2024 decision to stop potential arrest warrants which the ICC might issue, including against Israeli PM Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. VI. The ICJ's advisory opinion in July 2024 that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal. VII. The millions who have been displaced by this ongoing conflict since October 7, with almost 2 million displaced in Gaza, around 135,000 Israelis displaced from Northern and Southern Israel, and over 1,000 Palestinians fleeing their homes in the West Bank in the face of spiking settler violence. VIII. The conflict's impact in the UK, and applauds the work done by NGOs, faith groups, local authorities and others to combat unacceptable race and hate crime including against Jews, Israelis, Muslims and Palestinians, and to bring people together rather than divide them in the face of community tensions. Conference believes that: A. Only a political and diplomatic solution, not a military one, will resolve this conflict, get Hamas out of power and deliver a lasting peace. B. A two-state solution is the only way to deliver the dignity and security which Palestinians and Israelis deserve. C. An immediate bilateral ceasefire is desperately needed, to resolve the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, get the hostages home and provide space to secure a two-state solution. Conference accordingly reaffirms: i) The Autumn 2021 Federal Conference motion F39, Towards a Lasting Peace. ii) The Liberal Democrats' commitment to a two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine both exist with secure boundaries based on 1967 lines. Conference calls on the UK Government to: 1. Work to bring about an immediate bilateral ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, including: a) Demanding the unconditional release of the remaining hostages. b) Pressing for more access for humanitarian aid and essential supplies into Gaza. c) Providing all necessary assistance, including aid, to UNRWA to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and ensure that the recommendations of the independent Colonna report are implemented as quickly as possible, thereby assuring that all work to support Palestinians in Gaza is of the highest possible standards and integrity. 2. Uphold the role of international law and international courts, including respecting in full the ICJ advisory opinion that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and upholding its findings, and accordingly: a) Introduce legislation to cease trade with illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories. b) Work to reduce heightened tensions in the West Bank, and accordingly including connected entities in the scope of sanctions against anyone in the settler movement that uses or incites violence, building on the work of the US and EU. c) Work to end the use of arbitrary administrative detention of Palestinians by the IDF. 3. Enacting a presumption of denial for arms exports to governments listed by the Foreign Office as human rights priorities, and therefore immediately suspending arms exports to Israel, in accordance with similar decisions taken by previous UK governments of all political parties. 4. Recognising the existential threat of Iran not just in the Middle East but to Western democracies, by: a) Proscribing Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. b) Conducting an audit of UK-based assets owned by Iranian officials, in order to freeze those assets. 5. Press for a two-state solution, including by: a) Immediately recognising the state of Palestine. b) Working with the peace-builders in Israel and Palestine who call for two-states, to wrestle control away from the extremes. c) Working with the international community to identify future democratic leaders of Palestine, with a view to having swift elections in Palestine as soon as possible in the hope of uniting Gaza and the West Bank under one democratically elected voice. d) Investing in peace, such as via the International Fund for Middle East Peace, and using trade as a tool for peace, ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis benefit. Conference further calls on Liberal Democrats to engage with all their ALDE and Liberal International sister parties to secure a two state solution based on 1967 lines in the region, including Israel's Yesh Atid party. Applicability: Federal. Mover: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 on Sunday 15 September; those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Monday's Conference Daily. See page 61 of the Conference Agenda for further information. F33 Tackling the Prisons Crisis Mover: Josh Babarinde MP. Amendment One 10 members Mover: Baroness Lorely Burt. Summation: to be announced. After