Conference Extra...Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR COMMUNITIES 6 Coffee Shop Seating area Exhibition plan Exhibition stand 36 1 37 38 39 CZ2 44 43 35 45 42 30 CZ8 47

Conference Extra Autumn ConferenceBournemouth 14–17 September 2019

ContentsDirectory Extra:

Information update 5

Exhibition update 6

Fringe update 8

Agenda Extra:

Saturday 14 September 11

Sunday 15 September 16

Monday 16 September 21

Tuesday 17 September 24

Emergency motions ballot 24

Map of Bournemouth 30

Updates to the Agenda and Directory, information from the Federal Conference Committee (FCC), amendments, emergency motions and questions to reports. Please read in conjunction with the Agenda and Directory.

Published by the Policy Unit, Liberal Democrats, 8–10 George Street, London, SW1P 3AE. Design and layout by Mike Cooper, [email protected].

DEMAND BETTER

Please keep Conference Extra with you throughout conference and get hold of a copy of Conference Daily each day – they will be vital to your understanding of the day’s business – available at:

www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers

and via the Conference App.

Limited hard copies of Conference Daily will be available – enquire at the Information Desk.

Conference Extra and other conference publications, in PDF and plain text formats, are available online at

www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers

Liberal Democrats

Jenni Lang Joe Otten

The Federal Conference Committee

Mary Reid

Chris Maines

Cara Jenkinson,Vice Chair

Heidi Worth

Liz Lynne

Paul Tilsley

Nicholas Da Costa, Vice Chair

Geoff Payne, Chair

Mike Ross, Chief Steward,

co-opted

Victor Chamberlain

James Gurling

Baroness Sal Brinton

Non-Voting:Nick Harvey, Federal Chief ExecutiveAmy Westcott, Staff Rep

FCC helpdesk

Jon Ball,Vice Chair

Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER THAN BREXIT 2

Saturday 14 Sept. 13.00–15.00Sunday 15 Sept. 10.30–12.30Monday 16 Sept. 10.30–12.30Tuesday 17 Sept. 10.30–12.30

Tom Brake MP

Members of the FCC will be available at the Information Desk at the following times:

Alisdair Calder McGregor

Duncan Brack Sally Burnell

Simon McGrath

The Federal Policy Committee

Jo Swinson MP, Chair

Duncan Brack, Vice Chair

Jeremy Hargreaves, Vice Chair

Sarah Ludford, Vice Chair

Baroness Sal Brinton

Sally Burnell Alisdair Calder McGregor

Christine Cheng Richard Cole Alec Dauncey Tony Greaves Wera Hobhouse MP

Antony Hook MEP

Elizabeth Jewkes

Kamran Hussein

Susan Juned Heather Kidd Lucy Nethsingha MEP

Peter Price Catherine Royce

Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey

Baroness Julie Smith

Paul Tilsley

Belinda Brooks-Gordon

Non-Voting:Richard Kemp, LGA RepGeoff Payne, FCC ChairTara Copeland, YL RepDr Mohsin Khan, LDCRE Rep

David Weston Chris White

Mariam Mahmood

Conference Rally No conference experience is complete without

joining Lib Dems from across the country at the Conference Rally!

With a host of speakers, from by-election winning candidate Jane Dodds to new leader Jo Swinson MP and a number of special guests across an evening

of fun and entertainment. Bournemouth International Centre, Auditorium

Saturday 14 September, 18.15–19.30

Spring Conference 2020 2020 Spring conference will take place

on 13–15 March in York.Book your accommodation at

visityork.org/lbdems

Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR THE NHS 3

Download our Conference App for Autumn Conference. With great features such as My Schedule (the easiest way to plan your conference), a searchable Fringe Guide and Agenda, and Conference Extra and Conference Daily as they are published.

To download the App visit App Store or Google Play

For Blackberry / Windows Phone visit www.libdemconference.org.uk

Conference App

Baroness Sal Brinton, Chair, Party President

Neil Fawcett,Vice Chair

Joyce Onstad,Vice Chair

Tahir Maher,Chair of the

English Party

Sheila Ritchie,Scottish Party

Convenor

Cadan ap Tomos, Chair of the Welsh NEC

Christine Jardine MP,

MP Rep

Lord Strasburger,

Peer Rep

Catherine Bearder MEP,

MEP Rep

Chris White,Principal Local

Authority Councillor

Simon McGrath,

English Party Rep

Geoff Payne,FCC Chair

Jeremy Hargreaves,

FPC Vice-Chair

Robert Woodthorpe

Browne,FIRC Chair

James Gurling,FCEC Chair

Tony Harris,FFRC Chair

Miranda Roberts,

FPDC Chair

Helena ColeFASC Chair

Callum James Littlemore,

YLs Co-Chair

Elaine Bagshaw

Alex Hegenbarth

Joshua Dixon

Dinesh Dhamija, Vice Chair

Jo Swinson MP,Party Leader

Federal Board helpdeskMembers of the Federal Board will be at the Federal Board helpdesk, near the Information Desk, at the following times:

Caron Lindsay

Gordon Lishman

Victoria Marsom

Mark Pack

Pauline Pearce

Candy Piercy

Non-Voting:Terry Stacy, LGA RepAlistair Carmichael MP, Chief Whip (Commons)Mike German, Federal TreasurerNick Harvey, Federal Chief ExecutiveWill Dyer, Staff Rep

Saturday 14 Sept. 14.00–16.00Sunday 15 Sept. 10.30–12.30 and 14.00–16.00Monday 16 Sept. 10.30–12.30 and 14.00–16.00Tuesday 17 Sept. 10.30–12.30

Alice Thomas

Gerald Vernon-Jackson

Isabelle Parasam

Hilton Marlton David McCobbKevin Lang

The Federal Board

Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT 4

FIND US HERE

B U I L D I N G A B E T T E R F U T U R E

Thakeham is a place maker and strategic land partner, delivering quality new homes for private purchase and in partnership with housing associations and local authorities.

As place makers first and foremost, we prioritise the needs of the communities that each new infrastructure-led development is shaping.

