Conference Daily Monday 19th September Autumn Conference 2016 Brighton Plaintext Conference Daily This plain text version of Conference Daily contains the text of the published Conference Daily. Page numbers refer to the published Conference Daily, motion line numbers have been omitted, some elements may appear in a different place in the document and graphics and complex page layouts have been omitted. Information from the Conference Committee for Monday 19th September and report back for Sunday 18th September. Please read in conjunction with the Agenda and Conference Extra. Contents Report back for Sunday 18th September - 3 Timetable for Monday 19th September 09.00Ð09.30 F26 Emergency motion: Nuclear Power at Hinkley Point - 5 09.30Ð11.00 F27 Policy motion: Britain in the European Union - 6 11.00Ð11.20 F28 Speech: Baroness Kramer - 8 11.20Ð14.10 Lunch 14.10Ð14.55 F29 Policy motion: Investing in the Green Economy - 8 14.55-15.15 F30 Speech: Willie Rennie MSP 15.15Ð16.45 F31 Policy motion: Mending the Safety Net - 9 16.45Ð17.00 F32 Report: Diversity Engagement Group - 10 F33 Report: Campaign for Gender Balance - 10 17.00Ð18.00 F34 Constitutional amendments: Diversity Quotas If no page number is indicated next to a session or item of business, there are no changes or additional information to that in the Conference Agenda or Conference Extra. Please note that timings are approximate only. Some items of business may occur earlier than indicated. Conference representatives wishing to speak are requested to submit a speakerÕs card as soon as possible. ÔA vision for a Britain that is open, tolerant and unitedÕ Report back for Sunday 18th September F15 Policy motion: Combatting Racism - Passed (Amendment One passed) F16 Policy motion: The Opportunity to Succeed, the Power to Change - Passed F18 Policy motion: UK and European Collaborative Research and Erasmus - Passed (Amendment One passed) F20 Policy motion: Young People and Grammar Schools - Passed F23 Policy motion: Restoring Access to Justice - Passed (Amendment One passed, line 82 retained) F24 Report: Federal Executive - Approved F25 Constitutional amendments: Changes to the Leadership - Lines 95Ð108 passed Emergency motions ballot The motions selected for debate are: F26 Nuclear Power at Hinkley Point - Monday at 09.00 F35 Local Communities Welcoming Refugees - Tuesday at 09.00 Monday 19th September F26 Emergency Motion: Nuclear Power at Hinkley Point - 09.00Ð09.30 Hall Aide: Cara Jenkinson Bermondsey & Old Southwark and 21 party members Mover: Martin Horwood Summation: Duncan Brack Conference notes: a) The decision by Electricite de France (EDF) on 28 July to invest in the construction of a new nuclear power station, based on the EPR design, at Hinkley Point in Somerset. b) The announcement by the UK government later the same day that it would delay its decision on whether to approve the new station until the autumn. c) Existing Liberal Democrat policy to accept that new nuclear power stations can play a limited role in electricity supply provided they can be built without public subsidy. d) That the coalition programme agreed between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives in 2010 contained the same commitment. e) That in autumn 2015 the new Conservative government explicitly dropped the commitment not to subsidise new nuclear stations, and announced a loan guarantee to underwrite EDFÕs final investment decision. Conference further notes: 1. The conclusion of the National Audit Office in March 2016 that the additional cost to consumers of the electricity generated by the new station had risen from the £6.1 billion estimated in October 2013 to £29.7 billion. 2. That since the government agreed, in 2013, a fixed price of £92.50/MWh (in 2012 prices) for electricity generated by the new nuclear station, the costs of many renewable energy technologies, including in particular wind and solar PV, have fallen further and faster than almost anyone predicted, and now represent much better value low-carbon energy options. 3. That no working nuclear station based on the EPR design has yet been built, and that the two such stations currently under construction, in France and Finland, are both years behind schedule and significantly over budget. Conference believes that the construction of the new nuclear station at Hinkley Point is both entirely dependent on public subsidy and represents very poor value for money for UK consumers, and that therefore it should be opposed. Conference calls for a UK energy strategy resting on investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, storage and interconnection with European grids, thereby providing energy security, an end to fuel poverty and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at the same time as creating jobs, exports and prosperity. Applicability: Federal. Background briefing This motion