J. (line 50), insert: K. 2,852 people remain incarcerated under indeterminate Imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentences, a system the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has called on the UK government to urgently review due to its lack of safeguards and higher rates of self-harm among IPP prisoners compared to the general prison population. After 7. (line 78), insert: 8. Set up an expert committee, in line with recommendations from the House of Commons Justice Committee, to advise on how to urgently bring forward a resentencing exercise for all IPP-sentenced individuals. Amendment Two LDCRE Mover: Dr Mohsin Khan. Summation: Janice Turner. After J. (line 50), insert: K. 33,700 prisoners in England and Wales in March 2023 were sharing cells; in 2024, 11,018 cells intended for single use were used by two inmates, and remand prisoners, who are not convicted, can also be made to share with other remand prisoners - involuntary cell sharing can pose mental and physical risks to prisoners as well as greater loss of dignity. In 6. (line 75), after 'reoffending' insert 'and to actively reduce involuntary cell-sharing by prisoners, especially those on remand'. Amendment Three Manchester Mover: John Bridges. Summation: Chris Northwood. After 7. (line 78), insert: 8. To develop and expand restorative justice schemes as an effective alternative to short custodial sentences. F36 A Fair Deal for Musicians Aide: Fraser Graham. The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In i) c) (line 54), after 'development' insert 'and ensure that any extra costs on local council planning departments are fully met'. In ii) (line 58), after 'programme' insert 'and for government to provide extra funding to councils so they can fund the musical instruments and classes'. Amendment One 10 members Mover: Jess Brown-Fuller MP. Summation: to be announced. After VI. c) (line 21), insert: VII. The UK's secondary ticketing market had an estimated œ1bn annual worth in 2019, with ticket touts mass-buying tickets to sporting and cultural events and then selling them on at inflated prices. VIII. Half of Britons have been priced out of attending live music events in recent years with ticket prices being further inflated by both 'surge pricing' and higher transaction charges. After 2. c) (line 74), insert: 3. Protect fans from being exploited by ticket touts by implementing the Competition and Markets Authority's recommendations to crack down on illegal ticket resale that include: a. Prohibiting platforms from allowing sellers to list more tickets for an event than the seller is able to legally procure from the primary market. b. Making platforms strictly liable for incorrect information about tickets listed on their websites. c. A requirement that all secondary ticketing sites acquire a licence to operate in the UK. 4. Introduce legislation to ban the use of 'surge pricing' by ticket platforms. 5. Review the use of transaction fees with the aim of placing a cap on the amount that can be added to ticket prices. There will be a separate vote on VI. b) (line 20) and 2. b) (line 73). F37 Reversing Cuts to Bereavement Support Payments and Supporting Kinship Carers Amendment One Twickenham & Richmond Mover: Munira Wilson MP. Summation: Bobby Dean MP. Delete 6. b) (lines 55-56), and insert: b) Providing all kinship carers with a weekly allowance for each child they care for, equivalent to the national minimum weekly allowance for foster carers. After 6. b) (line 56), insert: c) Giving kinship carers the right to paid employment leave when taking on care of a child. Tuesday 17 September F38 Emergency motion or topical issue discussion Hall Aide: Duncan Brack. F39 The Clean Water Authority Hall Aide: Cllr Darryl Smalley. The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In 2. (line 65), delete 'and' and insert ','; and after 'Natural England' insert 'and Local Authorities'. In vi) (line 58), delete 'next' and insert 'this'. Amendment One Manchester Mover: John Bridges. Summation: Alan Good. After F. (line 45), insert: G. Measures to tackle the pollution of our water courses and waterways should include those to manage industrial effluents from point sources, surface water littering, and non-point sources of pollution including industrial chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers, animal manure and soil washed into streams in rainfall run-off. After 3. g) (line 85), insert: 4. To clarify and publicise who has the responsibility for the maintenance of inland waterways including surrounding spaces such as towpaths and riverbanks. F40 Parliamentary Parties Report: questions and accountability Q1. Submitted by Josh Price In the new Parliament, what policies is the Party in