It’s the Thakeham difference.

www.thakeham.com

Come and see us on stand PS1

Livestream of ConferenceLivestream from the Auditorium will be run from our YouTube account, while high profile speeches will also be on Facebook Live.

www.youtube.com/libdemsFacebook.com/libdems

Map of BournemouthThe map of Bournemouth in the printed Directory had transposed the locations of the Hermitage and Hilton Hotels - their correct locations can be seen on the map on page 30.

Q&A sessionsThere will be a series of Q&A sessions at Autumn conference where you can come along and ask questions of our spokespeople.

Climate ChangeWith Wera Hobhouse MP, Sir Ed Davey MP & Caroline Voaden MEP.Saturday 14 September, 15.00–16.00BIC, Bayview 2 Economy and BusinessWith Sir Ed Davey MP, Lord Chris Fox & Baroness Susan Kramer.Saturday 14 September, 16.30–17.30BIC, Bayview 2

BrexitWith Tom Brake MP, Catherine Bearder MEP & Lord Dick Newby.Sunday 15 September, 16.30–17.30BIC, Meyrick

Home AffairsWith Christine Jardine MP & Lord Brian Paddick.Monday 16 September, 14.30–15.30BIC, Meyrick

HealthWith Sir Vince Cable MP & Baroness Judith JollyMonday 16 September, 15.30–16.15BIC, Meyrick

Information update

Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR SCHOOLS 5

Accessibility Mobility minibus shuttle

There will be a complimentary minibus between the Highcliff Marriott and BIC. It will include space for three wheelchairs and priority will be given for those who are less able. It will run continually between the two locations at the following times:

Saturday 14 September:08.15–10.15, 12.45–14.45 and 19.45–21.45.Sunday 15 September: 08.15–09.45, 12.30–14.30 and 18.00–19.30.Monday 16 September: 08.30–09.30, 10.45–14.15 and 18.00–19.30.Tuesday 17 September: 08.30–09.30 and 15.30–16.30.

Bournemouth FoodbankThere will be Foodbank collection bins in the Main Foyer and in the exhibition area in the Solent Hall in the BIC. Please look out for the yellow bins provided by Bournemouth Foodbank. See Bournemouth Foodbank advert on page 10 for more details.

Conference App The Conference App is available now, with great features such as My Schedule (the easiest way to plan your conference) and a searchable Fringe Guide and Agenda. Visit the App Store or Google Play, or for Blackberry / Windows Phone visit www.libdemconference.org.uk.

Internet access Free wifi is available in the BIC and Highcliff Marriott.

BICNetwork name: _LibDems2019no password required

Highcliff Marriot Username: Marriott_MeetingsPassword (case sensitive):MARRIOTTMEETINGS2019

Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR COMMUNITIES 6

Coffee Shop

Seating area

Exhibition plan

Exhibition stand

36

1

37 38 39

CZ2

3544 43

3045 42

CZ8

47

Auditorium

Solent Hall, Ground Floor of BIC

to Main Foyer ➔

(Not to scale)

to Branksome,

Durley, Meyrick and Westbourne

➔

48

CZ3

29

26

28

27

22&23 2021

54

18 17 16 15

8

14

13

12

46

49

50

CZ10CZ9

53

5133 34

32 31

40

CZ1 CZ4

24 25

19 11

103 6

9

7

CZ7

CAMPAIGN ZONE

Solent Bar

Catering

52

Solent Lounge

F

F

➔➔

12 Social Democrat Group13 RemainerNow14 E.A.R.S. Campaign Software15 Humanist & Secularist Liberal Democrats16 ALDE Party17 Best for Britain18 Parliamentary Candidates Association19 Business Events Bournemouth20 Midlands Engine21 Guardian News & Media22&23 ALDC – Liberal Democrat Campaigners &

Councillors and LGA Liberal Democrats24&27 LDCRE

Exhibition update

Exhibitors listed by stand number1 Thakeham Group3 Berber Leather4 Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel5 Heathrow West Limited6 Lib Dems Connect Support Team7 NationBuilder8 Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar9 The National Education Union10 Liberal Democrat Disability Association11 Liberal Democrats European Parliamentary Party

FoodbankKey

Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER THE ECONOMY 7

Liberal Democrat Friends of IsraelWe exist to support and promote policies which lead to peace and security for Israel in the context of a comprehensive and lasting Middle East peace settlement.ldfi.org.uk 4

Liberal Democrats European Parliamentary Party Come and visit our stand to meet our Members of the European Parliament and learn about how we represent your voice in Europe. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date @LibDemMEPs.

11

MondayandTuesdayonly:

NationBuilderNationBuilder has been a partner of the Lib Dems for over 6 years and empowers you to manage your website content, email communications, and people management all in one place.www.nationbuilder.com 7

WASPI Women Against State Pension InequalityWASPI is a campaigning group representing many of the 3.8 million women born in the 1950s who have been adversely impacted by inadequate notification of increases in their State Pension Age. www.waspi.co.uk CZ3

The following exhibitors are additional to those listed in the Conference Directory.

Business Events BournemouthBusinessEventsBournemouth is an established Partnership created to provide a one-stop shop facility for marketing and delivering larger conferences in Bournemouth including an official secure online accommodation reservation facility. At your service!www.bebres.org.uk 19

Keep Britain TidyKeep Britain Tidy is an independent charity with three goals, to eliminate litter, end waste and improve places. We ensure clean public spaces by creating sustainable practices eradicating unnecessary waste. www.keepbritaintidy.org CZ2

Lib Dems Connect Support TeamTo help run your elections better – come and learn about Connect, a Data and Campaign Website. Get answers to technical questions, Ask the Expert and learn more about Connect. connect.libdems.org.uk 6

25 Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network26 Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine28 Prospect Magazine29 Liberal Democrat Women30 Green Liberal Democrats31 LGBT+ Liberal Democrats32 Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform33 Liberal Democrat Christian Forum34 National Liberal Club35 Liberator Magazine36 ALTER37 Association of Lib Dem Trade Unionists38 Volunteering with the Liberal Democrats39 Liberal Reform40 Liberal Democrat History Group42 Liberal Democrat Education Association43 Liberal Democrats 4 Seekers of Sanctuary44 Young Liberals45 London Liberal Democrats

Directory of exhibitors

Exhibitors listed by stand number continued

46 Liberal Democrats in Business47 Liberal Democrat European Group48 Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and