updates policy on the Hinkley Point nuclear power station, building on existing policy on nuclear power as set out in the General Election Manifesto, Stronger Economy. Fairer Society. Opportunity for Everyone (2015) and policy paper 109, Green Growth and Green Jobs (2013). F27 Britain in the European Union - 09.30Ð11.00 Federal Policy Committee Mover: Rt Hon Tom Brake MP (Foreign Affairs Spokesperson) Summation: Baroness Ludford (Lords Europe Spokesperson) Conference: 1. Notes that the benefits of membership of the EU which Britain has enjoyed for the last 43 years include peace, increased trade, investment and jobs, greater security, cultural enrichment, academic and scientific cooperation and stronger environmental protection. 2. Deeply regrets the outcome of the referendum on membership of the EU in which a majority voted to leave, and notes the government and parliamentary attention, and significant resources, that Brexit will absorb when there are so many other pressing demands. 3. Condemns the Leave campaign for the dishonest and divisive messages it delivered in the referendum campaign and its failure to take responsibility for providing a coherent and practical plan for exiting the EU, which has still not been produced. 4. Is deeply concerned about the increase in xenophobic and racist threats, abuse and violence against both EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens of ethnic minority backgrounds that has taken place since the referendum, and calls on the government and police to take decisive action to protect potential victims and crack down on the perpetrators of hate crimes. 5. Further notes that the complications surrounding the positions of Scotland and Northern Ireland after the referendum present a risk to the continued existence of the United Kingdom, and in the case of Northern Ireland to the peace process supported by the Good Friday Agreement, and also that the interests of Gibraltar have been put at risk. 6. Further regrets that Brexit will result in a loss of UKÕs ability to shape the future direction of the EU during a period of rapid change. 7. Recognises that the priority should be to address the justifiable sense of economic grievance and alienation from the establishment which came to the fore in the campaign and which had domestic rather than EU drivers, and resolves to address its underlying causes through the pursuit of progressive, liberal policies on the economy, regional development and migration (including via a Migration Impact Fund), and the devolution of power to communities. 8. Calls for a parliamentary vote on the terms of the negotiation before Article 50 is triggered and for continuing parliamentary scrutiny of negotiations on EU withdrawal, as well as on future international relations and trade negotiations being led by the two newly created government departments, the Department for Exiting the European Union and the Department for International Trade. 9. Resolves on the following priorities in any negotiations about Britain leaving the EU: a) Protection of rights for EU citizens and UK citizens, so that those who have settled in UK are allowed to stay and British people living in EU countries can remain. b) Membership of the Single Market, with its Ôfour freedomsÕ of freedom of movement for workers, free movement of goods, free movement of capital and freedom to provide services, so that British companies can continue to trade with the EU without additional restrictions, as well as retaining full ÔpassportingÕ rights in EU financial markets to preserve LondonÕs status as the finance capital of Europe. c) Protecting freedom of movement, so that British citizens retain the right to live and work throughout the EU, and opportunities are maximised in particular for young people, including participation in the Erasmus scheme, which is a fantastic and enriching experience for students and apprentices. d) Maintaining environmental protection, ensuring that the UK continues to benefit from the highest environmental standards in the world. e) Keeping the high level of health, safety, consumer protection, employment and equalities standards the UK currently meets as an EU member. f) Ensuring effective law enforcement and judicial co-operation, including keeping the European Arrest Warrant which allows the police to track down criminals more efficiently. g) Protecting British business and jobs, including protecting the level of support provided by the EU to domestic industries such as farming, tourism and creative arts, as well as regional support for some deprived areas. h) Promoting scientific cooperation and funding for research, including continuing funding for existing projects, so that valuable medical, defence, security and other areas are not harmed and our universities maintain their world class rankings. i) Encouraging travel and tourism, by keeping benefits such as the European Health Insurance Card, pet passports and reduced roaming charges. 