both Houses going to prioritise in Private Members Bills? Q2. Submitted by Ella Jayne How do you think the role of the House of Lords will change now we have a larger Commons parliamentary party? Q3. Submitted by Douglas Munro The Parliamentary party dramatically increased post-election. What operational changes are taking place to meet this challenge? Q4. Submitted by Adam Robertson With the Conservatives fighting for the soul of Conservatism with Nigel Farage, is the Parliamentary Party prepared to be part of the Official Opposition if the opportunity arises? Q5. Submitted by Rebecca Jones Now the party has won 72 seats, what will the parliamentary party do to advance trans rights in Parliament? Q6. Submitted by Christopher Johnson What would you say the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge have been for the parliamentary parties since last conference given the general election? Q7. Submitted by Stephen Harte With a record number of new staff to recruit managed by new MPs, what steps are we taking to ensure best HR practice? Q8. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have your committee taken to support the mental health of Members of Parliament and their staff? Q9. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate What actions have you taken to improve diversity and inclusion in the Parliamentary Parties and staff in Parliament? Q10. Submitted by Abrial Jerram Having had time to reflect, are you satisfied with the Lib Dem response to the riots? Q11. Submitted by Abrial Jerram Having been impressed by the effectiveness of the the parties staunch defence of the elderly during the cost of living crisis (triple lock & WFA), what are the prospects for success for using the same political skill for standing up other generations by applying the triple lock to things that effect them (e.g. minimum wage, maintenance loans, disability living allowance)? Q12. Submitted by Abrial Jerram With the election of Layla Moran as chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, how much success do you expect her to have in challenging the flawed Cass review and the even more flawed implementation of its recommendations and what can Lib Dem MPs especially the at time of writing health and education spokespeople (Daisy Cooper and Munira Wilson) do to support her in that? Q13. Submitted by Simon Hughes In this parliament which specific issues and subjects are regarded as matters of personal conscience with no requirement for MPs and peers to follow any party policy? Q14. Submitted by Simon Hughes Will both Chief Whips undertake that all relevant Standing Orders governing rights of Liberal Democrat parliamentarians to vote according to conscience will always be public documents? Q15. Submitted by Ulysse Abbate How will you ensure our 72 new MPs work best with our federal party and its bodies/committees? Q19. Submitted by John Grout Can our Parliamentary groups resolve to consult the party's registered SAO groups (such as Lib Dem Women, the Lib Dem Disability Association, LGBT+ Lib Dems, etc.) prior to meeting un-recognised or external groups which may be lobbying intensively but may also have agendas inimical to Liberal values? Q16. Submitted by Judith Bailey The Party is planning to produce a spokesperson's paper on the Cass Review. Can the Parliamentary Party commit to hearing voices from all sides of this debate including from parents who chose talking therapies for their gender distressed children rather than medicalisation? Q17. Submitted by Judith Bailey Does the Parliamentary Party accept the recommendations from the Cass Review? Q18. Submitted by Gareth Epps With two new MPs coming second and third in the Private Members' Bill ballot, are there plans to engage members and voters (in Gloucestershire and beyond) in choosing meaningful legislation? Q19. Submitted by Brandon Masih What evidence was used by health spokesperson team to agree on announcing support for zero-rating HFP sunscreen and that it would deliver savings to consumers? F42 A Fair Deal for Family Carers Chair: James Gurling. The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In vii) (line 17), delete 'low' and insert 'high'. Amendment One West Suffolk Mover: Andy McGowan. Summation: Helen Korfanty. In i) (line 3), after 'disabled' insert 'or who has a drug or alcohol addiction; this includes around one million young carers under the age of 18'. In vii) (line 17), after 'too high' insert ', for example excluding full-time students and requiring carers to care for one person for at least 35 hours a week'. After x) (line 25), insert: xi) Department for Education data shows that 39% of young carers are 'persistently absent', missing at least one day of school a fortnight, almost twice as