Scientists49 Rights Liberties Justice (Liberal Democrat

Lawyers)50 Social Liberal Forum51 The Legacy Fund52 Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England53 Liberal Democrats Muslim ForumCZ1 Print & Digital Associates Ltd– “The Tabloid

Newspaper Specialists”CZ2 Keep Britain TidyCZ3 WASPI - Women Against State Pension InequalityCZ4 Election WorkshopCZ7 Liberal Democrat ImageCZ8 RISO UK Ltd / Midshire Business SystemsCZ9 Prater Raines LtdCZ10 Park Communications

Fringe update


Saturday lunchtime 13.00–14.30Update to listing in the Directory – amended title:Prospect MagazineBrexit, the crisis of liberal democracy and the opportunity for the Lib DemsA discussion chaired by Tom Clark of Prospect magazine.BIC, Bayview 1

Addition to the listings in the Directory:The Counter Extremism Project and Rights, Liberties, JusticeBig Tech and Extremism: Can we balance liberalism with countering extremist content?The Christchurch attacks led the government to propose an Online Harms Bill to make tech companies remove terrorist and extremist content. But how can we balance free speech and privacy with the need to tackle extremism online?BIC, Durley

Saturday mid evening 20.15–21.30Addition to the listings in the Directory:PearsonA long term vision for apprenticeships – a conversation and drinks reception Apprenticeships are key to a skills system that supports UK competitiveness. In this ‘In conversation’ event policy makers explore the work of the Independent Apprenticeship Policy Group, commissioned by Pearson, and how to ensure apprenticeships meet the needs of UKPLC.BIC, Bayview 1

Addition to the listings in the Directory:ALDE RallyAt a time when LibDems are the only major anti-Brexit Party, our EU Liberal colleagues at ALDE show support by hosting an event at Conference. Theme: “Perspectives from the heart of Europe: ALDE’s vision for the future – Where to next?”. UK and EU MEPs speaking.Note: this event starts at 19:45BIC, Tregonwell Hall

Update to listing in the Directory – change of time from Saturday late evening and change of venue:Planning Futures and BECGThe planning and housing receptionThis reception will bring together key stakeholders from across the planning and development sectors with elected members of the Liberal Democrat Party. This event is an opportunity for all who are

interested in the built environment to network and discuss the most important issues facing our industry in 2019. Key note speaker: Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP. Kindly Sponsored by the Built Environment Communications Group. Places strictly limited (entry on first-come basis).Highcliff Marriott, Blandford

Addition to the listings in the Directory:Parliamentary Candidates AssociationPCA and LibDems Friends of Pakistan reception, Autumn Conference 2019Please Join PCA and Lib Dems Friends of Pakistan reception with our guest speaker Pakistan High Commissioner The Honourable Mr Nafees Zakaria, in this new era of positive change.Highcliff Marriott, Shaftesbury

Saturday late evening 22.00–01.00Event moved to Saturday mid evening:Planning Futures and BECGThe planning and housing reception

Sunday morning 08.00–09.00Addition to the listings in the Directory:Sources of InspirationQuiet ReflectionUsing meditation, a reading, quiet reflection and group discussion to explore aspects of Buddhism. Facilitator Jane Reed.Highcliff Marriott, Blandford

Sunday early evening 18.15–19.15Addition to the listings in the Directory:Liberal Democrats European Parliamentary PartyMEP Speed DatingCome and meet our MEPs! Whether you want to share your big policy idea, introduce yourself, or just take a selfie for Instagram, you will get 2 minutes face-to-face with an MEP!BIC, Bayview 2

Addition to the listings in the Directory:Liberal Democratic Movement of CyprusCyprus’s union prevented by Erdogan’s imperialistic policies and free Kurdish opposition leaderTurkish aggression threatens the peace in the Middle East and Cyprus. We condemn the supply of weapons by Russians. Erdogan must free the leader of the opposition and all political prisoners.Highcliff Marriott, Blandford 3

Saturday mid evening 20.15–21.30 cont.

Sunday early evening 18.15–19.15 cont.

Update to listing in the Directory – amended details:Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) with the Institute for Government (IfG)At a tipping point? How can technology help deliver access to justice?Hot food buffet available. Chaired by Gavin Freeguard (Institute for Government). Confirmed speakers include: Rt Hon David Heath (Board Member SRA); Baroness Susan Kramer (Lords Business Spokesperson); Anthony Hook MEP (European Parliament Justice Committee member); and James Moore (F-LEX Co-founder).Highcliff Marriott, Shaftesbury

Addition to the listings in the Directory:Social Market Foundation (SMF) and BP Achieving net zero: the role of energy companies in reducing emissionsJoin the SMF, BP and a panel of experts to discuss how the UK can reach net zero emissions by 2050. Panellists: Jane Dodds MP; Dr Marie Claire Brisbois, University of Sussex; James Kirkup, SMF; representative, BP.Note: this event ends at 19.30Rule and Centrefold Room, Hilton Hotel, Terrace Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5EL

Monday morning 08.00–09.00Addition to the listings in the Directory:TesCan radical education reform win an election?Join Tes at a breakfast roundtable to discuss the future of education. What education reforms will parents, teachers and students be looking for in party manifestos? Can radical solutions transform the education system, making it fit for the future?Highcliff Marriott, Shaftesbury

Monday early lunchtime 11.30–12.30Addition to the listings in the Directory:Liberal Democrat WomenLiberal Democrat Women AGMCome and hear our Executive report back on the activities of the past year and join us as we discuss our plans for 2020 and beyond. Members only.Highcliff Marriott, Yeovil

Monday lunchtime 13.00–14.00Update to listing in the Directory – updated panel:ShelterWhat role can the Liberal Democrats play in increasing social housing?Chair: Caron Lindsay (Lib Dem Voice). Panel: Polly Neate (Shelter); Baroness Olly Grender (House of Lords); Lord John Shipley (House of Lords); Jonn Elledge (New Statesman). BIC, Avon

Addition to the listings in the Directory: Liberal Democrat Christian ForumLDCF AGMMembers of the LDCF are invited to join the Executive for our Annual General Meeting. This meeting will include elections for the new LDCF Executive Committee.Highcliff Marriott, Yeovil