10. Commits to giving the British people the final say through a referendum on whether the terms of the deal agreed for the withdrawal of Britain from the EU should be accepted. 11. Believing that any deal the Government negotiates for the UK outside the EU will not be as beneficial to the British people as continued EU membership, commits the Liberal Democrats to continue to campaign for the UK to remain a member of the EU. Applicability: Federal The Federal Conference Committee has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: Delete 7. (lines 21Ð25) and insert: 7. Recognises that the priority should be to address the justifiable sense of economic grievance, alienation from the establishment and powerlessness which came to the fore in the campaign and which had domestic rather than EU drivers, including a voting system that has allowed politicians to become distanced from the people they purport to represent, and resolves to address its underlying causes through the pursuit of progressive, liberal policies on the economy, regional development and migration (including via a Migration Impact Fund), the devolution of power to communities and a fair voting system to give power to the people to elect a Parliament that properly represents their views. In 10. (line 57), at the end insert: Ôin which 16 and 17-year-olds must have the right to voteÕ. Amendment One 12 members Mover: Ruvi Ziegler Summation: Dr Kirsten Johnson Delete 9. a) (lines 31Ð32) and insert: a) Protection of acquired rights, including the right to remain, of citizens of other EU member states residing in the UK, and of UK citizens residing elsewhere in the EU. Background briefing This motion updates policy on Europe in the wake of the EU referendum. In particular, it calls for a parliamentary vote before triggering Article 50, sets out priority areas for negotiation in any Brexit talks, calls for the British people to be given the final say on any deal in a referendum, and commits the Liberal Democrats to continue to campaign for the UK to remain a member of the EU. Existing policy on Britain and the EU is set out in policy motion Winning in Europe (2015), the General Election Manifesto, Stronger Economy. Fairer Society. Opportunity for Everyone (2015), and policy paper 113, Prosperous, Sustainable and Secure (2013). F28 Speech: Baroness Kramer - 11.00Ð11.20 Chair: Cllr Joe Otten. F29 Investing in the Green Economy - 14.10Ð14.55 The Federal Conference Committee has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In 1. (line 26), after ÔtransportÕ insert: Ôenergy storageÕ. In 7. (line 61), delete ÔUK Trade & InvestmentÕ and insert: Ôthe Department for International TradeÕ. In 7. (line 63), delete Ôstop providingÕ and insert: Ôphase out provision ofÕ. After 7. (line 64), add: 8. Ratify as a matter of urgency the COP 21 Paris Agreement on tackling climate change by the UK and all other countries involved. Amendment One Cambridge Mover: David Grace Summation: Catherine Smart In line 15, after Ôsupport forÕ insert: Ôand facilitation ofÕ. After 1. (line 27), insert: 2. Reform the planning framework and associated guidance to enable local authorities to encourage a consistent and positive approach to applications for low and zero carbon installations across the domestic, non-domestic, public and community sphere. After 7. (line 64), add: 8. Legislate to confirm the UKÕs continued adherence to established EU environmental legislation and targets. Background briefing This motion updates and develops policy on investment in the green economy in response to the GovernmentÕs moves to reduce support for green energy. In particular it calls for a consistent government commitment to low carbon technologies, the government to use its special share in the Green Investment Bank to ensure it supports ambitious green investments, the development of new R&D agencies and Catapults and the extension of mandatory corporate reporting on social impacts. Existing policy is set out in the General Election Manifesto, Stronger Economy. Fairer Society. Opportunity for Everyone (2015) and policy paper 109, Green Growth and Green Jobs (2013). F31 Mending the Safety Net - 15.15Ð16.45 Chair: Mary Reid. Aide: Jeremy Hargreaves. Mover: Kelly-Marie Blundell (Vice Chair, Policy Working Group) The Federal Conference Committee has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion: In 4. d) (lines 76Ð77), after Ô£150Õ and Ô20Õ insert: Ôper weekÕ. Amendment One 48 members Mover: Dr Kirsten Johnson Summation: Helen Flynn Delete v) (lines 20Ð23) and insert: v) Sanctions applied to benefits are fundamentally wrong and leave people destitute who are already in poverty; the sanction system should be scrapped and replaced with an incentivised scheme. Delete 2. b) (lines 47Ð49). Amendment Two