high as the figure for pupils who are not young carers; young carers are also significantly less likely to gain a degree or enter employment. xii) The launch of the Young Carers Covenant by Carers Trust in March 2024, a UK-wide commitment to young carers and young adult carers. xiii) There has not been a UK Government plan for improving support for unpaid carers since 2020. After g) (line 42), insert: h) Young carers should be supported to have the same access to education, employment and life opportunities as their peers without caring responsibilities. In 6. (line 58), after 'carers' insert 'including parent carers and young carers'. After 7. (line 60), insert: 8. Proactively support the Young Carers Covenant and set out how it plans to ensure that the needs of young carers are proactively considered in its mission to break down barriers to opportunity for all young people. 9. Introduce a cross-government national All-Ages Carers Strategy, produced in partnership with carers and funded to meet its objectives. Amendment Two 10 members Mover: Katharine Pindar. Summation: Michael Berwick-Gooding. In 3. (line 49), delete 'be significantly higher than' and insert 'the equivalent of 21 hours a week at the National Living Wage from'. F43 Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP (Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats) Aide: Professor Belinda Brooks-Gordon. Emergency motions ballot One of the following motions will be selected by ballot to be debated at F38 on Tuesday 17 September. The emergency motions ballot will be held electronically. Members of conference will have received a ballot by email at 17.00 on Friday 13 September, and should complete it online by 17.00 on Saturday 14 September. Emergency motion 1: Implementing the Recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report 17 members Conference notes: i) The publication on 4th September 2024 of The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report that contains important recommendations covering multiple areas. ii) That in the 7 years since the Grenfell Tower Fire, the Grenfell community have repeatedly called for justice, as the Metropolitan Police and CPS have delayed the conclusion of their investigations pending the inquiry's conclusion. iii) The fire's disproportionate impact on ethnic minority communities and the Grenfell community's unsuccessful call for the inquiry to investigate the role played by institutional Racism. iv) That construction industry reform in response to the fire has been ongoing, but the report has highlighted key areas for further reform. v) The report's recommendations regarding building standards and guidance refer to England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland building regulations are devolved matters. vi) The continued resilience of the Grenfell community, including victims, their families, and those from the surrounding area, as well as the overwhelming support and kindness shown by the public in response to the fire. Conference believes that: A. Independent and comprehensive public inquiries enable lessons to be learned from disasters such as this, and it is vital that their recommendations be reviewed and actioned. B. As the report stated, earlier and more comprehensive implementation of lessons learned from previous incidents could have prevented or reduced this fire's impact and the resulting loss of life. Conference calls for: 1. The UK Government to fully implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report's recommendations, including: a) Establishing a legal requirement to maintain a publicly accessible record of recommendations made by select committees, coroners and public inquiries plus a description of the steps taken in response, or reasons for not accepting a recommendation. b) Creating the office of the construction regulator, uniting regulatory and testing functions currently split between several government departments and companies. c) Uniting the responsibilities for fire safety functions under one Secretary of State and appointing a suitably qualified adviser on matters affecting the construction industry. d) A comprehensive review of the Building Regulations relating to fire and the definition of 'High Risk Buildings' within the Buildings Safety Act. e) Introducing a regulatory and competency framework for the roles of Fire Engineer and Fire Risk Assessor, with the creation of relevant professional bodies and professional qualifications. f) Review of how building control functions are exercised in England and Wales, particularly the involvement of commercial interests. g) Review of the Civil Contingencies Act. h) Creation of an independent College of Fire and Rescue. 