AGENDA & DIRECTORY - PLAINTEXT Liberal Democrats Spring Conference York, 13-15 March 2026 This plaintext version of the Conference Agenda matches as closely as possible the text of the published Agenda. Motion line numbers match those in the printed Agenda. Some information may appear in a different place from its location in the published Agenda. Complex layouts and graphics have been omitted. Conference Venue York Barbican, Paragon Street, York YO10 4AH Conference Hotel Novotel York Centre, Fishergate, York YO10 4FD Official Fringe Venue Hilton York, 1 Tower Street, York YO1 9WD Further information, registration and Conference publications (including plain text and clear print versions) are available at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference Free wifi is available at all of our official venues: Barbican York Network name: Barbican Free Wi-Fi No password required Novotel Network name: Novotel Please insert your email address and click 'Connection' in yellow Hilton Network name: Hilton Honors Please click on 'I have a Promotional Code' and insert 'Spring2026' Contents Welcome to Harrogate from Sir Ed Davey MP, Mark Pack, and Cllr Nick da Costa Agenda Agenda Information Agenda Index & Timetable Friday 13 March Saturday 14 March Sunday 15 March Conference Information Exhibition List of Exhibitors Directory of Exhibitors Fringe Fringe Guide Friday 13 March Saturday 14 March Training Training Guide Saturday 14 March Standing Orders Federal Party www.libdems.org.uk/conference @LibDems @LibDemConf facebook.com/LibDems ISBN 978-1-915375-37-7 Published and promoted by Mike Dixon on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, First Floor, 66 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AU. Design and layout by Frankie Roberts, frankie.roberts@libdems.org.uk. Photographs (c) Liberal Democrats unless stated. Welcome to Spring Conference From Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Hello Conference! I warmly welcome you back to York for our Spring Conference. With the days growing longer and the weather getting warmer, it's a great time to come together, to debate, and to plan for May's elections. What a few months we have had since our last conference! In Parliament, we banned puppy smuggling, voted down Nigel Farage's dangerous bill to leave the ECHR, and brought forward our own Bill to create a new Customs Union with the EU. We fought to end the cost-of- living crisis, protect our environment, and fix the NHS and social care. Locally, we have triumphed in elections across the United Kingdom. In 2025, we won more council by-elections than any other party. That is astonishing and thanks to so many of you, delivering day in and day out, serving your residents, and doing your bit to fly the Liberal Democrat flag. There has never been a more important time to make liberal voices heard. Bullies like Donald Trump and Elon Musk are threatening the things we are most proud of. We must stand up against them. This is why we defended the BBC, a national institution, so strongly when it came under Trump's firing line. Closer to home, Nigel Farage's nationalist policies and the Tories' copy- cat rhetoric are dangerous. We cannot let them win. This is why we need to keep standing up as the Liberal Democrat voice for Britain and showing that we are the alternative to populist politics. With your hard work, I am so optimistic we can deliver huge success in May - in Scotland, Wales and across England! We must show that it is the Liberal Democrats who are leading the fight to stop Trump's America becoming Farage's Britain, and change our country for the better. So, thank you for your hard work so far, let's keep it up! Welcome to Spring Conference From Josh Babarinde MP, Liberal Democrat Party President What a joy it is to welcome you all to York for our Spring Conference as our new Party President. This city holds a special place in my heart. It was here at my first Spring Conference that I truly understood the power of our movement when we come together at the turn of the season, debate passionately, and arm ourselves with the tools and expertise we need to win elections. York's significance to our party runs deeper than my own memories. It was here in 1906 that Rowntree's groundbreaking poverty studies helped shape the Liberal government's revolutionary welfare reforms - the foundation of Britain's social safety net. That spirit of evidence- based compassion remains at the heart of Liberal Democrat politics today. But this ideal is threatened by the rise of populists and nationalists across Britain who seek to weaponise people's fears, divide our communities, and offer no meaningful solutions to the great challenges of our time. Those parties that might be expected to fight this division all too often fuel it. It therefore falls on us, the Liberal Democrats, to be the last line of defence against the populists and nationalists who seek to divide our country. As we gather in these historic surroundings of York, there is no greater moral mission for our party in British politics today. And what a barnstorming team we have within our Liberal Democrat family to help us achieve this - including in the forthcoming May elections: Senedd candidates vowing to reverse years of Labour failure; Holyrood candidates holding a calamitous SNP Government to account; candidates for town and city halls across the nation pounding pavements to turn them yellow (or orange, with the new colour scheme!); activists, members, councillors, campaigners, staff, parliamentarians pulling out all the stops for our communities - we're a Welcome from Josh Babarinde, cont force to be reckoned with! And don't just take my word for it, look at the numbers: we won more council by-elections last year than any other party. Let's use this Conference to take those victories - your victories - to the next level. I'm fired up to do that alongside you. Thank you for all you do for our party, and thank you for being here at Spring Conference to help take our party forward. Wifi details Barbican York Network name: Barbican Free Wi-Fi No password required Novotel Network name: Novotel Please insert your email address and click 'Connection' in yellow Hilton Network name: Hilton Honors Please click on 'I have a Promotional Code' and insert 'Spring2026' Welcome to Spring Conference C lr Nick da Costa, Chair, Federal Conference Committee On behalf of the Federal Conference Committee, I am delighted to welcome you to Spring Conference 2026 taking place in the historic city of York. Conference is the heart of our party's democracy. It is where members from across the UK come together to debate policy, scrutinise our direction, and shape the liberal vision we want to see. This Spring Conference comes at a particularly important moment, with profound challenges at home and abroad and a renewed responsibility on our party to offer clear, principled and credible liberal leadership. York provides a fitting setting for these discussions. A city steeped in history, but forward-looking and dynamic, it reflects the balance we strive for as a party: rooted in our values while focused firmly on the future. Alongside the formal debates, conference also offers members access to an extensive programme of high-quality training. From campaigning and communications to skills for campaigning, these sessions are a vital part of how we support members at every stage of their journey in the party. I strongly encourage you to make the most of the training on offer across the weekend. The agenda for this conference reflects the breadth of issues facing our communities and the country, alongside opportunities for members to engage with our parliamentarians, representatives and fellow activists. As ever, conference is also about connection, sharing ideas, learning from one another and renewing the energy that sustains our movement. Whether this is your first conference or your fiftieth, I hope you find Spring Conference 2026 engaging, welcoming and worthwhile. Thank you for being part of it, and for everything you do to support our party. I wish you a productive and enjoyable conference in York. Conference at a glance The Agenda section on pages 17-47 of this Conference Agenda and Directory covers what goes on in the main auditorium - debates on policy and party business. You'll see a timetable for the debates on pages 15-16, then each agenda item is listed, including the motion that is to be debated. There is also a description of how debates are conducted, and how you can participate, on pages 8-14. Standing orders, on pages 89-109, are the rules that govern the policy and party business that is debated in the auditorium, relating to how motions and amendments are chosen for debate, how the sessions are conducted and more. There is a useful glossary to help understand some of the terms used. General information to help you make the most of conference, and details of the Fringe and Training programme and the exhibition can be found on pages 48-88. Conference venue York Barbican, Paragon Street, York YO10 4AH. Please note that the Barbican is within the secure zone and that access is only possible with a valid conference pass. Conference hotel Novotel York Centre, Fishergate, York YO10 4FD Official Fringe Venue Hilton York, 1 Tower Street, York YO1 9WD Agenda Information Debates and Votes at Conference Debates on policy and business motions are at the heart of federal conference. It is through them that the party sets its policy and future direction. Unlike in other parties, Liberal Democrat members are sovereign, and what they decide really matters. The structure of debate on policy and business motions: Proposer of the motion speaks V Proposers of any amendments speak in turn V Speakers called on all sides of the debate with the chair seeking to ensure balance V Summators of amendments speak in turn V The summator of the motion speaks V The chair takes votes for and against the amendments and separate votes (if any) in turn V A vote will be taken on the motion as a whole Amendments: all motions except emergency motions are open to amendment; amendments accepted will be published in Conference Daily. (See page 11). Communications with the chair and aide: the chair and aide team can be contacted at conference - solely for formal communication on procedural motions and points of order, via the Speakers' Desk or via the link: www.libdems.org.uk/procedural-motions Counted vote: the chair of the session may decide that a vote needs to be counted. Any voting member may request a count from the floor; if fifty voting members stand and show their voting cards, a count will be taken. Interventions: concise (one minute) speeches made from the intervention microphone(s) on the floor of the auditorium, during debates where it is indicated in the Agenda. Reference Back: a proposal to refer a motion or amendment to a named body of the Party for further consideration. (See page 11). Separate votes: a vote to delete or retain the specified words or section of a motion or amendment. A request for a separate vote may be submitted by any party member by: 09.00 Thursday 12 March for debates scheduled for Saturday 14 March; or by: 09.00 Saturday 14 March for debates scheduled for Sunday 15 March. The request for a separate vote should be submitted using the online form at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions or in writing to the Speakers' Table in the auditorium. Voting: decisions on most motions and all amendments and separate votes are by simple majority of those voting (2/3 majority for constitutional and standing order amendments). To vote, voting members must show their voting pass whilst seated on the ground floor of the auditorium. Speaking and Voting at Conference Eligibility to speak and vote All party members attending in person are entitled to speak and vote in conference debates, providing they are attending conference as a party member (and not for example an exhibitor or observer). Party members fulfilling these criteria are known as 'voting members'. Length of speeches The length of speeches is shown against each motion in the Agenda. There are three lights on the speaker's rostrum and visible either side of the stage. The green light comes on at the beginning of the speech. The amber light comes on 60 seconds before the end of the allowed time (20 seconds before the end of an intervention). The red light comes on when all the time is used up, and the speaker must stop immediately. Applying to speak To make a speech in a debate you must: complete a speaker's card, collected from and returned to the Speakers' Table at the front of the auditorium, an auditorium steward or the Information Desk; or submit an electronic speaker's card, from Monday 9 March up to one hour before the start of the debate, online at: www.libdems.org.uk/speakers-card Completing a speaker's card When completing a speaker's card, remember: 1 Submit your card well in advance. The chair and aide team for the debate will meet well in advance to plan the debate - sometimes the previous day. 2 Fill in your card completely. Complete the back of the card as well as the front. These sections are needed for the chair and aide to balance the debate, so they can call people with relevant experience and avoid a string of people making the same point. 3 Make sure it's readable! Don't fill every square centimetre of the card, and write legibly - the easier you make it for the chair and aide to read the card the more likely you will be called. Interventions To speak during interventions, voting members should complete an intervention form, collected from and returned to a steward in the auditorium. Speakers will be chosen by the chair of the session at random. Other Conference Sessions Emergency motions Emergency motions are debated and voted on and make formal party policy like other motions, but refer to a substantial development since the deadline for submission of motions. Emergency motions that are in order will either be placed on the agenda by the Federal Conference Committee (FCC), or included in a ballot for voting members to choose between. There is a slot for emergency motions at F15 on Sunday 15 March. The motions for selection by ballot will be printed in Conference Extra. The emergency motions ballot will be held electronically. Members of conference will receive a ballot by email at 17.00 on Friday 13 March, and should complete it online by 14.00 on Saturday 14 March. Topical issue discussions The FCC may decide to use part of this slot for topical issue discussions. This will allow members and spokespeople to discuss and comment on a political issue live at the time of conference; they do not make party policy. Party members may submit suggested topics for a discussion, which will be considered by officers of the FCC and FPC. If a topical issue discussion is selected, it will be published in Conference Extra and the relevant Conference Daily. Late Submissions for F18 The Conference Committee has reserved a slot on the agenda at F18 on Sunday 15 March for a motion on the topic of 'Trump and the Wider World'. Motions for this slot may be submitted up to the emergency motions deadline at 13.00 on Monday 2 March, and should relate to a development which could not have been the subject of a motion at the original motions deadline. Once the motion to be debated has been selected by the FCC on March 7, it will be published in Conference Extra and will be open to amendment by the deadline of 09.00 on Thursday 12 March. Question & answer sessions Question and answer sessions are timetabled for the Leader's Q&A (F10). Questions may be submitted by 12.50 Saturday 14 March using the online form at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions Questions may also be submitted on a form collected from, and returned to, the Speakers' Table in the auditorium by 12.50 Saturday 14 March. Reports The reports of Federal Committees and Parliamentary Parties are printed in the separate reports document. Any voting member may submit concise questions on these reports. Questions may be submitted by 13.00 on Monday 2 March using the online form at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions Questions received by the deadline above will be published in Conference Extra and are guaranteed a reply, in the session or in writing thereafter. Questions may also be submitted using the same online form until one hour before the start of the relevant session, but will only be called if time allows and at the discretion of the chair of the session. Submitting Amendments, Emergency Motions, Topical Issues, Requests for a Reference Back, and Appeals Amendments, emergency motions and requests for a reference back Amendments, emergency motions and requests for a reference back must be: signed by 10 party members; or submitted by one or more of: a local party, state party, regional party in England, Affiliated Organisation or Federal Party Committee. And must be submitted by 13.00 Monday 2 March online at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions Submitters should include: For amendments - a short explanation of the intended effect of the amendment. For emergency motions - a short explanation of its emergency nature. For requests for a reference back - the details of the body to whom the motion is to be referred and a statement of the reasons for the reference back, including reasons why voting against the motion would not achieve a similar result, not exceeding 150 words. (In exceptional circumstances, the chair of the debate shall have discretion to accept a request for a reference back if it is received in writing after this deadline). Topical issues Suggestions for topical issues may be submitted by any party member by 13.00 Monday 2 March online at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions The title of the issue should be no more than ten words, and should not include an expression of opinion; please include full contact details of the submitter and up to 100 words explanatory background. Drafting advice Submitters are encouraged to use our drafting advice service: draft amendments and emergency motions should be submitted by 13.00 Monday 16 February online at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions Appeals If you wish to appeal the FCC's decision not to select your emergency motion or amendment, follow these instructions. The appeal should come from the email address of the original contact for the motion and should be no longer than one side of A4. It should explain why you are appealing and any new information the FCC was unaware of when it made its decision. The email should also contain a contact name and telephone number. Appeals should be emailed by 09.00 Thursday 12 March to: appeals@libdems.org.uk Agenda Index and Timetable Friday 13 March 15.00 -17.00 Consultative session: A Thriving Economy # 17 18.30-19.30 Conference Rally Saturday 14 