Monday early evening 18.15–19.15Addition to the listings in the Directory: Liberal Democrats European Parliamentary PartyWhat does Brexit mean across the generations?How do we bridge the generational divide when it comes to our campaign to Stop Brexit? Our panellists will discuss how we can involve everyone in the debate and work together despite our differences.BIC, Bayview 2

Addition to the listings in the Directory: ScottishPower ReceptionClimate change and the Race to Net ZeroAs the race to decarbonise gathers pace, please join Jo Swinson MP, Ed Davey MP and events sponsors ScottishPower for a reception focussed on what politicians, business and communities can do to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.Highcliff Marriott, Dorchester South

Tuesday morning 08.00–09.00Addition to the listings in the Directory: Sources of InspirationQuiet ReflectionUsing meditation, a reading, quiet reflection and group discussion to explore aspects of Quakerism. Facilitator Jane Reed.Highcliff Marriott, Blandford

Fringe update


The built environment is the foundation for our daily lives and should deliver social value to local communities.

At BECG we champion better understanding and acceptance of built environment projects, and the value that comes from investment in the sector, by providing our private and public sector clients with expert counsel and award-winning communications services.

Experts in the built environment

becg.com

becg

Planning communications

Corporate communications + Government relations

Public relations + marketing


Please support Bournemouth FoodBank AT THIS YEAR’S Conference

Look out

for the

yellow

bins!This foodbank is run in partnership with local churches, facilitated by Bournemouth Foodbank. Registered Charity Number 1143446Seeded by The Trussell Trust

6012

PLEA

SED

ON

ATE MILK: UHT/Powdered FRUIT JUICE: Long Life

TINNED DESSERT: Custard or Rice Pudding TINNED: MEAT, FISH, VEGETABLES, FRUIT SAUCE FOR PASTA SAUCE FOR RICE RICE SOUP SWEET or SAVOURY SNACKS TEA BAGS INSTANT COFFEE BISCUITS

three-day emergency food supplies given to those in crisis in the past year

bournemouth.foodbank.org.uk

Agenda index and timetable Tuesday 10.30–10.50 F35 Speech: Willie Rennie, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats

Saturday 14 SeptemberF1 Opening of Conference by Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch

and Poole Council

F2 Federal Conference Committee Report

Q1. Submitted by Malcolm Mitchell

Why has the Autumn 2020 Conference scheduled to be a fortnight later than usual?

Q2. Submitted by Jacqueline Bell

It is recognised that volunteers are used. However, hard copy agendas have been very late to arrive, impacting on opportunity to submit amendments. Can this be improved?

F3 Federal Policy Committee Report

Q1. Submitted by Suzanne Fletcher

Could the policy committee, as well as having liaison representation for the regions (although noted that there is no known rep for 3 regions) and SAOs, also have someone with the responsibility of liaising with AOs, or at least informing them, of any relevant policy development work.

F4 Continuing the Fight for Gender Equality

The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendment to the motion:

In 6. (line 75), after ‘parliamentarians’ insert ‘and councillors’.

F7 Business Tax Reform: Fair for Business and Fair for Society

The FCC has agreed to make the following drafting amendments to the motion:

In 3. (line 68), after ‘jurisdictions’ insert ‘, and should be required to publish beneficial ownership, country-by-country reporting, and a clear tax policy with a commitment not to use tax havens’.

After 6. (line 85), add:

7. A system which minimises disruptive effects on developing countries, to be established by a spillover analysis of the system, and in particular the UK’s tax treaties.

Conference also calls for the investment of significant extra resources into HMRC to ensure that the tax system is fairly applied and administered.

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4

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78


Saturday 14 SeptemberAmendment One

13 membersMover: Nick Eden-Green.Summation: Neasa MacErlean.

After line 36, insert:

Conference further resolves that HM Revenue & Customs should continue offering help to developing countries through its Tax Capacity Building Unit when the current programme ends in 2023.

Amendment Two

14 membersMover: Oliver Craven.Summation: James Baillie.

Delete lines 37–45 and insert:

Conference believes that ideologically driven Conservative attempts to slash corporation tax are an unjustified tax giveaway, and that British corporate tax rates should be brought better into line with our European neighbours and regularly reviewed according to what makes sense for the economy.

Amendment Three

South CambridgeshireMover: Paul Browne.Summation: Mark Lunn.

After line 45 insert:

Conference notes with concern Conservative plans to establish up to ten new so-called free ports in the UK, creating tax-havens that increase unfairness in the tax system and undermine public finances, and which were also identified as potentially vulnerable to counterfeiting, VAT fraud and money laundering in a European Commission report published on 24 July 2019.

F9 Equal Marriage


In iv) (line 6), delete ‘removed’ and insert ‘consistently attempted to remove’.

After vii) (line 31), insert:

viii) In July 2019 Parliament voted to legalise same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland by 13 January 2020 if, by 21 October 2019, a government in Northern Ireland has not been restored.

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After 1. (line 51), insert:

2. The UK government to implement regulations to provide for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland by 13 January 2020, if the Northern Ireland Executive has not been restored by 21 October 2019.

Amendment One

South Cambridgeshire and 60 membersMover: Toby Keynes.Summation: Dr Julian Huppert.

After ix) (line 41), insert:

x) Humanist marriages are not legally recognised in England and Wales, but have been recognised in Scotland since 2005 and Northern Ireland since 2018, and have already become the second most popular type of marriage in Scotland.

After b) (line 47), insert:

c) Extend legal recognition of humanist marriages across the UK.

After 2. (line 54), insert:

3. The UK Government to make an order under section 14(4) of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 at the earliest opportunity, to allow humanists to conduct legally recognised marriages in England and Wales.

Amendment Two

26 membersMover: Cllr Tim Pickstone.Summation: Ed Fordham.


x) Obstacles also exist to equal marriage by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 giving all faith organisations exemption from equalities legislation so that faith organisations have to ‘opt-in’ to perform same-sex marriages, and specific clauses preventing the Church of England and Church of Wales from opting-in to performing same-sex marriages.

Conference welcomes the many churches and other faith organisations who have chosen to support same-sex marriages, and welcomes the significant progress that is being made by many including the Methodist Conference in Britain and by many in the Church of England.