2. The UK Government to assist other bodies noted in the report implement the recommendations as relevant to them providing funding to do so. 3. Devolved and Local Governments to consider the recommendations applicable to their devolved responsibilities and implement these as appropriate. 4. The Metropolitan Police to conclude their investigations without further delay, and the CPS to carry out prosecutions as appropriate to provide justice for the victims and their loved ones. 5. An investigation into the role of institutional racism as a factor in the fire. Applicability: England only; except 1. g) (line 54) and 2 (lines 56-58), which are Federal. Emergency motion 2: Rebuilding After the Riots 10 members Conference condemns the riots that unfolded across the UK this summer, which saw Muslims, asylum seekers, and communities of colour targeted with appalling violence. Conference notes with concern that: i) Far right extremists exploited the tragic attack in Southport that claimed the lives of 3 innocent young girls to incite and commit these atrocious acts of violence. ii) Mis- and disinformation was spread online about the identity of the Southport attacker, which further inflamed tensions and violence. iii) Social media platforms including X were used to organise and encourage riots, with platforms acting too slowly to take harmful content down. iv) During the riots, several hotels housing asylum seekers were targeted by violent mobs, further traumatising an already vulnerable group of people. v) It has been reported that over 100 police officers have been injured during the disorder. vi) The negative impacts of the riot will continue long after the violence ends, with many people from minority communities understandably reporting that they feel unsafe in their own communities. vii) Over 1,000 arrests have now been made in relation to the riots, with sentencing currently underway. Conference commends the actions of thousands of people in the wake of the riots who came together to clean up the damage and stand in solidarity against racism, Islamophobia and violence, as well as the tireless work of police officers to keep our communities safe. Conference believes that: A. The thugs who engaged in these riots do not represent our country or our values, and they must now face the full force of the law. B. Racism, Islamophobia and hatred of any kind has no place in our society. C. Everybody deserves to feel safe and welcome in British society - including asylum seekers, Muslims and communities of colour. Conference therefore calls on the Government to: 1. Continue to unequivocally condemn violence, racism and Islamophobia in all its forms. 2. Urgently bring into force duties on social media firms and search engines under the Online Safety Act to tackle illegal content and harmful algorithms on their platforms. 3. Launch an inquiry to examine the way social media was used to organise riots and incite violence, and make recommendations on whether further legislation is needed to prevent this from happening in the future. 4. Take swift action to respond to growing rates of anti-Muslim hatred, including by: a) Immediately appointing an Independent government adviser on Islamophobia, a post left vacant by the previous Conservative Government for two years. b) Adopting a formal working definition of Islamophobia. 5. Provide funding for protective security measures to places of worship, schools and community centres that are vulnerable to hate crime and terror attacks. 6. Make funding available for interfaith and cross-community work across the UK without delay. Applicability: Federal. Emergency motion 3: The Rights of Women and Girls in Afghanistan 62 members Conference notes with grave concern the ongoing attack on women's rights in Afghanistan by the Taliban, who introduced new laws in August to further curtail the rights of women and girls. Conference notes that: i) Since the Taliban came to power in 2021 Afghanistan has emerged as one of the most extreme examples of state-enforced oppression of women in the world. ii) In August 2024 the Taliban announced new draconian 'vice and virtue' laws, which further curtail women's rights including banning women from speaking in public and forcing them to thickly veil their bodies and faces in public, thus depriving them of their fundamental right to freedom of expression. iii) In August 2024 the Taliban barred the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, from entering Afghanistan. iv) Gender persecution is a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Afghanistan is a State Party. Conference believes that: a) Women have a basic right to equality, and societies flourish where both sexes can participate equally in society under the law. b) The Taliban is committing crimes against humanity in its treatment of women and girls and should face prosecution in the International Criminal Court (ICC). c) The Taliban is also answerable to the International Court of Justice for its violations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which Afghanistan ratified without reservation in 2003. Conference reaffirms its call for measures to assist Afghan asylum seekers and calls on the UK Government to: 1. Publicly condemn the actions of the Taliban government towards women and girls in Afghanistan. 