March 11.00 -12.30 Consultative session: International Security # 17 13.00 -14.00 Consultative session: Primary Healthcare # 17 18.15-19.45 Consultative session: Defending Democracy # 17 09.00-09.10 F1 Opening of Conference 09.10-09.30 F2 Report: Federal Conference Committee 18 F3 Report: Federal Policy Committee 19 09.30-09.40 F4 Constitutional Amendment: Local Government Matters: A Councillor Seat on the Federal Conference Committee 19 09.40-10.15 F5 Policy Motion: Driving Forward - Road to Access 20 10.15-11.10 F6 Policy Motion: Preserving Trial by Jury 23 11.10-11.25 F7 Speech: Anna Sabine MP 25 11.25-12.50 F8 Policy Motion: Revitalising Town Centres and High Streets 25 12.50-14.10 Lunch break and fringe 14.10-14.55 F9 Question and Answer Session with Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats 29 14.55-15.40 F10 Policy Motion: From Local Roots to Global Reach - A Liberal Vision for Universities 30 15.40-15.55 F11 Speech: James MacCleary MP 34 15.55-17.05 F12 Policy Motion: Whole-Person Mental Health: Care, Choice, Community, and Combatting Populism 34 17.05-17.20 F13 Report: Federal Board 38 17.20-18.00 F14 Business Motion: Diversity, Inclusion and Representation 39 Sunday 15 March 09.00-09.30 F15 Emergency motion 42 09.30-10.00 F16 Question and Answer Session: Parliamentary Parties 42 10.00-10.15 F17 Speech: Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford 42 10.15-11.00 F18 Policy Motion: Trump and the Wider World 43 11.00-11.45 F19 Policy Motion: Local Government Finance Emergency 43 11.45-12.00 F20 Party awards 46 12.00-13.00 F21 Speech: Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats 47 13.00 Close of Conference All Consultative Sessions marked with # in the index take place outside of the Auditorium. Please see page 64 for full details. Autumn Conference Timetable, Brighton 19-22 September 2026 Drafting advice deadline (motions) Motions deadline Drafting advice deadline (amendments, emergency motions) Deadline for amendments to motions, emergency motions topical issues, questions to reports 13.00 Wed, 10 June 2026 13.00 Wed, 24 June 2026 13.00 Tues, 25 Aug 2026 13.00 Mon, 7 Sept 2026 Friday 13 March 15.00-17.00 Consultative session Thriving Economy Working Group Fishergate Suite, Novotel Chair: Julia Goldsworthy Consultative sessions provide a less formal mechanism than the full-scale conference debates for conference representatives and other 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. The session will be organised by the Thriving Economy Working Group and focus on the issues raised in the Economy consultation paper. The conclusions of the session will be taken into account by the group when drawing up their final recommendations. Saturday 14 March 11.00-12.30 Consultative session International Security Working Group Lendal Room, Barbican Chair: Dr Ben Jones 13.00-14.00 Consultative session Primary Healthcare Working Group Micklegate Room, Hilton Chair: Dr Kate O'Kelly 18.15-19.45 Consultative session Defending Democracy Working Group Lendal Room, Barbican Chair: Sarah Lewis Saturday 14 March cont Consultative sessions provide a less formal mechanism than the full-scale conference debates for conference representatives and other 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. The session will be organised by the relevant working group and focus on the issues raised in the relevant consultation paper. The conclusions of the session will be taken into account by the group when drawing up their final recommendations. 09.00 Party Business Chair: Cllr Nick da Costa (Chair, FCC); Aide: Eleanor Kelly (Vice Chair, FCC); Hall Aide: Dr Chris Adams (Vice Chair, FCC) F1 Opening of Conference by Josh Babarinde MP, President of the Liberal Democrats Chair: Eleanor Kelly (Vice Chair, FCC); Aide: Dr Chris Adams (Vice Chair, FCC); Hall Aide: Alison Jenner F2 Federal Conference Committee Report: questions and accountability Mover: Cllr Nick da Costa (Chair, Federal Conference Committee). The report sessions are the chance for party members to hear how the party is being run and to put questions directly to the movers of reports. The reports document can be found online. The deadline for questions for F2 and F3 is 13.00 Monday 2 March. Questions selected will be published in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. These questions will be guaranteed an answer, either in the session or in writing thereafter. Questions may also be submitted up until 08.50 Saturday 14 March; such questions are only taken at the discretion of the chair. See pages 12-13 for further information. Saturday 14 March cont F3 Federal Policy Committee Report: questions and accountability Mover: Cllr Lucy Nethsingha (Vice Chair, Federal Policy Committee) See notes to F2. 09.30 Constitutional Amendment Chair: Cllr Callum Robertson; Aide: Cllr Hannah Kitching; Hall Aide: Duncan Brack F4 Local Government Matters: A Councillor Seat on the Federal Conference Committee ALDC Mover: Cllr Darryl Smalley Summation: Cllr Lucy Nethsingha 1 In Article 11 "The Federal Conference Committee", under 11.2 "The 2 Conference Committee shall consist of ", insert new subsection e) 3 as follows: 4 e) A principal local authority councillor, elected by principal local 5 authority councillors of the Party from among their own 6 number (including, for both purposes, Police and Crime 7 Commissioners and directly-elected Mayors). Applicability: Federal. Mover: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Thursday 12 March; see page 9. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass. The existing text of the Federal Constitution may be found at https://www. libdems.org.uk/federal-constitution (see page 26). 09.40 Policy Motion Chair: Chris Maines; Aide: Dionne Daniel; Hall Aide: Leo Dempster F5 Driving Forward: The Road to Access Young Liberals Mover: MacKenzie Gregory Summation: Will Tennison 1 Conference notes that: 2 i) Learning to drive is a vital life skill for many young people, 3 particularly in rural and semi-rural areas where public 4 transport is limited or unreliable; around one in five people in 5 England live in rural areas, where car dependency is 6 significantly higher and alternatives to driving are often 7 impractical. 8 ii) Learning to drive is also especially important for many disabled 9 people, for whom driving can provide greater independence 10 and access to work, education, healthcare and social 11 opportunities than public transport alone. 12 iii) There is a severe and persistent national backlog in practical 13 driving tests; as of 2024, average waiting times at many Driver 14 and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) test centres exceeded 20 15 weeks, with waits of six months or more in some areas, 16 compared with pre-pandemic averages of six to eight weeks. 17 iv) This backlog is driven by long-term examiner shortages, 18 insufficient test centre capacity, and limited system resilience 19 within the DVSA following the pandemic, despite sustained and 20 predictable demand. 21 v) Scarcity of test slots has enabled exploitation by third-party 22 bots, resellers, and touts, who reserve appointments in bulk 23 and resell them at inflated prices; learners have reported being 24 charged hundreds of pounds above the official test fee to 25 secure earlier slots. 26 vi) The cost of learning to drive has risen substantially - most 27 learners require 40-50 hours of professional instruction, with 28 average lesson prices exceeding 35 per hour, placing the cost 29 of lessons alone above 1,500 before tests or insurance. 30 vii) The cost of car insurance for young drivers remains 31 disproportionately high. Average annual premiums for drivers 32 aged 17-24 have exceeded 2,000, with affordability often 33 made conditional on the use of telematics or black box policies 34 that monitor driving behaviour and location with limited 35 transparency or choice. 36 viii) The DVSA practical driving test does not require demonstrated 37 experience of night-time driving, motorway driving, or adverse 38 weather conditions, despite these being common real-world 39 scenarios for new drivers. 40 ix) Taken together, these barriers restrict access to employment 41 and education, entrench geographic inequality, and 42 disproportionately disadvantage young people, disabled 43 people, and those without family financial support. 44 Conference believes that: 45 a) Access to transport is a matter of social and economic justice, 46 and no one should be prevented from learning to drive 47 because of their income, disability or where they live. 48 b) Public transport must be improved and expanded, but driving 49 remains essential to the freedom, mobility and life chances of 50 many young people, particularly in rural and poorly connected 51 communities. 52 c) A fair market cannot function where artificial scarcity is 53 exploited through opaque systems, weak enforcement or 54 automated intermediaries that profit from public service 55 failure. 56 d) Privacy and personal autonomy should be respected, and 57 intrusive monitoring through telematics should not become a 58 de facto requirement for affordable insurance for young 59 drivers. 60 e) Improving access to high-quality driver education, fair testing 61 systems and transparent insurance practices can improve road 62 safety and opportunity without reliance on surveillance. 63 Conference calls for: 64 1. Urgent and sustained investment to expand DVSA testing 65 capacity, including recruiting and retaining additional 66 examiners, expanding test centres in underserved areas, and 67 building resilience to prevent future backlogs. 68 2. Targeted action to eliminate exploitation of driving test 69 bookings, including anti-bot protections, identity-linked 70 bookings, limits on automated reservations and enforcement 71 against third-party reselling. 72 3. A national bursary scheme, the Young Drivers Support Fund, to 73 subsidise driving lessons and test fees for low-income young 74 people and disabled learners. 75 4. A formal review and reform of car insurance practices for 76 under-25s, including improved pricing transparency and limits 77 on age-based premium multipliers. 78 5. Clear consumer rights and regulatory oversight for telematics- 79 based insurance, including transparency over data use, 80 proportionality of monitoring and genuine non-telematics 81 alternatives. 82 6. Modernisation of driver training and assessment to ensure 83 learners gain experience of real-world conditions, including 84 night driving, motorway driving and adverse weather. 85 7. Nationwide driver education programmes delivered through 86 schools, colleges, and community settings, covering road 87 safety, costs, insurance practices, consumer rights and driver 88 responsibilities. 89 8. Allocating 50 million per year for investment in driver 90 education, testing capacity and access support, recognising 91 that reducing backlogs and improving access will improve road 92 safety and opportunity. 93 9. The development of public-private partnerships with insurers, 94 driving schools, and local authorities to support discounted 95 lessons and fair access models, without compromising 96 consumer protection or privacy. Applicability: Federal. Mover: 7 minutes; summation 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Thursday 12 March; see page 9. 10.15 Policy Motion Chair: Cllr Gareth Epps; Aide: Baroness Pinnock; Hall Aide: Cllr Callum Robertson F6 Preserving Trial by Jury 12 party members Mover: Jess Brown-Fuller MP (Spokesperson for Justice) Summation: Max Wilkinson MP (Spokesperson for Home Affairs) 1 Conference notes: 2 i) The complacency of the former Conservative Government, 3 which drove the criminal justice system into dysfunction and 4 left victims and survivors facing years-long waits for justice. 5 ii) The Crown Court backlog, with around 78,000 cases waiting to 6 be completed, meaning that defendants charged with serious 7 offences today may not face trial until late 2029 or early 2030. 8 iii) The 20 per cent fall in Crown Court productivity since 2016. 9 iv) Proposals announced by the Labour Government on 2 10 December 2025 to remove jury trials for offences likely to 11 result in custodial sentences of less than three years, replacing 12 them with trials by a judge sitting alone. 13 v) Evidence that public confidence in juries is significantly higher 14 than confidence in the justice system as a whole, with around 15 six in ten people expressing 'a fair amount' or 'a great deal' of 16 confidence in juries delivering the right verdict, compared with 17 around four in ten for courts and judges more generally. 18 vi) The 2017 Lammy Review, chaired by the current Justice 19 Secretary, which found that black and Chinese women are 20 convicted at higher rates than white women in magistrates' 21 courts, but not by juries. 22 vii) The current Justice Secretary's comments in 2020 that jury 23 trials are a cornerstone of democracy and that their removal 24 would be a mistake. 25 viii) Real-terms cuts of approximately 3 per cent annually to the 26 Ministry of Justice capital budget until 2028-29. 27 Conference believes that: 28 a) Victims and survivors deserve swift justice and should not be 29 left waiting for years while evidence deteriorates and cases 30 collapse. 31 b) Urgent action is required to reduce court backlogs and ensure 32 the justice system functions effectively and fairly. 33 c) Trial by jury has been a cornerstone of the justice system for 34 over 800 years and restricting it for a large category of offences 35 is a counterproductive and short-sighted response to court 36 delays. 37 d) There is no evidence that jury trials are a primary driver of 38 court backlogs, which are instead caused by inefficiencies, 39 mismanagement, staff shortages and estate failure. 40 e) Removing juries risks reducing public trust in the justice system 41 and may lead to unfair and disproportionate outcomes for 42 women and minority defendants. 43 Conference calls on the Government to: 44 1. Abandon plans to remove jury trials for all but the most serious 45 offences and to expand the use of judge-only trials. 46 2. Publish and implement a comprehensive, evidence-based 47 strategy to reduce court backlogs, including by increasing 48 Crown Court sitting days; making effective use of underused 49 court buildings; addressing failures in outsourced and private 50 contracts, including prisoner transport, which cause avoidable 51 delays; and investing in effective rehabilitation and prevention 52 to reduce reoffending rates. 53 3. Cancel planned real-terms cuts to the Ministry of Justice capital 54 budget and make the necessary repairs and improvements to 55 Crown Court infrastructure. Applicability: England and Wales. Mover: 7 minutes; summation 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Thursday 12 March; see page 9. 11.10 Speech Chair: Jess Brown-Fuller MP; Aide: Jennie Rigg. F7 Anna Sabine MP (Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport) 11.25 Policy Motion Chair: Dr Chris Adams (Vice Chair, FCC); Aide: Baroness Teather; Hall Aide: Dionne Daniel F8 Revitalising Town Centres and High Streets (Town Centres and High Streets Policy Paper) Federal Policy Committee Mover: Daisy Cooper MP (Spokesperson for the Treasury) Summation: Cllr Katie Mansfield (Chair of the Policy Working Group) 1 Conference understands that town centres and high streets are 2 the beating heart of communities up and down the country, places 3 that people love and become attached to, places that give a sense 4 of local pride and places that can support local economic, social 5 and environmental needs. 6 Conference recognises that many town centres and high streets 7 have been allowed to go into disrepair, with empty shops, cracked 8 pavements, traffic jams and waste strewn across the streets. 9 Conference believes that, to create a successful town centre, it 10 must be: 11 A. Fair: Welcoming spaces that are socially inclusive and 12 accessible to everyone. 13 B. Economically Successful: Places that feel alive with opportunity, 14 where independent businesses thrive day and night, weekday 15 and weekend and resilience is built through a diversity of uses. 16 C. Social: An opportunity to connect, for all ages and 17 backgrounds, with activities and infrastructure that supports 18 health, wellbeing and community pride. 19 D. Local: Rooted in the needs of local people, supporting local 20 businesses, and creating meaningful jobs, especially for young 21 people building their futures. 22 E. Sustainable: Designed for the future, with clean transport 23 options, green spaces and inbuilt climate resilience. 24 F. Clean and Safe: Environments where people feel secure and 25 comfortable spending time and where businesses have the 26 confidence to locate. 27 Conference wishes to reimagine town centres, not as relics of the 28 past but as places for everyone to live, connect and belong, places 29 that inspire local pride today and for generations to come. 30 Conference therefore endorses the policies set out in policy paper 31 162, Revitalising Town Centres and High Streets, and in particular 32 welcomes its proposals to: 33 1. Reduce vacancy rates by: 34 a) A temporary emergency cut to VAT for hospitality, 35 accommodation and attractions. 36 b) A review of the cumulative effects of taxation on the High 37 Street. 38 c) Improving access to competitive energy deals. 39 d) Reforming business rates to reward occupancy and 40 community value. 41 e) Requiring landlords, especially these from overseas, to 42 publish contact details and a named contact in the UK. 43 f) Strengthening the 'Town Centre First' principle in national 44 planning policy, including an 'Out of Town Levy'. 45 g) Encouraging homes above shops. 46 2. Create the spaces the community wants on- and offline by: 47 a) Making it easier to convert vacant units into community 48 hubs, without full planning change of use. 49 b) Creating a national digital infrastructure designed to 50 support local enterprise, a platform that can be available 51 for local adaptations and branding. 52 c) Giving councils powers to designate Independent Shop 53 Zones within their local plan, locally defined areas that 54 protect and champion small, locally-owned businesses. 55 d) Closing loopholes that incentivise landlords to lease 56 property to shell companies or businesses with no credible 57 trading activity, and tighten anti-money laundering (AML) 58 duties for commercial lettings, requiring landlords and 59 agents to carry out proportional, risk-based AML checks. 60 3. Create distinctive design and better accessibility by: 61 a) Promoting public transport and active travel options. 62 b) Reviewing the impact of parking charges to provide 63 guidance for councils to support more flexible, targeted 64 approaches that can support footfall, in particular during 65 evenings and weekends. 66 c) Making dedicated funds available for local authorities that 67 want to deliver high-quality high street pedestrianisation 68 projects. 