After b) (line 47), insert:

c) LGBT+ people of all faiths and none to be treated equally regardless of their religion, faith or none.

Saturday 14 September6

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After 4. (line 60), add: 5. The UK government to legislate to enable the Church of England and Church in Wales and

their celebrants to conduct same-sex marriages.

Amendment Three

14 membersMover: Dr Julian Huppert.Summation: Sarah Brown.


x) Prior to same-sex marriage legalisation, those acquiring a Gender Recognition Certificate for legal gender protections had to annul their marriage (England and Wales) or divorce (Scotland) to prevent same-sex marriages, which were previously incompatible with the law.


5. The retrospective restoration of marriages, on request, that were annulled or divorced solely due to the Gender Recognition process, where there is a continuing relationship.

F10 A Fairer Share for All


In i) (line 54), after ‘invest’ insert ‘at least’.

In 1. c) (line 72), delete ‘Introduce a system of incentives, rather than ineffective sanctions,’ and insert ‘Abolish the benefits sanctions system entirely and introduce a systems of incentives’.

After 1. g) (line 88), insert:

h) Ensure that claimants do not have to access the benefit system digitally.

Amendment One

12 membersMover: Paul Hindley.Summation: to be announced.

After 2. d) (line 104), insert:

e) Ensure central government grants to local government increase in real terms every year.

Saturday 14 September13

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Amendment Two

North West, North East and Yorkshire & the HumberMover: Philip Knowles.Summation: Andrew Haldane.

In IV. (lines 24–25), delete ‘while child poverty is heavily concentrated in the poorest local authorities’ and insert ‘In addition, child poverty is heavily concentrated in the poorest local authorities, including, for example certain coastal towns, parts of London and many parts of the Midlands and the North, which have suffered disproportionate reductions in Government grants’.

In iii) (line 61), after ‘Rebalancing Fund’ insert ‘allocated to, and administered by, devolved authorities’.

In 3. c) (line 117), delete ‘focusing on improving bus services’ and insert ‘including the Transport for the North Strategic Transport Plan, with a focus on improvements to, and integration of, local rail and bus services’.

F12 Rehabilitation of Offenders

Amendment One

StocktonMover: Suzanne Fletcher.Summation: Maureen Rigg.

Delete 2. g) (lines 49–51) and insert:

g) Assess prisoners on indeterminate sentences to ascertain what interventions, actions or courses each individual needs to complete in order to be released.

There will be a separate vote on 2. f) (lines 47–48).

F13 Reports of the Parliamentary Parties Q1. Submitted by Mike Williams and Andrew Warburton Why were the LGBT+ Lib Dems not consulted or spoken to before the defection of an MP with a controversial background on LGBT issues? Q2. Submitted by Andrew Hinton

What about Dr Phillip Lee’s record made anybody think he was any shade of liberal, and would someone like to assure me with a straight face that he would have wanted to join this party in a million years if Brexit were not a factor? Q3. Submitted by Richard Gadsden

Dr Phillip Lee proposed a policy in 2014 that would have required immigrants to the UK to be tested for HIV and Heptatitis B, and to be excluded in the event of a positive test.

Saturday 14 September

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Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR THE ECONOMY 15

Does the Parliamentary Party consider that excluding people who are HIV+ and not excluding other, far more infectious diseases (like Ebola or tuberculosis) is clearly both homophobic and xenophobic? What checks did the Parliamentary Party make to ensure that Phillip Lee had reconsidered this position from 2014, or did you choose to disregard this for the sake of the publicity stunt of him crossing the floor on 3 September 2019? Q4. Submitted by Jon Ball Did Phillip Lee provide clarifications for his previous positions on LGBT+ relationships and on immigration before his defection to the parliamentary party was accepted?

Sunday 15 SeptemberF14 Young Carers

Amendment One

11 membersMover: Charley Hasted.Summation: to be announced.

After e) (line 52), insert:

f) More should be done to support carers transitioning from a young to an adult carer role.

After 7. (line 71), add: 8. There should be a ban on local authorities expecting under-12s to carry out regular care

duties with under-25s only being expected to perform these tasks with their informed consent at an age appropriate level.

9. Duties on statutory bodies to identify, assess, train and support unpaid young carers should be increased.

F15 Stop Brexit to Save the NHS and Social Care


After A. (line 26), insert:

B. The NHS should be a universal service free at the point of use, not a profit-driven provision with access dependent on ability to pay.

After 3. f) (line 92), insert:

g) Introducing the co-production of wellbeing and health programmes by health bodies and councils in council run assets such as parks and libraries.

Saturday 14 September

Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR THAN BREXIT 16

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After 4. b) (line 101), insert:

c) Developing the role of high street community pharmacies into a front line for health services.

Delete 7. (lines 130–131) and insert:

7. Tackle the NHS and Social Care recruitment and retention crisis, and improve staff wellbeing, by:

Amendment One

10 membersMover: Gabriel Stirling.Summation: Fraser Coppin.

In 3. f) (lines 91–92), delete ‘including introducing minimum unit pricing in England’.

Amendment Two

15 membersMover: Jacqueline Bell.Summation: to be announced.

After 7. d) (line 146), add:

e) Monitoring working conditions for care workers to promote good practice and take action against exploitative practices by care providing agencies.

f) Ensuring support for staff who whistleblow on practices which put at risk the wellbeing of patients and service users.

Amendment Three

Kingston BoroughMover: Cllr Liz Green.Summation: Mary Reid.


8. Supporting children and young people with special educational needs or a disability (SEND) to succeed at school by:

a) Ending the crisis in SEND funding by reversing cuts to core school budgets and providing additional funding for pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as set out in Policy Paper 135, Eradicating Race Inequality.

b) Ensuring that the support set out in a child’s EHCP is led by and based upon the evidence of professionals, and is specific, relevant and individually tailored to the needs of each child, with enhanced reviews at each key transition point in a child’s life.

c) Ensuring that no parent waits more than 12 weeks for the outcome of their child’s assessment for an EHCP, whilst strengthening the enforcement of the existing

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requirement that all EHCPs are in place within 20 weeks of the date they were requested.

d) Creating a national SEND strategy to support the joined-up provision of education and care services for children with SEND.

