(This piece was published in the Brighton Argus today – 9th October 2023) The last few days has seen three Party Political Conferences overlapping this weekend. The only one taking part here in Brighton was the Green Party and on the same day over in Wales Plaid Cymru organised their conference. I look forward to reviewing some of the content. The third conference began on Sunday in Liverpool continuing until Wednesday which is being organised by the Labour Party with potential contributions from Peter Kyle and Lloyd Russell-Moyle. At the end of this week there will also be two more Conferences, even though they are not for the whole of UK. On Friday the DUP will open until Saturday and the SNP will open in Aberdeen on Sunday through to Tuesday when most other MPs will be back in Parliament.

Of course, last weekend on Sunday the Conservative Party Conference opened in Manchester closing last Wednesday. It is very interesting to observe some of the Conservative Party material that emerged online. One of the Conservative groups that provided contributions at the conference is called ‘ConservativeHome’. This group stated that

“We are proud to present ConservativeHome’s programme of fringe events at the 2023 Conservative Party Conference in Manchester – our biggest Conference fringe programme ever.”

The thirty six events were linked on You Tube and most of them involved Conservative MPs and some colleagues from non political agencies. The Sussex MPs did contribute several of those events as can be considered. On Monday Morning Gillian Keegan representing Chichester and Minister for Education introduced “Delivering the skills Britain needs – the role of modern universities” which states

“The Government is committed to expanding the skills opportunities available to people of all ages, including via the lifelong loan entitlement. Modern universities are at the heart of skills training in Britain, and this event will explore the role for universities in delivering the workforce needed by businesses, the economy and communities.”

Another agency that has published resources from the Conference is CYP Now group, entitled “Key discussions impacting children and young people” which also included some comments from Gillian Keegan

“One of the biggest issues facing children and teachers is grappling with the impact of smartphones in our schools. The distraction, the disruption, the bullying – we know that teachers are struggling with their impact and we know that they need support so we’re recognising the amazing work that many schools have done in banning mobile phones, and we’re announcing that we will change guidance so that all schools follow their lead.”

At the same time as Gillians discussion Nusrat Ghani from Wealden the Minister for Industry set out “Rebuilding Ukraine – how can the UK use trade to support Ukraine’s post-conflict economic growth?” This event was listed as

“The UK has led the world in providing military aid to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. How can we now go further and help Ukraine begin to rebuild its towns, cities and infrastructure? And what more can the government do to encourage the private sector to boost trade and investment in Ukraine’s economy?”

On Tuesday morning Andrew Griffith, the MP for Arundel and South Downs and the treasury minister set out “A British success: how financial and related professional services are driving growth and innovation” which stated

“The UK is a world-leader in financial and related professional services. This panel – in partnership with TheCityUK – will discuss how the industry can be an engine for growth and innovation, whilst supporting economic resilience and stability, and how we can secure the UK’s continued international competitiveness.”

At lunchtime on Tuesday Huw Merriman, the Bexhill and Battle MP and the rail minister set out “How can rail be supported to boost growth and deliver benefits across the UK?” and it states

“Transport is pivotal to connecting the people and places that deliver growth. The rail industry has a key role to play in this, but faces significant pressures from industrial action and changed consumer behaviour. This event will look at solutions to help the sector recover and deliver benefits to the UK economy through travel, tourism and trade.”

The final event arranged by Sussex MP’s took place in the early afternoon on Tuesday organised by Mims Davies the MP for Mid Sussex and also the Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression. She included Caroline Ansell the Eastbourne MP. Their event was entitled “Supporting people through hardship: lessons from the cost of living crisis” with the presentation listed

“The cost of living crisis has seen record numbers of people needing to turn to food banks, accelerating a long-term upward trend. This panel discussion will explore the government interventions that have worked well in supporting people on the lowest incomes; and asks what the future Conservative approach should be when people face hardship.”

All of the events included external groups but this one included Trussell Trust and involved Helen Barnard who is the Director of Policy, Research & Impact for Trussell Trust. Some years ago I met with a member of the Conservative Party to discuss aspects of work about Food banks. He claimed they would not correspond with the Trussell Trust because of their political contacts. So, it is very significant that they have now endorsed the Trusell Trust which is a vital and important foodbank charity. We can thank Mim Davies for promoting this charity. It would be fantastic if politicians from all parties would also endorse FareShare in future events.