69 d) Establishing a National Centre for Design and Placemaking 70 to support local authorities through providing design 71 support, guidance and training for local authorities, 72 championing good design and sustainability across all 73 regions. 74 e) Initiating an annual national 'Amazing High Streets' 75 competition to celebrate the outstanding design of public 76 spaces. 77 4. Drive footfall and bring high streets to life by: 78 a) Establishing a High Street Culture and Community Fund 79 delivered in partnership with the Arts Council and local 80 authorities to give ongoing support to community-led 81 cultural initiatives and local events. 82 b) Establishing a national Incubator Fund to support the 83 creation and early-stage development of locally designed 84 festivals. 85 c) Backing creative start-ups and cultural enterprises. 86 5. Tackle the lack of sustainable investment by: 87 a) Establishing High Street Improvement Districts (HSIDs) led 88 by a locally- agreed board representing the cross section of 89 interests, including representation from the local council, 90 which would be charged with creating a long term vision for 91 the town centre, supported with a joined-up roadmap, 92 curator and communication plan. 93 b) Creating a 'High Streets Back Home' scheme as a defined 94 and accessible route for people to give back, to invest in the 95 future of their community, whether by supporting 96 community asset purchases, restoring heritage buildings or 97 backing local enterprise space. 98 6. Tackle safety, anti-social behaviour and shop theft by: 99 a) Building features that discourage anti-social behaviour 100 (such as strategic lighting) into the design of town centres. 101 b) Supporting small businesses to invest in CCTV. 102 c) Offering digital tools as collective procurement bundles, 103 making them accessible for small businesses, such as a 104 WhatsApp instant alert system for businesses, Business 105 Improvement District teams, and community wardens that 106 flags offenders, patterns and risks in real time. 107 d) Calling on the National Crime Agency to establish a 108 dedicated unit to liaise with local authorities and police 109 forces to take on organised shoplifting gangs. Applicability: England only, except for 1. a) and b) (lines 34-37) which are Federal. Mover and summation combined: 16 minutes; mover and summation of amendments: 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10–11. In addition to speeches from the platform, voting members will be able to make concise (maximum one-minute) interventions from the floor during the debate on the motion. See pages 9 and 11 for further information The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday’s Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Thursday 12 March; see page 9. 12.50 Lunch break and fringe See pages 55–62 for the exhibition and pages 63–75 for our fringe programme. 14.10 Question and answer session Chair: Eleanor Kelly (Vice Chair, FCC). Aide: Leo Dempster; Hall Aide: Cllr Gareth Epps F9 Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Members may put questions on any topic to the Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Concise questions (maximum 25 words) may be submitted via the website until 13.00, Monday 2 March. Questions may also be submitted on a form collected from and returned to the Speakers' Table in the auditorium by 12.50 on Saturday 14 March. See pages 12-13. 14.55 Policy Motion Chair: Jennie Rigg; Aide: Alison Jenner; Hall Aide: Chris Maines F10 From Local Roots to Global Reach: A Liberal Vision for Universities 12 party members Mover: Ian Sollom MP (Spokesperson for Universities and Skills) Summation: Sarah Anderson 1 Conference believes that: 2 A. British universities are a world-leading export, attracting global 3 talent and driving growth across the UK, particularly in regional 4 economies. 5 B. As hubs of innovation, universities are central to any credible 6 strategy on research and development. 7 C. Greater integration between Further Education (FE) and Higher 8 Education (HE) can open new avenues for learners to access 9 higher education and diversify university revenue streams. 10 D. Students deserve a fair deal on finance that allows them to 11 participate meaningfully in university life regardless of 12 background. 13 E. The challenges facing the sector require a sustained, multi- 14 pronged approach beyond the next decade. 15 Conference, however, notes with concern that: 16 i) The failure to uprate maintenance loan eligibility thresholds 17 has gradually eroded the level of financial support available to 18 students, with over 40 per cent living on less than 100 a 19 month. 20 ii) Frozen student loan repayment thresholds are on track to 21 reach parity with minimum wage by 2031. 22 iii) Labour's National Insurance hike and international student levy 23 will cost the sector over 1 billion annually, with just 1 per cent 24 of the revenue raised to be reinvested into maintenance 25 grants. 26 iv) Short-term, fragmented research and innovation funding limits 27 the UK's ability to commercialise new technologies. 28 Conference therefore supports the following calls on the 29 Government, taken from the spokesperson's paper From Local 30 Roots to Global Reach: A Liberal Vision for Universities: 31 1. Reform student finance and support, by: 32 a) Reintroducing maintenance grants on top of existing 33 student loans, aiming to cover 35 per cent of 34 undergraduate students, rising to 50 per cent when public 35 finances allow. 36 b) Unfreezing and uprating parental income thresholds for 37 student finance applications. 38 c) Unfreezing graduate repayment thresholds and working 39 towards making them fairer, while exploring options to 40 extend improved terms to existing graduates, prioritising 41 those on lower and middle incomes. 42 d) Exploring how student maintenance loans could be more 43 flexible based on regional cost-of-living pressures. 44 e) Writing off a portion of student debt for those working in 45 key NHS, education, and social service roles after 10 years 46 of service, with further write-offs after 15 years. 47 2. Ensure the financial sustainability of universities, by: 48 a) Reversing the damaging national insurance hike and 49 international student levy. 50 b) Exploring a variety of cost-saving measures such as student 51 loan payment reprofiling, shared-service reform and 52 interest-free loans for internal restructuring. 53 c) Renegotiating the cost of private-equity-owned academic 54 journals, with a commitment to support a new, open- 55 source academic journal collection if cost reductions 56 remain unsatisfactory. 57 d) Working towards ending pension inequality between pre- 58 and post-1992 institutions. 59 e) Protecting regional subject diversity so students who 60 cannot relocate retain access to a broad range of subjects 61 locally. 62 3. Strengthen skills development and employer engagement, by: 63 a) Doubling the number of degree apprenticeships in skill 64 shortage areas and reserving at least 50 per cent for these 65 for students from low-income households. 66 b) Encouraging universities to embed employer-identified 67 skills as assessed components throughout undergraduate 68 curricula. 69 c) Designing a 'Stackable Funding' mechanism to allow 70 employers to fund modular learning within an academic 71 pathway, combined with Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) 72 grants. 73 4. Expand modular learning and lifelong learning opportunities, 74 by: 75 a) Ensuring regulatory oversight to manage and promote 76 collaboration between the FE and HE sectors, working 77 towards a unified tertiary approach where colleges and 78 universities have the flexibility to share facilities and co- 79 deliver courses. 80 b) Exploring credit transfer models between colleges and 81 universities to allow students to flexibly design studies 82 across multiple institutions. 83 c) Encouraging flexibility in module delivery to enable mature 84 learners and those from non-traditional backgrounds to 85 access modular education delivered by universities. 86 5. Strengthen the UK's research and innovation ecosystem, by: 87 a) Increasing research budgets with inflation and moving 88 towards multi-year funding settlements. 89 b) Quintupling proof of concept funding to 200 million across 90 five years. 91 c) Creating a network of regional innovation centres across 92 the UK, ensuring every nation and major English region can 93 support university-industry collaboration with state-of-the- 94 art research facilities. 95 d) Aiming to restore the 80 per cent commitment for full 96 economic cost recovery of research. 97 6. Empower academics, students, and research teams to innovate 98 and commercialise research, by: 99 a) Introducing government-backed seed funding loans for 100 companies borne from university research, and expanding 101 the definition of commercialisation so university-derived 102 SMEs and student startups are eligible. 103 b) Changing visa rules to allow PhD and MRes students to 104 found startups during their studies and ensuring they are 105 eligible for proof of concept funding. 106 c) Developing a standardised national framework for 107 negotiating intellectual property between universities and 108 staff, with the long-term ambition of enabling academics 109 and researchers to hold full rights to the intellectual 110 property arising from their research. 111 7. Strengthen UK universities' global leadership by: 112 a) Pushing for UK qualifications to be recognised in the EU on 113 a semi-automatic basis, with the ambition to make this 114 automatic in key sectors. 115 b) Enhancing university teaching standards by expanding 116 teacher training opportunities through HE Fellowships and 117 other routes. 118 c) Creating a single governmental contact point for 119 universities concerned about foreign interference 120 pressures, and developing guidance for universities to 121 combat foreign interference on campus. Applicability: Federal except for 1. (lines 31-46), 3., 4., and 5. (lines 62-96) which are England only. Mover: 7 minutes; summation 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Thursday 12 March; see page 9. 15.40 Speech Chair: Chloe Hutchinson; Aide: Paul McGarry F11 James MacCleary MP (Spokesperson for Defence) 15.55 Policy Motion Chair: Cllr Nick da Costa (Chair, FCC); Aide: Jess Brown-Fuller MP; Hall Aide: Jennie Rigg F12 Whole-Person Mental Health: Care, Choice, Community, and Combatting Populism (Mental Health Policy Paper) Federal Policy Committee Mover: Helen Morgan MP (Spokesperson for Health and Social Care) Summation: Dr Mohsin Khan (Chair of the Policy Working Group) 1 Conference recognises that: 2 A. Decades of Liberal Democrat campaigning have pushed 3 Britain's mental health services forward and positively shaped 4 how we as a nation think about mental health. 5 B. There is a danger that the dismissive language of the far right 6 has begun to undo the progress we made by reintroducing 7 stigma and shame into conversations about mental health. 8 C. Labour's recent record is particularly alarming, and their 9 decision to scrap mental health targets reflects a dangerous 10 retreat from treating mental health as a distinct and urgent 11 policy area. 12 D. The pandemic has transformed both the scale and visibility of 13 the crisis, and that it amplified loneliness, anxiety, and grief, 14 and pushed NHS, local authority and school staff harder than 15 ever before. 16 Conference believes that: 17 i) Anyone can experience mental illness, through no fault of their 18 own, so everyone must be able to access timely diagnosis, 19 treatment and ongoing support. 20 ii) Resources in our mental health services too often only kick in 21 at the point of crisis. 22 iii) An individual's mental health journey is deeply personal, so 23 their treatment programme should be too. 24 iv) Families and communities play a crucial role in the lives of 25 people with mental illness, either as a source of resilience or 26 stress. They also bear a lot of the burden of supporting them 27 and helping them make sense of decisions on offer. 28 v) Liberal Democrat policies are based on scientific evidence and 29 lived experience, especially in a time of rising scepticism 30 towards mental health and of new and developing treatments. 31 vi) A healthier NHS workforce would have more time and capacity 32 to diagnose and treat mental illness. 33 vii) Services should be designed in a way that means anyone who 34 needs them can access them, irrespective of age, class, gender, 35 income, ethnicity, or postcode. 36 Conference therefore endorses policy paper 163, Whole-Person 37 Mental Health: Care, Choice, Community, and Combatting Populism, 38 with its approach based on six key principles: 39 I. Accessibility. 40 II. Fairness and equity. 41 III. Personal choice and autonomy. 42 IV. Being community-centred. 43 V. Being led by evidence. 44 VI. Caring for the people that take care of us. 45 In particular, Conference welcomes its proposals to: 46 1. Ensure that as few people as possible develop mental ill-health 47 by: 48 a) Offering regular mental health check-ups for people, and 49 those supporting them, when they are most vulnerable to 50 mental ill-health. 51 b) Ensuring that all mental health services are integrated with 52 money advice, substance abuse, housing and employment 53 advice services by default, and widening access to services 54 that provide temporary protection from problem debt. 55 c) Introducing structural reforms to both the National 56 Curriculum and Ofcom to empower children and parents to 57 use social media in a way that is right for their family, whilst 58 being protected from the risk of mental harm. 59 d) Requiring social media apps to introduce cigarette-style 60 health warnings for under-18s. 61 e) Tripling the budget of the Farmer Welfare Fund, which 62 would provide greater mental health support and services 63 at livestock markets and county shows, and offering 64 additional mental health support following Rural Payment 65 Agency visits. 66 f) Restoring the 2 bus fare cap, and supporting local 67 authorities to use powers to franchise services and simplify 68 funding so that affordable bus routes can be restored or 69 new routes added where there is local need, to reduce rural 70 isolation and loneliness. 71 2. Make it easier to access mental health services, and quicker to 72 receive a diagnosis and treatment, by: 73 a) Supporting digital-enabled therapies, if there is enough 74 evidence for them, and if patients retain the choice to opt 75 for more traditional treatments. 76 b) Making it easier for world-class experts to do essential 77 mental health research in the UK, and for them to conduct 78 crucial research that helps build our evidence base. 79 c) Opening a walk-in Young People's Mental Health Hub in 80 every community, with specific support for children that 81 have fallen between school and CAMHS support. 82 d) Removing the arbitrary cliff edge at 18 for young people's 83 mental health services. 84 e) Enshrining the 'no wrong door' principle into law across 85 mental health and related services, to ensure that no one 86 will be turned away or told to start again elsewhere. 87 f) Making mental health referral and support services 88 available following every miscarriage, not just after three, 89 and introducing annual reporting on waiting times for 90 these patients. 91 3. Prevent people with mental illnesses, and those around them, 92 from shouldering the unfair mental and financial costs 93 associated with mental illness by: 94 a) Making prescriptions for people with chronic mental health 95 conditions free on the NHS. 96 b) Introducing a legal duty on health professionals to identify 97 family members and unpaid carers, and to consider their 98 own health and support needs as part of routine care. 99 c) Preventing insurers from discriminating against people with 100 mental health conditions when the risk is unrelated, by 101 requiring fairer underwriting and oversight from the 102 Financial Conduct Authority. 103 4. Reform the Mental Health Act to protect individual liberties and 104 ensure that mental health professionals have the support they 105 need to deliver appropriate care by: 106 a) Creating a statutory, independent Mental Health 107 Commissioner to represent patients, their families and 108 carers, and introduce a new Veterans' Mental Health 109 Oversight Officer. 110 b) Working with healthcare regulators to provide additional, 111 appropriate safeguards on the use of digital monitoring 112 technologies, where needed. 113 c) Ensuring that all police forces have a mental health 114 professional in the control room at all times. 115 d) Implement the recommendations of the Wessely Review 116 appropriately to ensure that people of black African or 117 Caribbean heritage are no longer more likely to be detained 118 under the Mental Health Act than white people. Applicability: England only. Mover and summation combined: 16 minutes; mover and summation of amendments: 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. In addition to speeches from the platform, voting members will be able to make concise (maximum one-minute) interventions from the floor during the debate on the motion. See pages 9 and 11 for further information The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Thursday 12 March; see page 9. 17.05 Policy Business Chair: Baroness Pinnock; Aide: Chris Maines; Hall Aide: Dionne Daniel F13 Federal Board Report Mover: Josh Babarinde MP (President of the Liberal Democrats) The report sessions are the chance for party members to hear how the party is being run and to put questions directly to the Party President. The reports document can be found online. The deadline for questions for F13 is Monday 2 March. Questions selected will be published in Conference Extra and Sunday's Conference Daily. These questions will be guaranteed an answer, either in the session or in writing thereafter. Questions may also be submitted up until 16.00 Saturday 14 March; such questions are only taken at the discretion of the chair. See pages 12-13 for further information. 17.20 Policy Business Chair: Duncan Brack; Aide: Chloe Hutchinson; Hall Aide: Baroness Teather F14 Diversity, Inclusion and Representation Federal Board Mover: Josh Babarinde MP (President of the Liberal Democrats) Summation: Victoria Collins MP (Vice President responsible for working with ethnic minority communities) 1 Conference notes with regret that: 2 i) The diversity quotas in Articles 2.5 and 2.6 (c) of the Federal 3 Constitution - introduced in 2016 to improve the 4 representation of women and LGBT+ members on Federal 5 Committees - had to be suspended for the 2025 Federal 6 elections, after the party received legal advice from two King's 7 Counsels that applying them would be ruled unlawful by the 8 courts, following the Supreme Court judgment in April 2025. 