Amendment Four

10 membersMover: Eloka Ikegbunam.Summation: Aria Dinakara Babu.


Conference however rejects the proposal in policy paper 137 for an extension of the sugar tax to include juice and milk-based drinks that contain added sugar, and opposes the sugar tax policy entirely.

F17 Stop Brexit

11 membersMover: Tom Brake MP (Shadow Cabinet Member for Exiting the EU).Summation: Caroline Voaden MEP.

Conference notes that:

A. The Conservative Government have made a mess of Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party have been helping them to deliver this destructive Brexit.

B. Speaker John Bercow has stated that crashing out of the EU is impossible without Parliament giving approval and Parliament is now set to pass a Bill requiring the Prime Minister to request an Article 50 extension until 31st January.

C. The European Court of Justice has ruled that the UK can unilaterally revoke Article 50, and therefore no-deal is avoidable.

D. Liberal Democrats fought the 2019 European Elections on a clear Stop Brexit manifesto and secured the best EU Election results in the party’s history, returning 16 MEPs and taking second place in vote share across the country.

E. Reports were widespread of UK citizens abroad and EU citizens living in the UK denied their right to vote in the EU Elections.

F. On 23rd July Boris Johnson became Prime Minister and committed to taking the UK out of the EU with or without a deal on 31st October, setting aside an extra £2.1bn for no-deal preparations.

G. On 28th August Boris Johnson announced the prorogation of Parliament from the week of the 9th September until the 14th October, shutting down democracy and attempting to silence the voice of elected representatives.

H. The Conservative Government has announced plans to end Freedom of Movement, a move that would cause chaos, deprive UK citizens of their rights to live, work and study across Europe, and leave EU citizens vulnerable to the Hostile Environment; Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party is also committed to ending Freedom of Movement.

Conference believes that:

i) There is no deal that could be negotiated that could be more beneficial than continued

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membership of the EU; leaving the EU would therefore be damaging to the UK’s fundamental national interests.

ii) A no-deal scenario would cause immeasurable damage to our NHS, jobs, and the environment.

iii) Freedom of Movement brings enormous benefits to the UK’s communities, public services, society and economy; ending it would hurt UK employers and separate friends, families and colleagues.

iv) The denial of citizens’ right to vote is an attack on our democracy; it is vital that the system is reformed to prevent such disenfranchisement from occurring again.

Conference reaffirms the Liberal Democrat commitment to:

a) Fighting in Parliament for an “exit from Brexit” referendum and for the public to choose between “the deal” or staying in the EU; with Liberal Democrats campaigning for the UK to remain a full and active member of the EU.

b) Revoke Article 50 if the House of Commons has not passed a resolution approving the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement one week ahead of the date on which the UK is due to leave the EU.

c) Protect Freedom of Movement and extend the right to full participation in civic life to all EU citizens who have lived in the UK for five years or longer.

d) Work cross-party to ensure Parliamentary sovereignty is upheld, and a Conservative government is unable to force through a disastrous no-deal Brexit.

Conference calls for:

1. Liberal Democrats to campaign to Stop Brexit in a General Election, with the election of a Liberal Democrat majority government to be recognised as an unequivocal mandate to revoke Article 50 and for the UK to stay in the EU.

2. The government to implement urgent electoral law reform, in line with the 2014 Electoral Commission’s recommendations, including introducing a legal requirement for Councils to inform citizens of the steps they must take to be successfully registered; and making necessary changes to ensure that the UK has an automatic system of inclusion in elections.

3. The Conservative government to implement a declaratory system to grant settled status to all EU citizens living in the UK, rather than the current constitutive process, so that they need not apply but can simply register to receive physical proof of their right to live in the UK.

The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Thursday 12 September. Amendments selected for debate will be printed in Sunday’s Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Saturday 15 September.

F21 Federal Board Report

Q1. Submitted by Simon Pike

Why is the right of appeal in Section 5.2.2 of the disciplinary procedure limited to three days, when the Federal Constitution specifies fourteen days?

In the disciplinary procedure, why can a complaints panel postpone a hearing only in ‘exceptional


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circumstances’ (section 5.2.3.4), whereas ACAS statutory guidance for disciplinary hearings requires flexibility?

Q2. Submitted by Michael Berwick-Gooding

In the Federal Constitution it states that each committee of the Federal Party (and Federal Board is listed as one in 7.1) shall make regulations which must include provision for a report by the chair to members to be made 14 days after each meeting (7.7). Please can the date of the last four Federal Board meetings be stated with the dates of when and how these reports were made to members?

In the Federal Constitution it states that each committee of the Federal Party shall make regulations which must include provision for a report by the chair to members to be made 14 days after each meeting (7.7). It also states that this provision shall apply to any body accountable to them. I assume this means sub-committees and other groups set up by a committee. How does the Federal Board ensure that the provisions of Article 7.7 are fulfilled by all Federal committees, sub-committees and groups set up by a Federal committee and what action does it take when this article is not complied with?

Q3. Submitted by: Theo Butt Philip

Earlier today conference debated motion F4 which included a call for: ‘The Liberal Democrats, and all political parties, to implement Section 106 of the Equality Act 2010, publishing their candidate diversity data…’.

I have previously asked for the report of the Campaign for Gender Balance to include:1. The number of women selected as PPCs, what this is as a percentage of selected PPCs overall and

how this has changed since the last conference.2. The number of women on the list of approved Westminster candidates and what this is as a

percentage of the list and how this has changed since the last conference.3. The number of women applying to be approved as Westminster candidates and what this is as a

percentage of people applying to be approved as Westminster candidates.

Despite repeated request for this information to be included in the CGB report, it is still absent. Without the information outlined above Conference lacks sufficient information to judging the effectiveness of the CGB and the scale of the problem we still face.

When will the CGB be in a position to publish this information?


Did the review of the European Election include the GOTV phone bank on polling day?


1. What is the point of ‘Campaigns’ on the Federal Party Website, where people who are concerned about a policy issue sign, and then they receive no further information other than a confirmatory e-mail; no information given such as direction to party policy or a relevant SAO or AO, and our Parliamentarians are not informed as to response?

2. Whilst appreciating that our PR department is under a lot of time pressure, and lack of resources, why cannot a URL be given when press releases are sent out, that party members receive? It would


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make the valuable work done be disseminated even further, if we could link the splendid actions and words of our parliamentarians, that are in the press releases, onto social media.