2. Campaign for a UN-mandated accountability mechanism to collect and preserve evidence of international crimes being committed in Afghanistan against women and girls. 3. Work with international leaders to ensure that the ICC and other courts have the resources and cooperation needed to prosecute Taliban leaders for the persecution of women and girls. 4. Target UK aid that is earmarked for empowering women and girls in Afghanistan towards local agreements that permit projects led by women for the benefit of women and girls. 5. Call for international recognition of the Taliban to be conditional on the removal of all restrictions on the rights of women and girls. 6. Help establish permanent structures to enable the participation and representation of Afghan women, including internationally. 7. Demand that the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan be allowed to enter the country. Applicability: Federal. Emergency motion 4: The Winter Fuel Payment Manchester Conference notes with concern that: i) The Labour Government has proposed removing the Winter Fuel Payment for almost 11 million pensioners leaving them at least œ300 worse off. ii) AGE UK has estimated that 2 million pensioners will struggle to pay their energy bills with this cut. iii) 5 out of 6 pensioners below the poverty line are set to lose Winter Fuel Payments. iv) Average energy bills are set to rise by œ149 this winter. v) This policy was not included in the Labour Party's manifesto, and therefore lacks a democratic mandate. vi) This policy was introduced with minimal Parliamentary scrutiny during the summer. Conference reaffirms that: a) The Liberal Democrats support the maintenance of the current system of universal Winter Fuel Payments. b) The Liberal Democrats have led opposition to this cut in Parliament and supported motions to reverse the decision. c) The Liberal Democrats will support campaigns to prevent more and more pensioners moving into a situation of fuel poverty. Conference calls on the Government to: 1. Reverse its policy and maintain the current system of Winter Fuel Payments. 2. Put the burden of taxation on the broadest shoulders including the banks as proposed by the Liberal Democrats. Applicability: Federal. Emergency motion 5: What Next After the Social Care Cap 10 members Conference notes that: I. The Labour government has dropped plans to implement a cap on social care costs without setting out alternative measures to tackle the social care crisis. II. The Chancellor announced her decision in a speech to parliament on the 29th July, citing the black hole in the public finances left by the Conservative government; she said "the previous government let people down". III. Sir Andrew Dilnot, the author of the cap on care costs policy, called the Government's move a "tragedy". IV. It is estimated that the annual cost of implementing the cap on care would initially cost œ1.4bn per year but would rise to an estimated œ4.7bn by 2031/32. V. It is estimated that local authorities are facing a funding gap of œ6.2 billion over the next two years, driven by the rising cost of social care and other services. Conference further notes that: i) Liberal Democrats legislated for a cap on social care costs in 2014 whilst also calling for cross party talks to establish long-term sustainable social care funding. ii) Since 2014, the cost of social care has only risen and the whole sector has fallen into crisis; vulnerable people are now facing catastrophic social care costs - one in seven face costs of more than œ100,000 for their care. Conference believes that: A. The Conservatives' failure to deliver on their promise to "fix" the crisis in social care was disgraceful. B. The current social care system is not fit for purpose. C. Social care is an essential service and should ensure everyone is able to live with independence and dignity. D. Millions of people are missing out on the care they need, and thousands more face exorbitant costs. E. Care staff are underpaid and too many are falling victim to a postcode lottery of care provision. F. More social care funding is not enough, the current unfair system needs fundamental change if it is to work for everyone. Conference calls on the Government to urgently: 1. Tackle the emergency of social care costs by: a) Maintaining the cap on social care costs. b) Putting in place plans to introduce free personal care. 2. Establish a cross-party commission to forge a long-term agreement on sustainable funding for social care. 3. Introduce a Carer's Minimum Wage set at œ2 above the current national minimum wage. 4. Create a workforce plan for social care and establish a Royal College of Care Workers to improve recognition and career progression. 