9 ii) The process of suspending those quotas led to the count for 10 Federal Committee elections being delayed by three weeks - a 11 deeply unsatisfactory situation for candidates and all 12 members. 13 Conference welcomes the fact that many brilliant women and 14 LGBT+ members have nevertheless been elected to Federal 15 Committees. 16 Conference resolves that before the next round of Federal 17 elections in 2028, the party must ensure that it has clear, lawful 18 rules in place to avoid a repeat of this predicament. 19 Conference reaffirms the constitutional principle that all members 20 should have an equal opportunity of participating at every level of 21 the party. 22 Conference believes that the party's rules should always be 23 consistent with Liberal Democrat values and principles, as set out 24 in the Federal Constitution and most recently affirmed at Spring 25 Conference 2025 in conference motion 'Free to be Who You Are' 26 and at Autumn Conference 2025 in policy paper 161, Leading the 27 Way. 28 Conference therefore calls on the Federal Board to: 29 1. Conduct a review of diversity, inclusion and representation on 30 Federal Committees (including Federal Council), including: 31 a) An analysis of the composition of the Federal Committees, 32 and the impact of diversity quotas on representation since 33 they were introduced in 2016. 34 b) An examination of the barriers to full and equal 35 participation in Federal Committee elections particularly 36 faced by members with protected characteristics. 37 c) Proposals for changes that are needed to remove or reduce 38 barriers that may exist for members with particular 39 protected characteristics on Federal Committees, with the 40 aim of addressing under-representation of those 41 characteristics on Federal Committees. 42 d) Extensive consultation with the Federal People and 43 Development Committee, all relevant Affiliated 44 Organisations, and the party membership. 45 e) Advice from legal experts on the lawfulness of potential 46 measures to remove or reduce barriers that may exist for 47 members with particular protected characteristics, with the 48 aim of addressing under-representation of those 49 characteristics on Federal Committees. 50 2. Report the findings of its review to Conference in Spring 2027. 51 3. Submit for debate at the same Conference any constitutional 52 amendments that are necessary to implement its 53 recommendations. Applicability: Federal. Mover: 7 minutes; summation 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Thursday 12 March; see page 9. 18.00 Close of session See pages 55-62 for the exhibition and pages 63-75 for our fringe programme. We want to hear from you! We will be sending round a feedback survey link soon. Please let us know about your experience of Conference. Sunday 15 March 09.00 Emergency motion or topical issue discussion F15 Emergency motion or topical issue discussion Chair: Alison Jenner; Aide: Duncan Brack; Hall Aide: Charley Hasted This slot has been reserved for the debate of an emergency motion and / or discussion of a topical issue. The deadline for emergency motions and for suggestions for topical issues is 13.00 Monday 2 March. The motions or topics selected for debate or proposed for the ballot will be printed in Conference Extra and Sunday's Conference Daily. See pages 10 and 11. Mover: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. 09.30 Question and answer session Chair: Paul McGarry; Aide: Lord Mohammed; Hall Aide: Chloe Hutchinson F16 The Parliamentary Parties Tom Morrison MP (Deputy Chief Whip of the Commons Parliamentary Party) and Lord Purvis (Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords) The deadline for questions for F16 is Monday 2 March. Questions selected will be published in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily. These questions will be guaranteed an answer, either in the session or in writing thereafter. Questions may also be submitted up until 18.00 Saturday 14 March; such questions are only taken at the discretion of the chair. See pages 10-11 for further information. 10.00 Speech Chair: Cllr Callum Robertson; Aide: Dr Chris Adams (Vice Chair, FCC) F17 Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford 10.15 Policy Motion Chair: Baroness Teather; Aide: Cllr Nick da Costa (Chair, FCC); Hall Aide: Jess Brown-Fuller MP F18 Trump and the Wider World This agenda slot has been reserved for the later submission of motions relating to recent actions of President Trump and his administration. The deadline for submission is 13.00 Monday 2 March. The motion selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra, and the deadline for amendments to it will be 09.00 on Thursday 12 March. The text of any amendments will be printed in Saturday and Sunday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Saturday 14 March; see page 9. Mover: 7 minutes; summation 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. 11.00 Policy Motion Chair: Lord Mohammed; Aide: Cllr Hannah Kitching; Hall Aide: Paul McGarry F19 Local Government Finance Emergency ALDC Mover: Z e Franklin MP (Spokesperson for Communities and Local Government) Summation: Cllr Bill Revans 1 Conference notes that: 2 a) In England, local government grants from central government 3 have been subject to deep cuts in recent years, leading to a 4 significant overall reduction in funding per capita. 5 b) Areas of greatest deprivation have tended to see the largest 6 cuts in overall funding despite having the greatest need for the 7 services that local government provides. 8 c) Increasing pressure from adult and children's social services, 9 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), home-to- 10 school transport and temporary accommodation have meant 11 cuts of up to 70 per cent in non-statutory spending. 12 d) The cumulative deficits in Dedicated Schools Grants (DSG), 13 where the statutory override is due to end in 2027-28; the LGA 14 has estimated that the sector's deficit will reach 5.0 billion in 15 2025-26. 16 e) Councils face increased cost pressures from inflation, rising 17 pay, population growth and an ageing population. 18 f) Many councils are now in financial survival mode, with reserves 19 depleted, surplus assets already sold and non-statutory 20 services slashed. 21 g) Since 2018, seven councils have issued Section 114 notices, 22 meaning that they are unable to meet their expenditure 23 commitments; others are reported to be on the brink of issuing 24 notices. 25 h) In 2025-26, 30 councils required Exceptional Financial Support, 26 with a danger that emergency bailout deals are becoming 27 normalised. 28 Conference further notes that: 29 I. Part of the rationale for local government reorganisation given 30 by the Government was cost savings, but even the most 31 optimistic savings projections from Local Government 32 Reorganisation will not resolve the local government financial 33 crisis. 34 II. Savings are likely to be achieved only in the long term while 35 reorganisation costs are short term, while the process has 36 consumed considerable financial and human resources. 37 III. Council Tax is a flawed taxation system, with taxation based on 38 30-year-old property valuations; the money raised is unrelated 39 to actual local need or demand for services. 40 IV. While the High Value Council Tax Surcharge seeks to tackle the 41 under taxation of more valuable properties, the money raised 42 will go to central government rather than local councils, with 43 no guarantee that councils will see a net benefit. 44 V. While the Fair Funding Review offers help to some councils, 45 others face considerable transitional pressure. 46 VI. The multi-year nature of the Local Government Financial 47 Settlement is welcome. 48 Conference believes that: 49 A. Local councils are a vital component in delivering both 50 increased housing, including affordable and social housing, 51 and economic growth. 52 B. Local services, under democratic control, delivered close to 53 those who need them, results in more effective services at a 54 lower overall cost. 55 C. Taxation for council expenditure must be fair and progressive, 56 with the level set locally by democratically accountable 57 councillors. 58 Conference recognises: 59 i) The outstanding work done by Liberal Democrat councillors 60 and council leaders in innovating and delivering services to 61 their communities under increasingly difficult financial 62 circumstances. 63 ii) The value communities place in Liberal Democrat councillors, 64 demonstrated by Liberal Democrats successfully defending far 65 more of their seats in council byelections than any other party. 66 Conference further believes that: 67 a) Any council having reduced funding because of the fair funding 68 review must receive adequate transitional funding. 69 b) Government must deliver a long-term, sustainable solution to 70 the DSG cumulative deficits and SEND funding it has promised. 71 c) A long-term solution must be based on a review of all the 72 components of the funding system. 73 d) The overall level of funding for local government must be 74 increased. 75 Conference therefore calls on the Government to: 76 1. Provide a sustained real-term increase in core funding for local 77 government. 78 2. Implement a needs-based funding distribution through the Fair 79 Funding Review with fully funded transitional protections so 80 that no council faces destabilising year-on-year losses. 81 3. Deliver a long-term funding solution for SEND and DSG high- 82 needs deficits. 83 4. Implement a comprehensive review of the local government 84 funding system, with the objective of delivering a fair, 85 sustainable, multi-year settlement that matches funding to 86 need and reduces reliance on crisis measures. 87 Conference further calls on the Federal Policy Committee to 88 ensure local government funding is within the scope of the policy 89 work on empowering local communities set out in policy paper 90 161, Leading the Way. Applicability: England only. Mover: 7 minutes; summation 4 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 10-11. The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 2 March; see page 8. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Sunday's Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Sunday 15 March; see page 9. 11.30 Party Business Chair: Cllr Nick da Costa (Chair, FCC); Aide: Eleanor Kelly (Vice Chair, FCC); Hall Aide: Dr Chris Adams (Vice Chair, FCC) F20 Party Awards The Leader's Award Awarded to someone who has shown exemplary dedication to canvassing voters. Sunday 15 March cont The Bertha Bowness Fischer Award Awarded to a local party for the excellence of its local delivery network. The Albert Ingham Award Awarded to an agent or campaign manager for a recent campaign that through its excellence, fastidiousness, tenacity or novelty is a model for others. The Laura Grimond Award Awarded to recognise the unsung work behind the scenes by someone whose contributions enable our frontline campaigns to go out and win. 11.45 Speech Chair: Cllr Nick da Costa (Chair, FCC); Aide: Eleanor Kelly (Vice Chair, FCC); Hall Aide: Dr Chris Adams (Vice Chair, FCC) F21 Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats 13.00 Close of Conference Conference Extra and Conference Daily Conference Extra and Conference Daily are available at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers and via the Conference App. Fo low our live blog www.libdems.org.uk/conferencelive Conference Information If you have any questions on-site, please ask a steward or go to the Information Desk in the main foyer of York Barbican. Be aware that flash photography is frequently used in the auditorium. Please ensure that all mobile phones are on silent before entering the auditorium. Please note that access to York Barbican is only possible with a valid conference pass. Accessibility If you need assistance at the venue, please contact the Information Desk where our stewards will be on hand to help. If you need assistance or information in advance, please visit our website: www.libdems.org.uk/conference/accessibility-1 or contact the Conference Office on: conferences@libdems.org.uk Auditorium facilities A wheelchair ramp at the back of the stage; the chair of the session will ensure wheelchair users are called in plenty of time to access the stage. An infrared hard-of-hearing system, which can be linked to hearing aids through use of venue packs. Sign language interpretation during all auditorium sessions; a number of seats are reserved for attendees using this service, at the front of the auditorium to the left of the stage. Reserved seats at the front of the auditorium for those who would benefit from being closer to the stage due to a visual or other impairment. Mobility aids The Liberal Democrats have a limited number of complimentary electric scooters available for use around the conference venue - please note that they need to be returned each evening for charging. To request the use of an electric scooter please email the conference team: conferences@libdems.org.uk 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, unused donations will be carried over to the next conference. For details see: www.libdems.org.uk/access-fund Accommodation Accommodation can be booked via our website: www.libdems.org.uk/conference ATM Please note there is no ATM facility inside the venue, although there is one next door in the nearby Co-op store which is free to use. Venue bars and catering outlets are unable to provide cashback. Cloakroom York Barbican does not have a cloakroom; however rails will be available for attendees to leave coats at their own risk. Please do not leave bags unattended at any point within the venue. Please note that under no circumstances will any suitcases or large bags be allowed into York Barbican. Any bag will only be allowed in if it is no bigger than BA cabin baggage. Coffee, tea, water - refills As part of our green policy: Please bring your own water bottle. Free refills will be available from the bars in the Barbican Foyer Please bring your own reusable coffee cups for use within the Barbican (they must be clean and in good condition) Conference Extra and Daily Conference Extra is published ahead of conference and Conference Daily each day at conference, containing updates to the agenda including changes to timings, amendments, topical issues, emergency motions and questions to reports, available at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers Limited hard copies of Conference Daily will be available each morning from the Information Desk. Be green - Go paperless! Distribution of literature Distribution of literature is not allowed inside or directly outside York Barbican. Any persons attempting to bring a large number of flyers/literature into the conference centre may be prohibited from entering and a dilapidation charge will be levied against any organisation or individual responsible for fly-posting. Federal Committee helpdesk The Federal Committee helpdesk is situated by the Information Desk. Members from different Federal Committees will be available to answer members' questions at the following times: Saturday 14 March 11.30-12.30 and 15.00-16.00 Federal Conference Committee helpdesk Members of the FCC will be available to give advice at the Information Desk at the following times: Saturday 14 March 11.30-12.30 and 15.00-16.00 First Aid In the event of needing First Aid, please speak to a conference steward or go to the Information Desk. The stewards will arrange for First Aiders to attend and/or request a paramedic. Information Desk The Information Desk is located in the main foyer of York Barbican and is open as follows: Friday 13 March 16.30-18.30 Saturday 14 March 08.30-18.30 Sunday 15 March 08.30-13.30 You can contact the Information Desk during these times by email: conferenceinformation@libdems.org.uk Internet access Free wifi is available at all our official venues: Barbican York Network name: Barbican Free Wi-Fi No password required Novotel Network name: Novotel Please insert your email address and click 'Connection' in yellow Hilton Network name: Hilton Honors Please click on 'I have a Promotional Code' and insert 'Spring2026' Left luggage On Sunday 15 March please store your luggage at your hotel after checkout. Alternatively, there is a secure luggage service in operation at the Novotel in the Fishergate Suite. The cost is 2.50 per item. Suitcases and large bags will not be permitted in the Barbican. It will only be allowed in if it is no bigger than British Airways cabin baggage. Live stream The conference will be streamed live at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference-live in case you miss any sessions or want to watch again! Lost property Any lost property will be handed into the Information Desk in the Barbican Foyer. Member welfare Health Assured is an independent health and wellbeing provider that can offer wellbeing resources as well as a 24/7 365 helpline. All Liberal Democrat members have access to the Health Assured Support Helpline at 0800 028 0199. Members should feel free to use this service as needed. For more information visit: www.libdems.org.uk/conference/welfare Q&A sessions There will be a series of Q&A sessions during conference where you can ask questions of our spokespeople. All sessions take place in York Barbican, Lendal Room. See page 63 for details. Quiet room Unfortunately due to venue restrictions we are unable to provide a quiet room at this event. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Recycling facilities Recycling facilities are available throughout the York Barbican. Please make use of the collection bins. The Barbican sends zero waste to landfill and reuses its waste to make electricity. Refreshments For a range of hot food options, snacks and beverages, head to the exhibition area or front bar in the entrance lobby. The Novotel and Hilton also have a variety of options available. Registration on-site On-site registration is located in the Box Office of York Barbican and is open at the following times: Friday 13 March 16.30-18.30 Saturday 14 March 08.30-17.30 Sunday 15 March 08.45-11.00 At busy times you may experience queues at on-site registration and we strongly advise all those wishing to attend conference to pre-register via: www.libdems.org.uk/conference Security and safety Access to York Barbican is possible only with a valid conference pass worn with the official lanyard. Conference photo passes must be worn visibly at all times within the secure zone. Anyone found in the secure area without a valid pass will be escorted from the venue. All attendees will be subject to compulsory bag searches and handheld metal detectors outside the entrance. Please do not bring any sharp objects with you (including knitting needles, crochet needles etc) as these are prohibited. To ensure you can access the venue as quickly as possible please only bring essential items with you into the conference venue. Please allow time for queuing during key times - particularly after lunch and ahead of popular events. Under no circumstances will any large bags or suitcases be allowed into the secure zone. Any bag left unattended will be brought to the attention of the police and may be removed and/or destroyed. Transport and travel York Barbican is approximately 20 minutes walk (1 mile) from York train station, 4 minutes (0.2 miles) from the Novotel and 8 minutes (0.4 miles) from the Hilton. Local taxi If you need to book a local taxi in York, please contact: Streamline Taxis, tel: 01904 656565 or www.streamlinetaxisyork.co.uk or Fleetways, tel: 01904 365365 or www.fleetways.co.uk Parking The nearest car park is Q park on Kent Street (YO10 4AH), just behind York Barbican. Parking needs to be pre-booked online to receive discounted rates. Pre- book your space www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/york/barbican- theatre/ (please note that prebooking and 'reserving' a space doesn't guarantee you a space). Other nearby car parks are: Peel Street (78 Spaces) - YO1 9PZ - 5 min walk St Georges Field (150 Spaces) - YO10 4FH - 5 min walk Castle Car Park (317 Spaces) - YO1 9SA - 8 min walk Directory of Exhibitors ALDC - Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors and LGA Liberal Democrats ALDC and LGA Liberal Democrats provide advice, training and resources for local campaigners and councillors. Visit the stand to get updates on local government, campaigning and much more. www.aldc.org www.local.gov.uk/lga-lib-dem-group Stands 23 & 24 ALTER We campaign for land taxation and economic reform. It is all about the 'place' (or Locus) of Place in our economic system: making it work for society and Planet Earth. www.libdemsalter.org.uk Election Workshop Established by Liberal Democrats for Liberal Democrats to help YOU win elections. Specialists in election print and direct mail. Design free online with ALDC Artworker. DEMONSTRATIONS AT OUR EXHIBITION STALL. www.electionworkshop.co.uk Electrical Safety First Electrical Safety First is the UK's leading charity on electrical safety. They work with the government, businesses, media and the electrical industry to provide expert advice, resources and campaigns to promote electrical safety in the home, including the safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters. www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/battery- breakdown/battery-safety-campaign Stand 20 Stand 26 Stand 4 Directory of Exhibitors cont Green Liberal Democrats Green Liberal Democrats work to improve awareness of environmental issues and to embed these issues into all Liberal Democrat social and economic policies in a distinctive and electable way. www.greenlibdems.org.uk www.x.com/GreenLibDems Humanist & Secularist Liberal Democrats For Liberal Democrats who believe the state should treat everyone equally whatever their religion or beliefs. Recent campaigns cover humanist weddings, discrimination by schools, assisted dying and CofE disestablishment. www.hsld.org.uk It's Never You Charity From Hospital wards to Parliament, standing with parents of seriously ill children. www.itsneveryou.com LGBT+ Lib Dems We exist to represent the party to the LGBT+ community, to ensure that the party's policies address their needs, and to support LGBT+ candidates and party members. lgbt.libdems.org.uk Lib Dem Friends of Ukraine Members with an interest in Ukraine, the war, economic, political and humanitarian aspects for all Ukrainians. Applying political campaigning for settled status. Stand 2B Stand 11 Stand 7 Stand 1 Stand 17 Directory of Exhibitors cont Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality (LDCRE) LDCRE aims to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society and to fight against prejudice and discrimination based on race, colour or religion within the party and society. www.ldcre.org.uk Liberal Democrat Christian Forum We are a Christian voice in the Party and a voice of liberal democracy among Christians. We support Christians of all backgrounds to engage positively and constructively in politics. www.ldcf.info Liberal Democrat Disability Association The LDDA, working to raise awareness and understanding of disability both through the Liberal Democrats, and the rest of society. www.disabilitylibdems.org.uk/en/ Liberal Democrat Education Association We are an official Affiliated Organisation of the Liberal Democrats with the aim of promoting education up the agenda, both inside the party and outside. www.ldea.org.uk Liberal Democrat Friends of Hong Kong Advancing democracy resilience in the UK. Advocating China to be placed onto the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme given its menace to the growth of liberal democracy. www.libdemshk.org.uk/ Stands 8 & 9 Stand 33 Stand 13 Stand 14 Stand 12 Directory of Exhibitors cont Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel LDFI exists to support policies within the Liberal Democrats which lead to peace and security for a Liberal Israel, and an independent Palestinian state. www.ldfi.org.uk Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine LDFP supports Palestinians in their demands for peace, justice, accountability and self-determination under international law. www.ldfp.org.uk Liberal Democrat History Group The past illuminates the present. Subscribe to the Journal of Liberal History. Buy our booklets on Liberal history, greatest Liberal achievements and the history of Liberal ideas. www.liberalhistory.org.uk Stand 30 Stand 22 Stand 6 Liberal Democrat Image Visit the party's official supplier of campaign materials and merchandise. Find all the latest products and save money on postage. Visit our website www. libdemimage.co.uk and find us on Facebook. www.libdemimage.co.uk Stand LD Image Liberal Democrat Women The official organisation representing women - leading the way for an intersectional, inclusive, feminist future. Join our network and help to shape policy and support women and girls in politics. www.libdemwomen.org.uk www.x.com/libdemwomen Stand 34 Directory of Exhibitors cont Liberal Democrats Abroad Join the campaign to deliver an electoral system that's fair for British citizens voting from abroad, including representation through dedicated overseas constituencies in parliament and improvements to casting their votes. www.libdemsabroad.org Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform LDER is the party's campaigning home for fair, equal votes. We work with leadership and local activists; and with non-party reformers to make the demand for proportional representation unstoppable. www.lder.org Liberal Software Volunteer coders, designers and managers using our skills for the party. www.liberalsoftware.org Liberal Voice for Women Liberal Voice for Women exists to protect and advance the rights and interests of women and girls from within the Liberal Democrats. www.liberalvoiceforwomen.org Liberator Magazine Liberator is free to read online and is packed with thought provoking articles from writers across the party. And with RB read news you won't read anywhere else. www.liberatormagazine.org.uk Stand 27 Stand 10 Stand 21 Stand 18 Stand 15 Directory of Exhibitors cont LibSTEMM - Lib Dems in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine The home of Science and Technology within the Liberal Democrats. LibSTEMM aims to bridge the gap between scientists and politicians; putting evidence based policies at the heart of our party. www.libstemm.uk Stand 32 National Liberal Club Founded in 1882, the National Liberal Club, located in the heart of Whitehall, is a Private Members Club with a socially diverse membership and a venue for liberal debate and discussion. It values amongst its membership the majority of current Lib Dem MPs. We hold a range of political events that cover UK politics, contemporary political discussion, international politics and political history. www.nlc.org.uk Stand 29 Parliament Connect AI tools for MPs, Journalists and Government Relations. Monitor and share Parliamentary debates with ease. www.parliamentconnect.com Stand 16 Parliamentary Candidates Association (PCA) Parliamentary Candidates' Association supporting all PPC's in their bid to win elections. www.libdempca.org.uk Prater Raines Ltd The Liberal Democrats' development partner for Lighthouse and Fleet, making the Party's online campaigning shipshape for the future. Meet the team for Fleet demonstrations and advice. www.praterraines.co.uk Stand 25 Stand 2 Directory of Exhibitors cont Rights-Liberties-Justice (Liberal Democrat Lawyers Association) For Liberal Democrats interested in rights liberties and justice issues; you don't need to be a lawyer to join but share our passion for justice and the rule of law. www.rights-liberties-justice.uk Social Media Corner Share your experience at conference! Use the Social Media Corner party-branded backdrop space for videos and selfies and post unique conference content for your followers, members and voters #ldconf @confbehindscenes www.instagram.com/confbehindscenes Social Liberal Forum The Social Liberal Forum promotes Social Liberalism as the heart and soul of UK Liberal Democrat philosophy, Answering "What's the point of the Lib Dems"; and building Radical Economic Policies. www.socialliberal.net Young Liberals We provide a platform for young people and students to have their voices heard and act as a radical pressure group within the Liberal Democrats. www.youngliberals.uk Stand 5 Stand SM Stand 28 Stand 3 Fringe Information and Guide Fringe meeting access All fringe events listed in the official fringe venues are wheelchair- accessible. If you experience any access difficulties, please let the Information Desk know or make a comment on your online feedback. If you have any concerns or compliments about a fringe event at conference, please contact the event organiser during or at the end of the session. Consultation Sessions Thriving Economy Consultation Session Friday 13 March 15.00-17.00: This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on the economy. Chaired by Julia Goldsworthy on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Novotel, Fishergate Suite - HEARING International Security Consultation Session Saturday 14 March 11.00-12.30: This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on international security. Chaired by Dr Ben Jones on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Barbican, Lendal Room - HEARING Primary Healthcare Consultation Session Saturday 14 March 13.00-14.00: This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on primary healthcare. Chaired by Dr Kate O'Kelly on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Hilton, Micklegate Room Defending Democracy Consultation Session Saturday 14 March 18.15-19.45: This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on defending democracy. Chaired by Sarah Lewis on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Barbican, Lendal Room - HEARING Friday 13 March Friday mid afternoon 15.00-17.00 Federal Policy Committee Thriving Economy Consultation Session This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on the economy. Chaired by Julia Goldsworthy on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Novotel, Fishergate Suite HEARING Friday early evening 18.30-19.30 Conference Rally It's conference weekend's highly anticipated curtain raiser and we'll be welcoming you to York with an exciting rally that will leave you fired up and proud to be a Lib Dem. Not only will we be taking a look back at some of our parliamentary party's biggest victories in Westminster, we'll be celebrating our success in local government and in Scotland and Wales ahead of the devolved and council elections in May. This rally will leave you buzzing and ready to help us win another astonishing set of victories across the board. York Barbican, Auditorium Friday mid evening 20.00-21.30 Liberal Voice for Women Sex, Equality and the Law Last April the Supreme Court clarified the meaning of 'woman' in the Equality Act. Nearly one year on, has anyone listened? This panel will cut through the dithering and flanelling by the Labour government and discuss why the judgment matters and what organisations should do. With Susan Smith (For Women Scotland), Akua Reindorf KC and Maya Forstater (Sex Matters). Novotel, Meeting Room 1&2 HEARING REFRESHMENTS Friday 13 March cont Mid evening session 20.00-21.30 Rights-Liberties-Justice / LibDem Lawyers The Economy. Is it time for a Radical Rethink? - The Architecture of Affordability 40 years of Thatcherite neoliberalist economics has resulted in infrastructure decay, degraded public services, growing inequality, stagnant incomes and low growth. Is there a radical alternative? Speakers from Gower Initiative and others discuss Modern Monetary Theory and post-Keynesian ideas. Novotel, Meeting Room 4 LGA Lib Dem Group and ALDC Celebrating local Lib Dem Achievements We are proud of the hard work that Liberal Democrat Councillors do day in, day out in their councils and communities. Come and celebrate positive achievements and good practice from our Lib Dem Councils and Councillors! With Ed Davey MP. Novotel, Riverside Room HEARING REFRESHMENTS Friday late evening 22.00-23.30 Liberal Democrats Conference Quiz Come along and watch as Alistair Carmichael MP delivers an entertaining night of questions and laughter. Tickets can be purchased (by members only) when registering to attend conference. Additional tickets sold on the door are subject to availability. Novotel, Fishergate Suite HEARING REFRESHMENTS Saturday 14 March Saturday mid morning 11.00-12.30 Federal Policy Committee International Security Consultation Session (11.00-12.30) This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on international security. Chaired by Dr Ben Jones on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Barbican, Lendal Room HEARING Saturday lunchtime 13.00-14.00 Shared Health Foundation From Whitehall to Town Hall: Enforcing the Strategy to Tackle Child Homelessness With 172,420 children in temporary accommodation facing serious risks to health, education and even mortality, this event explores how Liberal Democrats can drive cross-sector collaboration, hold national and local government accountable, and enforce delivery of the National Plan to End Homelessness. www.sharedhealthfoundation.org.uk Novotel, Meeting Room 1&2 HEARING REFRESHMENTS Compass Are the Lib Dems a progressive party? Since the strongest election result in a century, the Lib Dems have faced growing challenges. Join Vikki Slade (invited), Bobby Dean (invited), Carl Cashman and Compass for a vital debate on whether the party's vision for Britain is truly progressive. www.compassonline.org.uk Novotel, Meeting Room 3 Saturday 14 March cont Lunchtime session 13.00-14.00 LGA Lib Dem Group and ALDC No such thing as a magic money tree: funding local government What should the Liberal Democrat vision for local government finance look like? Speakers: Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset, Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire and Z e Franklin MP (invited). Chair: Cllr Joe Harris, LGA Lib Dem Group Leader. Novotel, Meeting Room 5 HEARING REFRESHMENTS Humanist and Secularist Liberal Democrats Belief, Offence, and the Law: Blasphemy in Liberal Society How do blasphemy laws undermine secular principles and freedom of expression, impacting religious minorities and the non-religious? Christine Jardine MP, Andrew Copson (Humanists UK) and Stephen Evans (National Secular Society) will explore liberal alternatives to censorship based on religious offence. Novotel, Meeting Room 6 Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality (LDCRE) Afternoon Chairs (Including Tea) Come along to cordial discussion about Party Bodies working together. Share your views and learn about opportunities. Novotel, Riverside Room REFRESHMENTS Federal Policy Committee Primary Healthcare Consultation Session (13.00-14.00) This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on primary healthcare. Chaired by Dr Kate O'Kelly on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Hilton, Micklegate Room Saturday 14 March cont Lunchtime session 13.00-14.00 Social Liberal Forum The Economy, Is something for everyone possible? Join our panel as we consider how as the party works to develop its bright new approach to the economy, we ask, what will it take to breathe life into so much that's been left behind? Hilton, Bootham Room Liberal Democrats In England Governance Review of the Liberal Democrats in England How can the party in England better serve its regions and members? How can our structures work better, especially in terms of campaigning? What should the state party look like going forward? Join our consultative session, to feed into our review. Hilton, Walmgate Room Green Lib Dems/Liberal Democrats for Nature and Climate A Winning Climate and Nature Message Opportunity knocks for Liberal Democrats to tell a compelling climate and nature story on the doorstep. From solar on new developments to more green space and clean water, this session will dive into the latest polling data and best practice of how Lib Dems can communicate effectively and persuasively on environmental issues. With Pippa Heylings MP. Hilton, Minster Suite REFRESHMENTS PARTY BODY FORUM (14.30-15.30) Party Body Forum at Spring Conference INVITE ONLY - Get together with other representatives of Party Bodies to find out what everyone has been working on and share ideas. Novotel, Riverside Room Saturday 14 March Saturday early evening 18.15-19.15 Federal Policy Committee Defending Democracy Consultation Session (18.15-19.45) This is an opportunity for members to engage with the policy working group on defending democracy. Chaired by Sarah Lewis on behalf of the Federal Policy Committee. Barbican, Lendal Room HEARING The Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Money, money, money: ending the rich man's world Why we must get big money out of our politics - and how. A panel discussion and Q&A with Sue Hawley (Spotlight on Corruption), Peter Geoghegan (Democracy for Sale) and Duncan Hames (Transparency International), chaired by Manuela Perteghella MP. www.jrrt.org.uk Novotel, Meeting Room 1&2 HEARING Liberal Democrats For Electoral Reform The current electoral system is broken. Why the government must take action. Our front bench spokesperson Lisa Smart MP, joins Emma Harrison, Make Votes Matter Chief Executive, and Labour representative (TBC) for a crucial and timely cross party discussion on prospects for a breakthrough towards electoral reform during this Parliament. Novotel, Meeting Room 3 HEARING Saturday 14 March cont Early evening session 18.15-19.15 Liberal Democrat History Group Liberals and Local Government The Liberal commitment to localism has strong historical