F22 Membership Subscriptions and Federal Levy


In 1. (in line 6 and in lines 6–7), delete ‘Liberal Youth’ and insert ‘Young Liberals’.

F23 Constitutional Amendments


In line 7, after ‘local parties’ insert ‘(based on figures provided by the Chief Executive)’.

F24 Standing Order Amendments


In line 3, after ‘local parties’ insert ‘(based on figures provided by the Chief Executive)’.

F23 and F24 will be debated together but voted on separately. Both the constitutional amendment and the standing orders amendment require a two-thirds majority to pass.

Separate votes will be held on Parts 1 to 5 of F23. If Part 2 of F23 passes, then there will be a vote on lines 1–5 of F24; if Part 2 of F23 falls, then there will only be a vote on lines 4–5 of F24.

Monday 16 SeptemberF25 Music Venues


In 2. (line 41), after ‘Parliamentarians’ insert ‘and councillor organisations’.

In line 48, delete ‘c)’ and insert ‘b)’.

In line 51, delete ‘d)’ and insert ‘c)’.

Amendment One

11 membersMover: Lord Clement-Jones.Summation: to be announced.

After vii) (line 36), insert:

viii) The Government has explicitly excluded music venues from business rate relief on the

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grounds that they are not ‘similar in nature’ to pubs and clubs despite some venues facing rate hikes of up to 806% following the damaging 2017 revaluation.


5. Amended Government guidance to ensure music venues are eligible for business rate relief.

F26 United Against Crime


After III. (line 13), insert:

IV. That despite the clear racial bias in deployment of Stop and Search powers and the significant resentment caused by their often arbitrary usage, the Conservative government has pledged to expand their use and weaken senior officers’ oversight of their deployment.

In 4. e) (lines 106–108), after ‘communities and’ insert ‘supporting the establishment of community groups to bring together representatives of local charities, faith and belief groups, voluntary and community organisations, public sector organisations and businesses that would work with police and local authorities, to’.

F29 Tackling the Climate Emergency


In line 9, between ‘poorest’ and ‘people’, insert ‘and most disadvantaged’, and in lines 9–10, between ‘poorest’ and ‘communities’, insert ‘and most disadvantaged’.

After 1. c) (line 74), insert:

d) Ensuring that any public engagement activity must include empowering poorer and BAME communities and people with access and mobility requirements to play a central role in agreeing the changes needed to tackle the climate crisis, particularly locally.

Amendment One

Newark & SherwoodMover: Jane Brophy MEP.Summation: Keith Melton.

Delete lines 11–22 and insert:

Conference therefore resolves that the UK must reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases as a matter of extreme urgency.

Conference recognises that early action on setting and achieving drastic but credible interim targets is more important than setting a notional, precise end-date to achieve net-zero

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emissions, and therefore endorses the interim aim of a 75 per cent reduction from 1990 levels by 2030 at the latest.

Conference also recognises that the rapid global heating effects of methane have been severely under-estimated until very recently, and therefore calls for urgent action to reduce methane emissions, in particular from intensive beef farming and the industrial energy sector and by immediately banning fracking.

Conference believes that these steps would enable a faster reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and calls for an interim target of a 90 per cent reduction by 2035 leading to net-zero emissions by 2040 (with all targets subject to revision should faster progress prove possible).

Amendment Two

Chippenham Mover: David Vigar.Summation: Helen Belcher.

After line 31, insert:

Conference recognises the UK’s offer to host the 2020 UN climate change summit (COP26) and, in keeping with the policy paper’s demand “to raise global ambition”, calls for the UK to propose a major strengthening of the UN’s capacity to lead emissions reduction by appointing a UN Climate Commissioner and executive team to hold governments to account and mobilise public opinion, with the UK offering an initial contribution to the increased resourcing required.

Amendment Three

West Berkshire & NewburyMover: Adrian Abbs.Summation: Tony Vickers.

After 4. c) (line 110), insert:

d) Working internationally to develop a simple sustainability ‘traffic light’ labelllng system to empower consumers in all sectors.

Amendment Four

10 membersMover: Baroness Kramer.Summation: to be announced.

In 7. d) (lines 151–152), delete ‘to target the most frequent flyers’ and insert ‘by introducing a compulsory carbon offset levy to be replaced by a graduated frequent flyer levy when the issues of data protection, compatibility with online booking and exemptions for necessary travellers such as small exporters, international students and families with crises have been resolved. And by’.

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Tuesday 17 SeptemberF38 Building Railways Fit for the 21st Century


In 1. a) (lines 32–33), delete ‘existing commuter lines’ and insert ‘where this can unlock capacity or create new demand’.

After 3. d) (line 72), insert:

e) Identify and set out an action plan to tackle skills shortages, identifying resource requirements from the industry as appropriate.

In 5. a) (line 88), delete ‘expenditure’ and insert ‘cost and schedule’.

In 7. b) (line 107), after ‘appropriate’ insert ‘including being statutory consultees as part of the franchising process, and where relevant, moving towards Regional Transport Authorities leading this process for local services in their areas’.

In 8. (line 108), delete ‘Keep passenger and freight services apart’ and insert ‘Increase overall passenger and freight capacity and reduce bottlenecks’.

Amendment One

16 membersMover: Gareth Epps.Summation: to be announced.

In 6. (line 98), after ‘franchises’ insert ‘and creating the opportunity for existing employees to set up an employee-owned company to run franchises through the transfer of LNER into employee ownership’.

Emergency Motions BallotTwo of the following motions will be selected by ballot to be debated at F32 at 17.15 on Monday 16 September and at F33 at 09.00 on Tuesday 17 September. Ballot papers will be printed with Saturday’s Conference Daily and the ballot box will be open in the Auditorium between 09.00 and 12.50 on Saturday 14 September.

Emergency motion 1: Amazon fires

Lambeth

Conference notes with alarm the 84 per cent increase in the number of wildfires in the Brazilian Amazon between January and August 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.

Conference condemns the actions of the Bolsonaro government in encouraging the clearance


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of forests for agriculture, in breach of its own international commitments on climate change and biodiversity.