5. Give unpaid carers the fair deal they desperately need. Applicability: England only. Exhibition update There is a revised exhibition plan in the published Conference Extra. Exhibitors listed by stand number 1 National Education Union 2 Health Equals 3 Keep Britain Tidy 4 MCS Foundation 5 His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar 6 People's Postcode Lottery 7 GS1UK 8 Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) 9 Dignity in Dying 10 Peabody 11 Electrical Safety First 12 Made In Britain 13 Black Equity Organisation 14 bp 15 Rosen Law Firm 16 CWP Energy 17 Dementia UK 20 RISO UK Ltd / Sharp 21 Liberal Democrat Creative Network 22 Park Communications 23 LGBT+ Lib Dems 28 Liberal Democrat Education Association 29 WaterAid 32 Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) 33 WASPI - Women Against State Pension Inequality 34 Humanists UK 35 BBC 37 Pancreatic Cancer UK 38 Kids Count 39 ALDE Party 40 Parliamentary Candidates Association 41 Association of Lib Dem Trade Unionists 42 Liberal Democrat European Group & Liberal International British Group 43 League Against Cruel Sports 44 Co-operative Councils Innovation Network 45 National Liberal Club 46 Platform for Indian Democracy 47 Liberal Democrat Disability Association 48 e-lectorate project (Sat & Sun) DEBRA UK (Mon & Tues) 49 Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) 50 Transport for the South East H1 Green Liberal Democrats H2 Lib Dem Friends of Hong Kong H3 Liberal Democrats Abroad H4 Liberal Democrat Friends of the Armed Forces and Friends of Ukraine H5 Rights-Liberties-Justice (Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association) H6 Lib Dem Business Network and Liberty Network H7 Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform H8 Liberator Magazine H9 Liberal Reform H10 Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine H11 Social Liberal Forum H12 Liberal Democrat Christian Forum H13 Prater Raines Ltd H14 Liberal Democrat History Group H15 Humanist & Secularist Liberal Democrats H18 Liberal Democrats HQ H19 Liberal Democrat Image H20 Young Liberals H21 Liberal Democrat Women H22 Liberal Democrats in England H24 Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality (LDCRE) H25 Liberal Software H26 LibSTEMM - Liberal Democrats in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine H27 Election Workshop H30 ALDC - Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and LGA Liberal Democrats H31 Liberal Voice for Women Times Radio will not be exhibiting at conference, (was Stand 24). Directory of exhibitors The following exhibitors are additional to those listed in the Conference Directory: Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary (LD4SOS) LD4SOS believe in standing up for those who seek sanctuary in our country and treating them with compassion, humanity and respect. We work to influence Party policy. www.ld4sos.org.uk Stand H6 Liberal Voice for Women A group of members and supporters of the Liberal Democrats, aiming to promote the interests of women and girls within the Party. https://liberalvoiceforwomen.org Stand H31 Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) The PFA is the union for professional footballers. We promote and protect the rights of players and provide a range of services to support them on and off the pitch. www.thepfa.com Stand 49 Transport for the South East Transport for the South East is the Sub-national Transport Body for the South East. www.transportforthesoutheast.org.uk Stand 50 Premier League Trophy Tour - Photo Opportunity Saturday 14th Sept 9am -11am *Special appearance for 2 hours* Visit the Exhibition Hall on the ground floor from 9am-11am on Saturday and take a selfie along with the Premier League Trophy! Consultative sessions Saturday 14 September 10.35-11.50 Climate Change. Chaired by Duncan Brack. Brighton Centre, auditorium. Saturday 14 September 13.00-14.30 Opportunity and Skills. Chaired by Rosie Shimell. The Grand, Alexandra Room. and The Future of Work. Chaired by Vinous Ali. The Grand, Empress Room. Sunday 15 September 15.00-16.40 Leading the Way - Liberal Democrat policy direction in the years ahead Chaired by Jeremy Hargreaves. Brighton Centre, auditorium. Monday 16 September 