roots. Discuss Liberal innovations in local government in Birmingham in the 1870s and in Manchester in the 1920s with Dr Ian Cawood (University of Stirling) and Dr Brendon Jones (University of Manchester). Novotel, Meeting Room 4 ALDC and LGA Lib Dem Group From the Council to the Commons Hear from Liberal Democrat MPs who were councillors when elected to Parliament. The similarities and differences. How their local government experience has helped or hindered them in Parliament. We may even ask which they prefer! Novotel, Meeting Room 5 HEARING Parliamentary Candidates Association Candidate? Undergoing approval, approved or selected? Come and meet other candidates. Being a candidate is a lonely business. Whatever stage of the process you're at, come along to meet with other candidates and learn from them. We also hope to welcome some MPs who can talk about how they won. Novotel, Meeting Room 6 REFRESHMENTS Social Liberal Forum No excuses, Liberalism as an antidote to populism? A panel discussion. If our Liberal core values of Freedom and Equality are the perfect antidote to populism we ask, what will it take for those values to succeed? Novotel, Riverside Room Saturday 14 March cont Early evening session 18.15-19.15 Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine Complicit: Britain's Role in the Destruction of Gaza A conversation with Peter Oborne, former chief political commentator at the Daily Telegraph and Spectator, about his new book: Complicit: Britain's Role in the Destruction of Gaza, published October 2025 by OR Books. Hilton, Bootham Room Green Lib Dems / Liberal Democrats for Climate and Nature A Thriving Economy for People and Planet Do we need a radical shake up in the way economic growth is measured? How can we move away from reliance on GDP to a focus on happiness, health, and wellbeing for all? Join Roz Savage MP for a discussion on a bold, fresh Liberal Democrat vision for a future sustainable economy and prosperous society. Hilton, Walmgate Room REFRESHMENTS LibSTEMM - Engineering, Science, Tech Assistive Technology Showcasing New Technology that can really make a difference in how people live their lives. We'll explore the state of the art, and the barriers to adoption of technology, at home, in care and community settings, and the world beyond. Hilton, Minster Suite HEARING Saturday 14 March Saturday mid evening 19.45-21.00 LGBT+ Liberal Democrats Standing up for Trans Rights Across the Atlantic Trans rights are under attack in both the UK and the USA. Join queer politicians from both sides of the Atlantic to explore how we fight back. Novotel, Meeting Room 3 Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality (LDCRE) What do we stand for? What do you stand for? A thought provoking event, breaking down the barriers of intersectionality within the party. VIP panel in attendance. Novotel, Meeting Room 4 Liberal Democrat Women Cocktails and mocktails Lib Dem Women will again be hosting our legendary cocktails and mocktails reception. Members only. RSVP essential. Tickets 5 from our website and the LDW stand. Do make sure you join us. Novotel, Meeting Room 5 REFRESHMENTS Right-Liberties-Justice / LibDem Lawyers Are Civil Liberties in irreversible decline? The Conservatives criminalised peaceful protest tactics and moved the legal balance away from protecting freedom of assembly and expression. The Labour Government has kept those laws and seeks to restrict jury trials. A panel will discuss the decline and remedies. Novotel, Meeting Room 6 Saturday 14 March cont Mid evening session 19.45-21.00 ALTER Mind The Gap: bridging the generational wealth divide Speakers include: Roz Savage MP, Andrew Dixon (founder of Lib Dem Business Network & FairerShare); Conor Nakkan (Intergenerational Foundation), Abrial Jerram (FPC & YL). Housing market failure affects younger workers, is worsening and threatens societal stability and economic growth. Property tax reform could be a solution. But what kind? Hilton, Micklegate Room REFRESHMENTS LibDem Friends of Ukraine Corruption in Ukraine: the facts and the spin Russia and America decry corruption in Ukraine to dissuade others from aiding Ukraine and believing in the possibility of victory. While it's an issue, real progress is being made but more is required for Ukraine to join the EU. Hilton, Walmgate Room HEARING Liberal Democrat Education Association Networking Drinks Reception Join the Liberal Democrat Education Association for an informal networking drinks reception. Meet senior academics from across higher education alongside members of the parliamentary education team - an ideal chance to connect, share ideas, and discuss the future of education policy. Hilton, Minster Suite REFRESHMENTS Saturday 14 March cont Mid evening session 19.45-21.00 Liberal Democrat Friends of Whisky (starting at 22.00 until 23.00) 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 45 (numbers limited). Book tickets by contacting libdemfow@gmail.com Hilton, Micklegate and Bootham Rooms Saturday late evening 21.30-23.00 Glee Club (starting at 22.00 until late) Join us for the ultimate end-of conference celebration! Pick up your copy of the Liberator Songbook and come raise the roof! Novotel, Fishergate Suite Training and Ski ls Programme Welcome to our Spring Conference 2026 training programme! Our training at Conference is open to all members, unless stated otherwise, whether you're brand new or you've been with us for many years! With these sessions we hope you can learn new skills, brush up on existing skills or even learn how to take on new roles in the party. Whether it's seeing parties such as the Greens and Reform UK on the rise, or the uncertainty that cancelled elections can bring, our training sessions are here to help you find a path through. We have an exciting offer aimed at the many different experiences that members can have whilst being a member of the Party and hopefully you'll find sessions to help you! Just like in previous Conferences we've created training streams to help you with focusing your time here. But don't feel you need to stick to one stream - you can mix and match across them. This year's streams are: PARTY ROLES: Learn or develop the skills to take on different party roles. TECH: How to use our Tech systems and run digital campaigning. CANDIDATES: How to become a candidate or develop your skills as one. CAMPAIGNING: For those looking to develop their campaigning skills. Saturday 14 March Training and Ski ls Saturday Morning 09.30-10.45 Engaging young voters and preparing for votes at 16 Join us for a dynamic session on how to resonate with young people and tackle the challenges In Politics today. Also understand why the youth vote is crucial to success. Get tips from our experts on messaging and strategies to boost youth engagement and learn how to win over young voters especially as votes for 16-year-olds make this an even more crucial group to be talking to. Young Liberals Novotel, Meeting Room 1+2 CAMPAIGNING Introduction to being an agent As always, this May sees a bumper set of elections and with election law constantly changing come along to this session and learn everything you need to know from our experts. LDHQ Compliance and Data Protection Novotel, Meeting Room 3 PARTY ROLES Using Lighthouse for fundraising Managing donors, tracking progress, and staying organised can be challenging. In this session, we'll walk through a selection of Lighthouse tools that can help support new prospect identification and streamline fundraising efforts. LDHQ Fundraising & Digital Best Practice Novotel, Meeting Room 4 TECH Saturday 14 March cont Morning session 09.30-10.45 How to survive Conference Get all the inside knowledge on how to survive at conference. Designed for first-timers, but old hands might find some new knowledge too - all welcome. Federal Conference Committee Novotel, Meeting Room 5 Women making speeches at Conference - CGB's top tips for success Women Members only Speaking in public is a vital skill for anyone wishing to be elected to local government or to Parliament. Making a speech at Party Conference is a great place to start. This course will explain how to prepare a speech - and how to get called to deliver it. Campaign for Gender Balance Novotel, Meeting Room 6 CANDIDATES Diverse candidate pools Finding new candidates can be difficult. This session looks at ways to find new candidates and to help your pool of candidates look like the communities you are trying to represent. ALDC Hilton, Bootham Room CANDIDATES Saturday 14 March cont Morning session 09.30-10.45 Tackling Reform UK in Labour-facing areas This session will cover messaging, best practice and resources on how best to tackle the rise of Reform UK in Labour-facing areas across the UK. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Micklegate Room CAMPAIGNING Being a leader as a Parliamentary Candidate in the local election short campaign The last six weeks of a Local Election campaign can be crucial for those standing. Whether you have local elections in your area or not you can still show leadership as a Parliamentary Candidate to help get more Councillors elected in May. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Minster Suite PARTY ROLES Tackling Reform UK in Conservative-facing areas Join us to get a clear picture of the different types of Reform UK voters in Conservative-facing areas and how to campaign smartly in response. We'll share ways to win over the waverers and push back effectively against the hardliners. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Walmgate Room CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March Training and Ski ls Saturday Late Morning 11.00-12.15 Digital in depth: what works So many platforms, so little time! As busy campaigners it's important that we focus on what works. This session walks you through the latest insights and helps you plan your winning digital campaign. LDHQ Digital Best Practice Novotel, Meeting Room 1+2 TECH Being a good Local Party Treasurer Whether you've been a treasurer for many years, are new in the role or are considering taking it up for the first time, come along to this session to learn everything you need to know to stay legal in the role. LDHQ Compliance and Data Protection Novotel, Meeting Room 3 PARTY ROLES How to find new donors Identifying new donors is often one of the most difficult parts of fundraising. In this workshop-style session, we'll discuss prospecting tips and practical ways to meet and engage new potential donors. LDHQ Fundraising Novotel, Meeting Room 4 CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March cont Late morning session 11.00-12.15 Bringing your policy ideas to life - How to develop your policy ideas in the Liberal Democrats Come along and learn about creating Party Policy, how you can get involved and shape Party Policy so you can bring your policy ideas to life! Federal Conference Committee and Federal Policy Committee Novotel, Meeting Room 5 Managing time and stress as a candidate Women Members only Speaking in public is a vital skill for anyone wishing to be elected to local government or to Parliament. Making a speech at Party Conference is a great place to start. This course will explain how to prepare a speech - and how to get called to deliver it. Campaign for Gender Balance Novotel, Meeting Room 6 CANDIDATES Recognising racism and taking action This session, delivered with the Say No to Racism movement, supports Returning Officers, Diversity Officers, Chairs and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates to better understand racism in party settings, campaigning and the PPC process. It focuses on how to stand up to racism safely, uphold party values, and ensure fair and inclusive participation for all. LDHQ Diversity and Say No to Racism Hilton, Bootham Room CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March cont Late morning session 11.00-12.15 Winning in remain areas An exclusive session on crafting your message for areas that voted to remain in the EU Referendum. This session covers how to win in these areas and covers best practices on messaging as well as essential resources. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Micklegate Room CAMPAIGNING Keeping your council seat So you've won! Brilliant! Now learn how to keep your seat and grow your team. A must for all councillors, especially those elected for the first time. ALDC Hilton, Minster Suite CANDIDATES Winning with words - getting started with AI AI has the potential to be a powerful new tool that helps us with campaigning. In this session our campaigning experts will share their top tips as well as how to avoid common pitfalls. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Walmgate Room CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March Training and Ski ls Saturday Afternoon 14.30-15.45 Digital in depth: winning ads Know how to use Meta Advertising (for Facebook and Instagram) but unsure how to make the most of it? This session will explain why we run ads, which types work best, and how to spend your ad budget wisely for the biggest campaign boost. LDHQ Digital Best Practice Novotel, Meeting Room 1+2 TECH Being an agent in local elections - from nominations to expenses returns (part one) This is part one of a two-part series which will assist you with all you need to know as an Agent in Local Elections going from the nomination process all the way through to submitting election expenses. This is suitable whether you're being an agent for the first time or have more experience but need a refresher and update on changes to the law LDHQ Compliance and Data Protection Novotel, Meeting Room 3 PARTY ROLES Supporting young members in your local party Want to grow your local party's membership with the next generation of Lib Dems? Join this engaging session to learn practical strategies for attracting and welcoming young members to your local party. From understanding what young people look for in a political movement to building inclusive communities where they can thrive, this session will equip you with the tools to inspire the next wave of Liberal Democrats. Young Liberals Novotel, Meeting Room 4 CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March cont Afternoon session 14.30-15.45 Introduction to Connect Join us to learn the basics of how Connect works, what you can use it for, and how to do some basic tasks as well as make sure you comply with the law. This session is ideal for people just starting out using Connect. LDHQ Connect Novotel, Meeting Room 5 TECH Women getting selected for Parliament - how CGB can help you Women Members only The Campaign for Gender Balance was set up to help get more women elected to Parliament by training, coaching and mentoring women members. We are keen to help every woman who comes to us at any point in their political journey. Campaign for Gender Balance Novotel, Meeting Room 6 CANDIDATES Taking on Reform Reform is reshaping the political landscape with new challenges for the Lib Dems. This session explores how to counter their rise, sharpen our messaging, and build campaigns that connect with voters and win back support. ALDC Hilton, Bootham Room CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March cont Afternoon session 14.30-15.45 Winning against the Greens Whether you are holding off the Green Party, or trying to win against them, come and learn from our campaigning experts on how to campaign against the Green Party. This session offers practical tactics to defend your position and shows why holding firm is better than doing deals. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Micklegate Room CAMPAIGNING Winning the postal vote Performing well in the postal vote will support your efforts to win your election. We will take you through why the postal vote is so important and how to use postal votes as part of your campaign. ALDC Hilton, Minster Suite CAMPAIGNING Winning in remain areas An exclusive session on crafting your message for areas that voted to remain in the EU Referendum. This session covers how to win in these areas and covers best practices on messaging as well as essential resources. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Walmgate Room CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March Training and Ski ls Saturday Late Afternoon 16.00-17.15 Digital in depth: winning on social Social media is an exciting new frontier for connecting with voters. But with so many platforms, how do we choose the right ones, and what should we do on them? This session will explore your options, using the latest research to show how we can effectively leverage social media to win votes. LDHQ Digital Best Practice Novotel, Meeting Room 1+2 TECH Being an agent in local elections - from nominations to expenses returns (Part Two) This is part two of a two-part series which will assist you with all you need to know as an Agent in Local Elections going from the nomination process all the way through to submitting election expenses. This is suitable whether you're being an agent for the first time or have more experience but need a refresher and update on changes to the law LDHQ Compliance and Data Protection Novotel, Meeting Room 3 PARTY ROLES How Young Liberals can support you Unlock the potential of collaborating with Young Liberals at every tier of the organisation. Learn how to effectively engage with local branches, university societies, and regional executives to integrate them as vital members of your local party. Join us to refine your skills, expand your network, and drive meaningful youth engagement in your community. Young Liberals Novotel, Meeting Room 4 CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March cont Late afternoon session 16.00-17.15 A year in the life of a Connect Manager Being a Constituency Connect Manager is a huge responsibility. Join our Connect Team to find out everything you need to be doing throughout the year. LDHQ Connect Novotel, Meeting Room 5 TECH Communicating and campaigning on disability A session that explores campaigning around disability, including both short-term and long-term campaigns, with a view to facilitating effective disability advocacy. We'll explore case studies, how to communicate disability advocacy goals effectively, and how you can enact change with the LDDA and wider party. Liberal Democrat Disability Association Novotel, Meeting Room 6 CAMPAIGNING Using AI as a councillor and campaigner Tips and tricks experienced campaigners are using AI to win elections and improve their productivity. ALDC Hilton, Bootham Room CAMPAIGNING Saturday 14 March cont Late afternoon session 16.00-17.15 Tackling Reform UK in Labour-facing areas This session will cover messaging, best practices and resources on how best to tackle the rise of Reform UK in Labour-facing areas across the UK. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Micklegate Room CAMPAIGNING Effective knocking on doors Talking to voters is key to winning elections but we can't talk to everyone. How should we decide who to talk to, what sorts of conversations should we have and how should we handle the data? ALDC Hilton, Minster Suite CAMPAIGNING Tackling Reform UK in Conservative-facing areas Join us to get a clear picture of the different types of Reform UK voters in Conservative-facing areas and how to campaign smartly in response. We'll share ways to win over the waverers and push back effectively against the hardliners. LDHQ Campaigns & Elections Hilton, Walmgate Room CAMPAIGNING Standing Orders Glossary of terms Business motion A proposal to conduct the affairs of the Party in a particular way or to express an opinion on the way affairs have been conducted. Business amendment A proposal to change a business motion. Any such proposal should be significant, should be within the scope of the original motion and must not be a direct negative. Committee Throughout these standing orders, Committee means the Federal Conference Committee unless otherwise qualified. Constitutional amendment A proposal to change the constitution of the Party. Secondary constitutional amendment An amendment to a constitutional amendment. This must not introduce new material. Consultative session A meeting where selected areas of policy or strategy are considered in greater depth than is possible in full debates. Day visitor Someone who has paid the appropriate day visitor fee. Day visitors are not entitled to speak or vote in full sessions of conference. Emergency motion A proposal which derives from a significant recent development which occurred after the deadline for submission of motions. Emergency motions must be brief (maximum 500 words). Emergency amendment An amendment to a motion which relates to a specific event which occurred after the deadline for the submission of amendments. It must be brief and uncontentious. Full session Any part of the conference agenda during which debates, topical issue discussions or discussion of business, including formal Standing Orders reports, takes place. This specifically excludes formal speeches such as those by the Leader or Party Officers. Point of order A suggestion to the chair of a debate that the conduct of the debate, as laid down in the standing orders, has not been followed correctly. Policy motion A proposal to adopt a new policy or reaffirm an existing one. This includes motions accompanying policy papers. Policy amendment A proposal to change a policy motion. Any proposal should be of significant importance, should be within the scope of the original motion and must not be a direct negative. Policy paper A paper prepared by the Federal Policy Committee and submitted to conference for debate under the terms of Article 7.4 of the Federal Party constitution. Procedural motion A proposal that the conduct of a debate should be changed in a specific way. Procedural motions are: Move to next business A proposal that the conference should cease to consider an item of business and immediately move to the next item on the agenda. Reference back A proposal to refer a motion or amendment to a named body of the Party for further consideration. Request for a count A request to the chair that a specific vote be counted and recorded rather than decided on the chair's assessment of a show of voting cards. Separate vote A request to the chair of a debate that a part or parts of a motion or amendment should be voted on separately. Standing Orders Suspension of standing orders A proposal to relax specific standing orders for a stated purpose. Special conference An additional meeting of the conference requisitioned by the Federal Board, Federal Policy Committee, conference itself or 2% of party members, in not fewer than 10% of local parties under the provisions of Article 6.3 of the Federal constitution. Standing order amendment A proposal to change these standing orders. Secondary standing order amendment An amendment to a standing order amendment. This must not introduce new material. Topical issue discussion A discussion on a policy issue of significant and topical relevance, conducted without a vote. Voting member A member attending Conference who has satisfied the requirements for attendance and has paid the registration fee presently in force for party members as agreed by FCC, and who is not a day visitor [or observer]. Standing Orders for a conference held remotely a. In the event that the Federal Board determines it is impossible to hold a conference under the normal rules, and instead summons a special meeting of the conference to be held remotely, or the Committee otherwise directs that a conference shall be conducted remotely, these Standing Orders shall apply b. A remote conference shall be conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders that apply to a conference not conducted remotely ('the original Standing Orders'), save that: i. All references in the original Standing Orders to votes, whether by ballot, show of hands or show of voting cards, shall instead be conducted via an online poll or alternative secure method of online voting, designated Standing Orders by the Committee; similarly all references to speakers cards shall be taken to mean electronic speakers' cards. ii. Any communications with the chair must be made via an online channel designated by the Committee for that purpose and advertised to voting members prior to the commencement of a debate. iii. In original Standing Order 6.2, the reference to the Chief Steward shall also include lead moderators designated by the Chief Steward. iv. Original Standing Order 8.7 shall apply save that the Committee may set a deadline in respect of any given full session for the receipt of electronic speakers' cards; the chair shall have discretion to electronic speakers' cards after the deadline. v. Original Standing Orders 9.1, 9.2, 11.4 and Procedural motion 3 (Request for a Count) in the Glossary of Terms, shall not apply; instead, voting members shall, when appropriate, be directed by the chair to vote using the online voting tool made available to them. Standing Order 2.3 shall not apply. vi. In original Standing Order 10.1, any voting member may signal to the Chair via the designated online channel, that they are moving a point of order, in lieu of rising in their place. vii. As, by necessity, all votes shall be counted votes, Standing Order 11.4 shall not apply; instead the chair shall ensure the result of the counted vote is publicised to members, via the appropriate online channel. Standing Orders for the Federal Conference 1. The Conference Agenda 1.1 What is on the agenda The agenda for each meeting of conference, other than a special conference, shall include time for: Standing Orders a) One or more consultative sessions; save that the Committee may decide not to hold any consultative sessions at a spring conference; b) A business session or sessions for the consideration of reports from the bodies listed in Article 6.5 of the Constitution, together with, when appropriate, reports from, or question and answer sessions with, any other body the Committee considers appropriate, accounts and the annual report; c) Business motions, including a motion accompanying the proposed strategy of the party; d) Constitutional amendments and standing order amendments; e) Policy motions (including motions accompanying policy papers); f) Emergency motions; g) Topical issue discussions; and h) Any other business which the Committee thinks appropriate. The time to be allocated to each type of business and the order of that business shall be decided by the Committee provided that conference may decide not to take any particular item on the agenda. 1.2 Conference or council of state parties In addition, time before or after any meeting may be agreed with the relevant state party for a meeting of the conference or council of that party. 1.3 Right to submit agenda items a) Reports to Conference may be submitted only by the bodies listed in paragraph 1.1(b). b) Business motions (including amendments and emergency business motions and amendments), constitutional amendments and secondary constitutional amendments, standing order amendments and secondary standing order amendments may be submitted by the Federal Board, Federal Policy Committee, Federal Council, Federal Standing Orders Conference Committee, state parties, regional parties in England, local parties, Affiliated Organisations and 10 party members save that constitutional amendments and secondary constitutional amendments, and standing order amendments and secondary standing order amendments, submitted by party members shall need to be submitted by 30 members from at least three local parties. c) Motions accompanying policy papers may only be submitted by the Federal Policy Committee. d) Policy motions (including amendments, emergency policy motions and amendments) may be submitted by the Federal Policy Committee, state parties, regional parties in England, local parties, Affiliated Organisations and 10 party members. e) The Parliamentary Party in the House of Commons may submit a motion relating to supporting a government containing members of the other parties, in accordance with Article 24 of the constitution. f) Proposals for topical issue discussions may be submitted by any party member. 1.4 How motions and amendments are submitted All motions and amendments must be submitted to the Committee. They must identify a person authorised to agree to their being composited or redrafted. The details of methods of submission will be notified for each conference via the Party website. 1.5 The deadlines by which motions, amendments, reports and questions to reports must be submitted The Committee shall specify: a) The closing date for the receipt of policy motions (including motions accompanying policy papers), business motions, constitutional amendments and amendments to standing orders, which shall be at least eight weeks before the start of conference. b) The closing date for the receipt of amendments to motions published in the Agenda and emergency Standing Orders motions, which shall be at least two days before the start of conference. c) The closing date for the submission of written reports from the bodies listed in paragraph 1.1(b), which will be set so as to enable their distribution with the Agenda. Any supplementary report submitted later than this deadline may only be tabled at conference with the permission of the Committee. d) The closing date for the submission of questions to any of the reports listed in the Agenda, which shall be the same as the deadline for emergency motions. Questions submitted by this deadline are guaranteed to be asked. e) Notwithstanding 1.5(d), questions may always be submitted to any of the reports listed in the Agenda, by the end of the preceding morning (for report sessions taking place in the afternoon) or afternoon (for report sessions taking place in the morning). Any questions submitted by this deadline will only be taken at the discretion of the chair. f) The closing date for proposals for topical issue discussions, which shall be at least two days before the start of conference 1.6 Notification of deadlines All dates specified under Standing Order 1.5 shall be publicised to party members and bodies entitled to submit motions. Publication in the party newspaper/magazine and website may be treated as notice for this purpose. 1.7 Later deadlines in special circumstances In special circumstances the Committee may specify later dates than those indicated above. In particular, where developments which, in the opinion of the Committee, are of great importance have taken place after the closing date for emergency motions and questions to reports, the Committee may make time available for an additional emergency motion or for a statement to be made on behalf of the Party or for additional questions to be submitted to reports. Standing Orders 2. Consultative Sessions 2.1 The subjects for consultative sessions The subjects for debate at consultative sessions shall be chosen by the Committee on the advice of the Federal Policy Committee and, where appropriate, the Federal Board, and published in the Agenda. Two or more such sessions may be held simultaneously. 2.2 Speaking at consultative sessions Any member of the Party may be called to speak at a consultative session and, with the approval of the chair, non- members with relevant expertise may also be called. 2.3 Voting at consultative sessions At the discretion of the chair a vote by show of hands may be taken to indicate the weight of opinion among members present on any issue that has been debated. 3. The Agenda 3.1 The shortlisting of motions The Committee shall draw up the Agenda and shall decide which of the motions duly submitted shall be included in it. The Committee may allocate time for one or more policy or business motions to be selected by ballot. Copies of motions not selected shall be available for inspection and will be supplied to any party member on payment of a copying charge and postage. 3.2 Motions for the amendment of the constitution or standing orders Save as detailed below in Standing Order 4.3, all proposed amendments to the constitution or standing orders must be selected for debate. 3.3 Balance between State and Federal policy debates The Committee shall, in drawing up the Agenda, have due regard to the balance of State and Federal policy debates and in particular shall as far as possible organise the agenda so that all matters which relate solely to one or more state parties but not all State Parties or the Federal Party shall be considered at either the beginning or the end of the conference. Standing Orders 4. Selection of Motions and Amendments 4.1 Compositing or otherwise altering motions In drawing up the Agenda the Committee shall seek to reflect the range of views in the Party as indicated by the motions and amendments submitted. The Committee may: a) Treat any severable part of a motion or amendment as a separate motion or amendment. b) Redraft a motion or amendment so as to improve expression, remove inaccuracy or superfluity or take account of new developments. c) Composite similar motions or amendments. 4.2 Selection of amendments The Committee shall decide which of the amendments duly submitted to each motion shall be selected. No amendment shall be selected if, in the opinion of the Committee it is insubstantial, outside the scope of the motion, or tantamount to a direct negative of the motion. 4.3 Motions for the amendment of the constitution or standing orders The Committee may refuse to select a motion for amendment of the constitution or standing orders if, in their opinion, it is: a) Similar in effect to another motion which has been selected for debate or ballot at the same meeting of conference. b) Similar in effect to a motion that has been rejected at either of the last two meetings of conference. c) In the case of amendments to the constitution, incomplete in that it leaves unamended some other part of the constitution which contradicts the meaning of the amendment. d) In the case of amendments to standing orders, incomplete in that it leaves unamended some other part of standing orders which contradicts the meaning of the amendment. e) Ambiguous. Standing Orders 4.4 Emergency motions The Committee may reject an emergency motion if: a) It is similar in effect to another motion that has been selected for debate or ballot. b) It is similar in effect to a subject chosen for a topical issue discussion. c) It is unclear as to its meaning or intent or is, in the opinion of the Committee, too poorly drafted to provide a sensible basis for debate. d) It falls outside the definition of emergency motions. No amendment shall be taken to any motion selected under this Standing Order. 4.5 Ballots for emergency motions All emergency motions, except those rejected under Standing Order 4.4, must be placed either on the agenda for debate or in a ballot for selection by Conference. The Committee may hold separate ballots to select which of a range of emergency policy motions and which of a range of emergency business motions to debate. If one or more ballots is held the Committee shall circulate the text of all balloted motions to the voting members as soon as practicable and shall specify a closing time for the ballot. Following the counting of any ballots the Committee shall decide how many motions shall be debated in the time available. 4.6 Emergency amendments The Committee shall have complete discretion whether to select emergency amendments for debate. 4.7 Topical issue discussions The choice of subjects for topical issue discussions shall be made by the Officers of the Committee in consultation with the Officers of the Federal Policy Committee. In choosing the subjects, the Officers shall have regard to the significance and topicality of the subjects proposed and whether they are likely to provoke a lively discussion. 5. Special Meetings 5.1 Timetabling of special meetings The Committee shall, as soon as practicable after the requisitioning of a special meeting of the conference, fix a date Standing Orders for the meeting, draw up the Agenda and, if appropriate, specify a date for the submission of amendments. The meeting shall deal only with the business stated in the notice of requisition save that the Committee may allow time for emergency motions and for business which is formal or, in its opinion, uncontentious. 5.2 Preferred timescales for special meetings In setting dates for the submission of motions and amendments and giving notice thereof and of the conference itself the Committee shall endeavour to follow the timescales laid down elsewhere in these standing orders but, where this is not practicable, the Committee shall set such dates as it sees fit. 6. Appeals 6.1 Appeals against rejection of motions The Committee shall provide written reasoning to the nominee of the proposers for the rejection of any motion or amendment. The proposers may appeal, in writing, to the next meeting of the Committee. Any such appeal shall provide reasons why, in the opinion of the proposers, the expressed reasons for rejection are not valid. If the appeal is allowed, the motion or amendment shall be treated as an emergency motion or amendment according to the stage of the agenda-setting process at which the appeal has been allowed. 6.2 Appeals against exclusion from conference Any person excluded from conference by a decision of the Chief Steward shall have the right of appeal to the Committee at the next of its regular meetings. The exclusion shall remain in force pending the appeal. 7. The Chair 7.1 Who chairs conference The President, if present, shall normally take the chair at the formal opening and closing of Conference and when the Party Leader is making a formal speech from the platform. At all other sessions the chair shall be appointed by the Committee. Normally no person shall chair more than one session at any meeting. Standing Orders 7.2 The Chair's aide The Committee may appoint an aide or aides to assist the chair of each session. 