Ten members Mover: Anthony Harris Summation: Judith Bunting In 1. b) (line 36), delete ÔRemoving the benefit capÕ and insert: ÔRetaining the benefit cap at a level equal to UK average household earnings, opposing any reduction in the cap and further limiting the impact of the cap by excluding benefits aimed at the most vulnerable including Severe Disablement Allowance, Maternity Allowance and Bereavement Allowance;Õ. Amendment Three Calderdale Mover: Dr Michael Taylor Summation: Alisdair McGregor Delete lines 84Ð93 and insert: Conference believes that a Negative Income Tax is a cost-efficient and fair system of assessing benefits to provide a basic standard of living to those in need whilst reducing overpayment of benefits to those whose income is sufficient to not require state help. Background briefing This motion and the accompanying policy paper substantially update and develop policy on social security. In particular, they make new policy on scrapping the Work Capability Assessment, the bedroom tax and the household benefit cap; reducing child poverty by reversing Conservative cuts to Universal Credit, introducing a Second EarnerÕs Work Allowance and increasing the child element of Universal Credit; helping young people by restoring eligibility for housing benefit at age 18 and increasing Job SeekerÕs Allowance and Universal Credit for those aged 18Ð24; improving support for people with mental health conditions based on the Individual Placement and Support approach; and introducing an opt-out unemployment insurance and income protection system. Existing policy is set out in the General Election Manifesto, Stronger Economy. Fairer Society. Opportunity for Everyone (2015), and policy motions No-one Shall Be Enslaved by Poverty (2015), Reforming the Welfare System (2014) and Food Poverty (2014). F32 Report: Diversity Engagement Group - 16.45Ð17.00 Mover: Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett F34 Diversity Quotas - 17.00Ð18.00 Aide: Cara Jenkinson. Hall Aide: James Gurling. Summation: Cllr Chris White FREE WIFI Network name: Brighton Centre No password required Conference Daily and other conference publications, in PDF and plain text formats, are available online www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers or ask at the Information Desk in the Brighton Centre. 5p charge on cups Did you know 2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away in the UK each year? WeÕre extending our successful 5p charge on plastic bags to throwaway cups at this conference to reduce waste. Help us protect the environment and #keepyourcup All money collected from the 5p charge will be donated to the Brighton CentreÕs nominated charity, Macmillan Cancer Support. Reusable cups are being sold by Lib Dem Image in the Exhibition Centre. Conference tours Are you a first timer? Have you not attended conference in a while? Do you have questions about the Party? Do you have a famed Lib Dem youÕve been waiting to meet? If youÕve answered yes to any of the above, then come along to a conference tour! Our tour guides are Lib Dem experts who are simply waiting to get tested on their knowledge. Questions are not limited to conference! Tours are also a great way of meeting people and having a good time, so pick one and weÕll see you there. Meeting point: Information Desk Monday 11.30Ð12.15 tour guide Susan Kramer Monday 15.15Ð16.00 tour guide Tom Brake Tuesday 10.30Ð11.15 tour guide Lorely Burt When it comes to campaigning, getting funds to make it happen is crucial. But it can be hard to know where to start. Why not head to the Fundraising Masterclass Monday 19th September at Autumn Conference? Join experienced charity manager and party fundraiser Calum Roscow for a session on making the most of your fundraising activity. Topics include advice on how to make asking for money easier, wealth screening on a budget, making fundraising part of your vision, and giving members the confidence to play their part in raising money for your local party. Calum has over six yearÕs working on charity campaigns for Breast Cancer Care, Cancer Research UK and other household name charities, and is a super-activist in West London. ItÕs also a chance to bring along any fundraising challenges you may currently have a part of an interactive session. 14.30Ð16.00, Monday 19th September Hilton, Buckingham Phone banking at Conference Cardiff local Party Campaign Zone in the Exhibition Hall. First floor of the Brighton Centre. Monday from 09.00am Ð13.00pm. Come and help us fight the Cardiff by-election. Glee Club Where? Hilton, Balmoral & Buckingham When? Monday 19th September, 22.00 to 02.00 Join us for the ultimate end-of-conference celebration! Pick up your copy of the Liberator Songbook and come and Ôraise the roofÕ! Cash bar. Spring conference 2017 Visit Stand 8 to book your accommodation for the 2017 spring conference in York.