09.45-11.05 General Election Review. Chaired by Tim Farron MP. Brighton Centre, auditorium. See Conference Agenda for more information. Internet access Free wifi is available in the Brighton Centre and The Grand Brighton. Brighton Centre Network name: Brighton Centre. No password needed - follow instructions. The Grand Brighton Network name: TheGrand. No password needed - follow instructions. Fringe update The following events are additional to those listed in the Conference Directory. Fringe Sunday early evening 18.15-19.15 Carers UK In conversation with Ed Davey: supporting unpaid carers and fixing social care Join us for an in-conversation event with Sir Ed Davey where we will explore Ed's personal caring experience and the economic and social case for supporting unpaid carers. The event is kindly supported by Phoenix Group. www.carersuk.org https://x.com/CarersUK The Brighton Centre, Meeting Room 1B Fringe Tuesday lunchtime 13.00-14.00 Shared Health Foundation Impact of temporary accommodation on children Child homelessness is linked to increased child mortality, long term impact on poor health, and social impacts well into adulthood. What can the Liberal Democrats do to improve conditions for the country's most vulnerable children and end child homelessness? www.sharedhealthfoundation.org.uk https://twitter.com/Sharedhealthgm The Grand Hotel, Regent Room Speech by Magen Inon Sunday 15 September 16.30-16.40, Auditorium, Brighton Centre. Magen Inon is an Israeli educator who lives in the UK. His parents were murdered in the 7 October terrorist attacks. Over the past year Magen has advocated powerfully for peace and a shared future based on the equality of all. (This is a late addition to the Agenda at F21A due to Mr Inon's availability. It will be subject to confirmatory vote by Conference at F2 on Saturday 14 September.) Spokespeople Q&A sessions There will be two Q&A sessions at conference where you can ask questions of our spokespeople. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Saturday 14 September 16.30-17.30 With Tim Farron MP and Earl John Russell. Chair: Duncan Brack. The Brighton Centre, Meeting Room 1C Education Monday 16 September 14.30-15.30 With Munira Wilson MP. Chair: Cllr Hannah Kitching. The Brighton Centre, Meeting Room 1D Party members may submit questions using the Q&As online form at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference/submissions Live stream The conference will be streamed live, in case you miss any sessions or want to watch again, at: libdems.org.uk/conference-live The Federal Conference Committee Nick da Costa, Chair Jon Ball, Vice Chair Cara Jenkinson, Vice Chair Mark Pack, Party President Dr Sam Barratt Duncan Brack Belinda Brooks-Gordon Thom Campion Wendy Chamberlain MP Fraser Graham Eleanor Kelly Hannah Kitching Chris Maines Paul McGarry Simon McGrath Shaffaq Mohammed Lucas North Matt Palmer Kath Pinnock Jennie Rigg Callum Robertson Darryl Smalley FCC non-voting members: Mike Dixon, Federal Chief Executive Shana Toten, Staff Rep Federal Conference Committee helpdesk Members of the FCC will be available to give advice at the Information Desk in the Brignton Centre at the following times: Saturday 14 September 10.30-11.30 and 13.00-14.00 Sunday 15 September 10.30-11.30 Monday 16 September 10.30-11.30 The Federal Policy Committee Ed Davey MP, Chair Lucy Nethsingha, Vice Chair Jeremy Hargreaves, Vice Chair Dick Newby, Vice Chair Mark Pack, Party President Ulysse Abbate Duncan Brack Belinda Brooks-Gordon Sally Burnell Christine Cheng Tara Copeland Helen Cross Alex Dauncey Stephen Harte Martin Horwood Elizabeth Jewkes Mark Johnston Susan Juned Mohsin Khan Janey Little Keith Melton Layla Moran MP Helen Morgan MP Kath Pinnock Jenny Randerson Ben Rich Luke Richards John Shreeve Julie Smith Peter Thornton Claire Tyler FPC non-voting members: Nick da Costa, FCC rep David Chalmers, FIRC rep Humaira Sanders, LDCRE rep The Federal Board Mark Pack, Party President Amna Ahmad, Vice President (Ethnic Minorities) Ed Davey MP, Leader Lucas North, Chair, English Party Jenni Lang, Convenor, Scottish Party Tim Sly, President, Welsh Party Jeremy Hargreaves,Vice-Chair, FPC rep Nick da Costa, FCC Chair Kath Pinnock, FCEC Chair Mike Cox, FFRC Chair Claire Hudson, FPDC Chair Chris White, Principal Local Authority Councillor Janey Little, Young Liberals Chair Neil Fawcett Lucy Nethsingha Callum Roberston Federal Board helpdesk The FB helpdesk is situated by the Information Desk in the Brighton Centre - members of the Federal Board will be available to have strategic conversations with members at the following times: Saturday 14 September 10.30-11.30 Sunday 15 September 10.30-11.30 Monday 16 September 10.30-11.30 Tuesday 17 September 10.30-11.30