8. Conduct of Debate 8.1 Variation in the order of business The Committee may propose to the conference a variation in the order of business as set out in the Agenda. Such variation shall be put to the vote and shall take effect if approved by a majority of those voting. 8.2 Withdrawal of motions and amendments Once the Committee has included a motion or amendment, or part of a motion or amendment, in the Agenda, may not be withdrawn except by leave of conference. A request to withdraw a motion may be submitted to conference either by the movers of the motion or the Committee. 8.3 The order of debate The Committee shall direct the order of debate. Generally, however, a motion will be moved and immediately thereafter the amendments and options will be moved in the order directed by the Committee. There will then be a general debate. The movers of amendments and options (or their nominees) shall have the right of reply in the same order (except that where an amendment or option has not been opposed during the debate, the chair of the session shall have the right to direct that its movers shall not exercise their right of reply), after which the mover of the motion (or the mover's nominee) shall have the right of reply. Votes shall then be taken on the amendments and options in the order in which they have been moved and, finally, on the substantive motion. The Committee may direct that part of any motion or amendment or groups or amendments may be the subject of a separate debate. 8.4 Topical issue discussions The Committee shall direct the order of the discussion. Normally the proposer of the subject shall speak first, and a representative of the Federal Policy Committee shall speak last. 8.5 Who may speak All voting members may speak at a full session of conference. Additionally, the Committee may invite any person to address Standing Orders the conference as a guest. Neither such provision shall prejudice the right of the chair of a session to select speakers. 8.6 The special rights of the Federal Committees Provided that the Federal Policy Committee is not proposing the motion or any of the amendments to be taken in a debate on a policy motion or on motions relating to the policy-making processes of the Party it shall have the right to nominate a person to report its views on the subject before the conference. The Federal Board shall have similar rights on business motions or motions to amend the constitution, as shall the Federal Conference Committee on motions relating to the proceeding and procedures of the conference and to amend standing orders. Such a person shall be called to speak for the same length of time as the person replying on behalf of the mover of the motion. 8.7 The selection of speakers Voting members wishing to speak in any debate shall submit a speaker's card, prior to the commencement of the debate in which they wish to speak, stating whether they wish to speak for or against an amendment, the motion or part of the motion. The chair shall be responsible for the choice of the speakers and shall attempt to provide a balanced debate between the different viewpoints in the conference, but may announce a departure from this rule if there is an overwhelming preponderance of members wishing to speak on the same side. The chair shall have the discretion to accept speakers' cards after the start of the debate. Save as provided for in these standing orders, no person may speak more than once in any debate. 8.8 The length of speeches The Committee shall set out in the Agenda time limits for speeches. 9. Voting at Conference 9.1 The method of voting Voting cards shall be issued at each meeting to voting members. (The Committee may direct that voting on any issue be by ballot.) Subject thereto all votes at full sessions shall be taken by show of voting cards and by voting members voting securely online Standing Orders 9.2 Counting of votes A vote by show of voting cards shall be counted: a) If the Committee has so directed. b) If the Chair so directs. c) As the result of a procedural motion under Standing Order 11.5 below. A recount will only be held if the chair is not satisfied that the first count was accurate. 9.3 Separate votes A separate vote may be taken on a part of a motion or amendment: a) On the direction of the Committee. b) At the discretion of the chair. c) As a result of a procedural motion under Standing Order 11.4 below. 10. Points of Order 10.1 Making a point of order Any voting member may rise on a point of order which shall be taken immediately except that, during a vote, no point of order shall be taken that does not refer to the conduct of the vote. The chair's decision on all points of order shall be final. 11. Procedural Motions 11.1 Next business a) A voting member may, during any full conference session, submit, in writing, a request that conference move to next business, giving the reasons to do so. The submission shall not exceed 75 words. b) The chair may either take the request immediately upon receipt, or at the end of any speech currently being made. If more than one request is received the chair shall decide which to take. No more than one request may be taken in respect to any motion or report. c) When the request is to be taken, the chair shall read the statement of reasons and ask Conference whether it wishes to consider the request to move to next Standing Orders business. If Conference decides, by a simple majority of those voting, to do so, the person who made the request may speak. The Chair may allow other speakers. All speeches under this standing order shall be limited to two minutes. If Conference decides not to debate the proposal, it falls. d) The proposal shall require a two-thirds majority of those voting to be passed. If it is carried the current agenda item shall be abandoned without any further debate or vote and, at the discretion of the chair, either the next agenda item shall be taken or there shall be an adjournment until the time at which the next agenda item was due to be taken. 11.2 Reference back a) A request to refer back a motion under debate may be submitted by any of the bodies or groups listed in Standing Order 1.3(b) for business motions and 1.3(d) for policy motions. The deadline for submission of such a request shall be the same as that for amendments to motions. In exceptional circumstances, the chair of the debate shall have discretion to accept a request for a reference back if it is received in writing after this deadline. b) The submission shall state to whom the motion is to be referred and shall include a statement of the reasons, including reasons why voting against the motion would not achieve a similar result, not exceeding 150 words. c) If more than one request is received with respect to a motion, the Committee (or the chair of the debate in the case of requests received after the deadline) shall decide which to take. No more than one request may be taken with respect to any motion. d) When the request is to be taken, the Chair shall read the statement of reasons and ask Conference whether it wishes to consider the request to refer. If Conference decides, by a simple majority of those voting, to do so, the person who made the request may speak and the mover of the substantive motion, or their nominee, may reply. The Chair may allow other speakers. All speeches under this standing order shall be limited to three Standing Orders minutes. If Conference decides not to debate the reference back, it falls. e) The reference back shall require a simple majority of those voting to be passed. If it is carried the current agenda item shall be abandoned without any further debate or vote and, at the discretion of the chair, either the next agenda item shall be taken or there shall be an adjournment until the time at which the next agenda item was due to be taken. f) If the substantive motion is referred to the Federal Board, the Federal Policy Committee or the Federal Conference Committee that body shall, in its report to the next meeting of the conference, state what action it has taken on the reference. 11.3 Separate vote A voting member of conference may request that the chair take a separate vote on a part of a motion or amendment provided that such a request is in writing and received by the commencement of the first conference session on the day before the debate is scheduled. If the debate is scheduled for the first day of conference, the request must be received in writing no later than 48 hours before the opening of conference. The Committee shall have complete discretion whether to take a separate vote. In exceptional circumstances, the Chair of the debate shall have discretion to accept a request for a separate vote if it is received in writing after this deadline. 11.4 Counted vote Any voting member may ask for a counted vote, which shall be taken if the request is supported by 50 members rising in their places and showing their voting cards. 11.5 Suspension of standing orders a) A voting conference member may, during any full conference session, move a motion for the suspension of standing orders. Such a motion may contain no more than one proposed change to the agenda or conduct of debate. The mover shall submit the motion together with a written statement of its purpose, not exceeding 75 words, to the chair, who shall read them to the meeting. The chair may either take the request Standing Orders immediately upon receipt, or at the end of the speech currently being made. b) No motion to suspend standing orders may suspend any requirement of the constitution, nor any part of these standing orders which govern: i) The rights of, or timetable for, submission of motions and amendments. ii) Consultative sessions. iii) Procedural motions for next business or suspension of standing orders. c) No motion to suspend standing orders to introduce a motion or amendment on to the agenda can be taken unless the motion or amendment has been submitted to the Committee in accordance with the published timetable and, where a right of appeal against non- selection exists, the right has been exercised. d) The chair shall read the statement of purpose and, if the suspension is allowable in the terms of this standing order, ask the conference whether it wishes to debate the request for suspension. If the conference decides not to debate the request, it falls. If the conference decides, by a majority of those present and voting, to hear the request the mover may speak and a representative of the Committee may reply. The chair shall have the discretion to allow other speakers. All speeches on the motion to suspend standing orders will be limited to two minutes. e) A motion to suspend standing orders shall only be carried if supported by at least two-thirds of the conference members voting. If the procedural motion is carried all standing orders shall remain in force except only for the purposes set out in the motion. 11.6 No procedural motions during votes No procedural motion can be moved during a vote. Standing Orders 12. Reports 12.1 Which reports are tabled The business session or sessions of the conference must include consideration of reports from the bodies listed in Standing Order 1.1(b). 12.2 Submission and selection of questions A voting member may submit questions to any report tabled for consideration, by the deadlines set under Standing Orders 1.5(d) and (e). The Committee shall publish in advance of the report session all the questions submitted under Standing Order 1.5(d) which are in order, compositing similar questions where appropriate. Questions to the Federal Board report may include questions about the work of the Federal Audit and Scrutiny Committee and the work of the Federal People Development Committee 12.3 Whether questions are in order or not A question shall be ruled out of order if it asks the body submitting the report about issues which are outside its duties and responsibilities. If the question could be answered by another body reporting to the same conference, the Committee may transfer the question to that body. 12.4 How questions and supplementary questions are put and answered After the report is moved, the mover, or their nominee, shall answer the questions in turn. After each question has been answered, the voting member who submitted the question will be given the opportunity to put a supplementary question, speaking for a maximum of one minute, and the mover, or their nominee, will be given an opportunity to respond. The chair shall determine the time given to the mover in moving the report and replying to questions. The chair shall also determine how many of the published questions, and how many of the questions submitted under Standing Order 1.5 (e), can be taken. After the conference the Committee shall publish the answers to all questions submitted under Standing Orders 1.5(d) and (e) which are in order, and to all supplementary questions asked. Standing Orders 12.5 Approval, rejection or reference back of reports from Federal Party committees or sub-committees a) Any report tabled by a Federal Party committee or sub- committee must be submitted for approval by the conference and must be voted upon accordingly. b) A voting member may move the rejection of any part of the report or the report as a whole, by submitting a speaker's card prior to the commencement of the consideration of the report, stating the section(s) which they wish to have rejected. All moves to reject a report must be debated (except that the chair shall have discretion to choose between moves to reject the same part of the report), at the conclusion of the question session. The person who made the request shall speak and the mover of the report, or their nominee, shall reply. The chair may allow other speakers, and shall determine the time given to all speakers. c) A request to refer back any part of the report or the report as a whole may be submitted by any of the bodies or groups listed in Standing Order 1.3(b). The deadline for submission of such a request shall be the same as that for amendments to motions. In exceptional circumstances, the chair of the debate shall have discretion to accept a request for a reference back if it is received in writing after this deadline. A proposal to refer back shall include a written statement of the reasons, not exceeding 150 words, including reasons why rejecting the report would not achieve a similar result, together with any recommendations to the committee or sub-committee tabling the report. The Committee or, in the case of late submissions, the chair, shall decide how many references back to take if more than one is submitted. The representative of the body or group that submitted the request shall speak and the mover of the report, or their nominee, shall reply. The chair may allow other speakers, and shall determine the time given to all speakers. 12.6 Receipt of reports from other bodies a) Any report tabled by a body other than a Federal Party committee or sub-committee must be submitted for Standing Orders receipt by the conference and must be voted upon accordingly. b) A voting member may move not to receive any part of the report or the report as a whole, by submitting a speaker's card prior to the commencement of the consideration of the report, stating the section(s) which they wish not to receive. All moves not to receive a report must be debated (except that the chair shall have discretion to choose between moves not to receive the same part of the report), at the conclusion of the question session. The person who made the request shall speak and the mover of the report, or their nominee, shall reply. The chair may allow other speakers, and shall determine the time given to all speakers. c) A request to refer back any part of the report or the report as a whole may be submitted by any of the bodies or groups listed in Standing Order 1.3(b). The deadline for submission of such a request shall be the same as that for amendments to motions. In exceptional circumstances, the chair of the debate shall have discretion to accept a request for a reference back if it is received in writing after this deadline. A proposal to refer back shall include a written statement of the reasons, not exceeding 150 words, including reasons why not receiving the report would not achieve a similar result, together with any recommendations to the body tabling the report. The Committee or, in the case of late submissions, the chair, shall decide how many references back to take if more than one is submitted. The representative of the body or group that submitted the request shall speak and the mover of the report, or their nominee, shall reply. The chair may allow other speakers, and shall determine the time given to all speakers. 13. Amendment of Standing Orders 13.1 Amendment of standing orders These standing orders may be amended by a two-thirds majority of members of conference voting on a motion duly submitted and selected in accordance with standing orders. Standing Orders Subject to any amendment they shall remain in force from meeting to meeting. 14. The Chair and Vice Chairs of the Committee 14.1 Chair and Vice Chairs At its first meeting after a new election the Committee shall elect a Chair, who must be a member of the Committee directly elected by party members, and at least one Vice Chair, who must be members of the Committee either directly elected by party members or elected by one of the State Parties. The Federal Party The Federal Party is responsible for the Party's overall strategy, overall preparations for Parliamentary Elections; the overall presentation, image and media relations of the Party; and our international relationships. It has the following committee structure: Federal Conference Federal Policy Committee (FPC) Federal Board Federal Conference Committee (FCC) Finance & Resources Committee (FFRC) Communications & Elections Committee (FCEC) People & Development Committee (FPDC) International Relations Committee (FIRC) Audit & Scrutiny Committee (FASC) The roles of each Committee are outlined in Articles 9 through 16 of the Federal Constitution. The Committees have the following Chairs: l Federal Board: Josh Babarinde MP, Party President l Federal Conference Committee: Cllr Nick da Costa l Federal Policy Committee: Sir Ed Davey MP l Federal Finance and Resources Committee: Cllr Mike Cox, Registered Treasurer l Federal Communications and Elections Committee: Baroness Cllr Kath Pinnock l Federal People and Development Committee: Claire Hudson l Federal International Relations Committee: David Chalmers l Federal Audit and Scrutiny Committee: Dr David Radcliffe l Federal Council: Cllr Tim Pickstone Details of all the Committees, their functions and members can be found on the Party website at: www.libdems.org.uk/committees_organisations