| From 20 - 23 September, Liberal Democrats came together in Bournemouth for our Autumn Conference.
We arrived with much to celebrate - our MPs have achieved great things in Parliament over the past year, and we had yet another stellar set of local election results in May.
But our Conferences are also about looking ahead - to future elections and future challenges. In Bournemouth, we debated our future strategy and passed important policies.
Below are some highlights of what happened at Conference, to give you a taste of what sets us apart from the other parties.
We hope you’ll be inspired to become a Member so that you can join us at our next Conference in the Spring! | |
| Already a Member?
Get in touch to let us know at [email protected] so that we can check your record. | |
 | Don’t let Trump’s America become Farage’s Britain | In his keynote speech, our Party Leader Ed Davey asked what kind of country we want to be.
With both Labour and the Conservatives letting people down and failing to deliver the change our country needs, Ed said that the future comes down to us or Nigel Farage.
We already know what a country under Nigel Farage would look like - we only have to look at Trump’s America.
Reform's Britain would be one without an NHS, where basic rights and freedoms are trampled, and where racism and misogyny get the tacit support of people in power.
But there is hope. With bold policies and determination, Ed said a Britain of decency, tolerance, and respect for individual freedom is possible.
But we must fight for it. | | | |
 | Be inspired by our keynote speakers | 🔶 Daisy Cooper MP
Deputy Leader and Treasury Spokesperson
As other parties threaten to tear up our climate commitments, Daisy outlined our bold new solution to not just combat climate change, but also cut bills, grow the economy, and strengthen our energy independence.
🔶 Calum Miller MP
Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs
With Britain facing serious challenges at home and abroad, Calum outlined why rebuilding our ties with Europe and ‘Trump-proofing’ the country is so essential. He also called for stronger action against Russia in Ukraine and for accountability for leaders accused of atrocities in Gaza and Sudan.
🔶 Lisa Smart MP
Spokesperson for Home Affairs and Women & Equalities*
Lisa championed our commitment to equality, safety, and community politics, offering practical solutions to clear the asylum backlog and restore faith in the police.
🔶 Victoria Collins MP
Spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology
As the impact of social media on children and young people grows ever more concerning, Victoria called for a stronger public health response, with stricter regulations and mandatory health warnings.
🔶 Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP
Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats
Ahead of Scottish Parliament elections next May, Alex outlined our vision to improve the lives of people in Scotland, with first-rate healthcare, better education, and investments to improve transport links.
🔶 Jane Dodds MS
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats
With both Labour and the Conservatives failing Wales, and while Plaid Cymru and Reform UK offer false solutions, Jane outlined how only the Lib Dems represent real change ahead of next May’s Senedd elections. | | | *Please note that since Conference, our frontbench has been expanded and some of our spokespeople have changed. | |
 | Passion and patriotism at the Conference Rally | At Saturday night's opening rally, we celebrated some of our achievements over the past year, from changing laws in Parliament to more electoral wins.
Tim Farron MP called on us to reclaim our flags from those sowing division, and fly them high as symbols of unity, tolerance and respect, celebrating what it truly means to love your country.
There were many other powerful speeches too, including from Jamie Greene MSP, who explained why he left the intolerable Conservatives, and from our Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP, who said there was no ceiling on our ambitions. | | | |
 | Learn more about our policy | Unlike other parties, the Liberal Democrats hold binding votes on the policies we adopt, fuelling interesting debates at Conference. It means every attending member can vote on the future direction of our party.
This year, we passed 22 motions, covering everything from healthcare to foreign policy.
Here are a few highlights to show what we’re fighting for: 🔽
🔶 Getting emergency care back on track
Our NHS emergency services are in crisis – with patients dying in A&E waiting rooms, hours-long ambulance delays, and unsafe ‘corridor care’ becoming routine. Our new policy will restore dignity for patients, protect NHS staff, and save lives.
🔶 Making the UK-EU reset summit count
Nearly five years on, the Conservatives’ botched Brexit deal continues to hold back British people, our businesses and our economy. Our policy calls for much more ambition to truly restore our relations, including through negotiating a bespoke UK-EU Customs Union and a Youth Mobility Scheme.
🔶 Policing fit for the future
Years of Conservative neglect weakened our police forces and the public’s faith in their ability to keep us safe. Our policy seeks to restore policing, putting public safety first, ensuring everyone can feel safe in their home and on their street.
🔶 Backing hospitality for growth and jobs
Hospitality businesses are vital for jobs, economic growth, and thriving communities – our new policy backs hospitality, helping pubs, cafés, restaurants, and hotels not just survive, but thrive - supporting local jobs and boosting the economy.
Find out more and learn about all the motions passed here: | | | | | Keep an eye on your inbox for our follow-up email to learn more about the important policies we passed at Conference. | |
Have you been inspired, John? | | Do you want to help us fight for a liberal Britain against the pessimism and backwardness of Reform?
Do you want to help fight for practical solutions that will deliver real change?
Join the Liberal Democrats today to help people get the representation they deserve!
You’ll also be able to attend future Conferences in person so you can experience all the speeches, debates, and the Rally in person. You’ll be able to vote on our policies, meet fellow members and MPs at social events, gear-up with our world-class training, explore our exhibition hall, and so much more!
You could be joining us in York for Spring Conference in just a few month’s time (13 - 15 March)!
And that’s as well as all the other year-round benefits of being a member: attend social events and access training throughout the year, vote in future leadership elections, choose our candidates, and more.
Join us and help build a liberal Britain! | |
| Already a Member?
Get in touch to let us know at [email protected] so that we can check your record. | |
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