Conference further notes that:

a) The protection and restoration of the world’s forests is essential to tackling climate change, protecting biodiversity and guaranteeing the survival of many indigenous peoples and forest communities.

b) Clearance for agriculture is the single biggest driver of deforestation world-wide, and is particularly important in tropical forests.

c) Many of the commodities so produced, including soy, palm oil, beef and leather, timber, pulp and paper and cocoa, are destined for export markets in Europe, North America and Asia.

d) Most of the palm oil imported to the EU, and a significant proportion of soy, are destined for use for energy, mainly as biofuels for transport.

Conference calls on the EU and its member states, including the UK, to:

1. Refuse to ratify the Mercosur-EU free trade agreement until the Brazilian government has put in place effective measures to protect Brazilian forests and the rights of forest communities and indigenous peoples.

2. Introduce legislation requiring companies based in or operating in the EU not to place on the EU market any products whose production is associated with illegal or unsustainable deforestation.

3. Phase out subsidies and regulatory support for the production of biofuels based on crops.

4. Negotiate agreements with governments of forest-rich developing countries to improve forest governance and law enforcement and to make trade in forest risk commodities with the EU conditional on legal and sustainable production.

5. Work with other major consumer countries, including in particular China, to put in place global systems to regulate trade in illegal and unsustainable forest risk commodities.

6. Increase bilateral and multilateral development aid for the protection of forests world-wide.

Applicability: Federal.

Emergency motion 2: A duty to Hong Kong

11 members


i) The UK and China signed the Sino-British declaration in 1984; the declaration was lodged at the United Nations and included a 50 year-long commitment to ensure that Hong Kong continues to function under a ‘one country, two systems’ framework in order to uphold Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy and progress towards universal suffrage; Hong Kong sovereignty was handed from the UK to China on 1st July 1997.

ii) In 2017 China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang described the legally binding Hong Kong handover treaty with Britain “as a historical document, no longer has any practical significance”.

iii) In April 2019 Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed legislature introduced an Extradition Bill that

Emergency motions ballot


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would have enabled Beijing to extradite individuals from Hong Kong to China without guarantee of a fair trial.

iv) Having initially suspended the controversial Bill, it was eventually fully withdrawn by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam.

v) Up to two million people have taken to the streets of Hong Kong to protest the Extradition Bill and call for democratic reforms; these demonstrators were largely peaceful, picking up litter and parting efficiently for emergency vehicles.

vi) Clashes and violence over the protests have escalated, with reports of police using rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and firing warning shots of live ammunition.

vii) Satellite photos show what appear to be armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles belonging to the China’s paramilitary People’s Armed Police parked in the city of Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong.

viii) Recent opinion polls show that 90 per cent of young people between the ages of 18 and 29 view Carrie Lam unfavourably, but the electoral system, whereby the leader is elected by an ‘Election Committee’ of 1,200 people, means they have no say.

ix) Lord Ashdown led the campaign to give the people of Hong Kong British citizenship, including the right to abode, if China ever reneged on the promises enshrined in the international treaty.

x) Liberal Democrats have worked to hold the Conservative government to account on the UK’s obligations to the people of Hong Kong.


A. The introduction of the Extradition Bill, the sentencing of pro-democracy protestors and reports of police violence in Hong Kong represent contravention of the Sino-British declaration.

B. The UK has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are upheld in Hong Kong.

C. The UK must stand with protestors in Hong Kong in their fight to protect and enhance their rights and freedoms, calling for the full withdrawal of the Extradition Bill, a full investigation into police violence, and for further progress towards universal suffrage.

Conference calls for:

1. The UK government to offer the people of Hong Kong British citizenship including the right to abode.

2. The UK government to use Britain’s diplomatic and trading relationship with China to help ensure Beijing refrains from using excessive or military force to end the protests.

3. The UK government to ensure that the UK and our international partners indefinitely suspend all export licenses for crowd control equipment to Hong Kong.


Emergency motion 3: Emergency in the State of Jammu and Kashmir

26 members

Conference notes with concern that:

i) The Government of India has revoked the special status accorded to the state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.



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ii) Under Article 370(1) of the Constitution of India, such a revocation may only be effected with the “concurrence” of the state government of Jammu and Kashmir.

iii) By effecting this revocation at a time when there is no elected state government in power and the state is under the President’s direct rule, the federal Government has abrogated the spirit of Article 370.

iv) Accompanying these actions, the Government of India escalated military presence in Jammu and Kashmir, enforced curfews, enforced a media blackout and blocked all communications.

v) The Government of India has detained and arrested Kashmiri leaders and party workers, including two former Chief Ministers of state kept in house arrest in hotels.

Conference further notes that:

a) The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights found in 2018 the Indian state guilty of “excessive force that [...] led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries”, and denying access to justice to Kashmiris.

b) It recommended measures to eliminate the impunity with which security forces were able to act and improve accountability for human rights violations of the state.

c) Instead of adopting these recommendations, the Indian state’s recent actions have worsened the situation for human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conference therefore calls for the UK government to work multilaterally within the European Union, the Commonwealth, and United Nations with the instruments they have at their disposal to call on:

1. The Government of India to lift media and communications blackouts and release those arrested without warrants.

2. The Government of India to reinstate the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to enter the state of Jammu and Kashmir

and report on the state of affairs since 5th August 2019.

Conference also calls for the party to work with its liberal counterparts around the world to achieve the same goals.

Conferences also re-affirms the call in policy motion India and Pakistan (2002) for the Governments of India and Pakistan to undertake in good faith dialogue and processes designed to lead to a final settlement over Kashmir.


Emergency motion 4: Freeports

10 members

Conference notes:

i) The proposals of the Secretary of State for International Trade to establish up to ten freeports – a special kind of port where normal tax and customs rules do not apply – in the UK on August 2nd, based on the recommendations of a new Freeports Advisory Panel.

ii) That there are currently no freeports in the UK, although there is one on the Isle of Man,



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and there are freeports in the EU, eg, in Bordeaux in France, Bremerhaven in Germany and in Luxembourg.

iii) The findings of the 2018 European Parliament report Money laundering and tax evasion risks in free ports, which argues that:A. While freeports were initially intended for goods in transit, they are increasingly used

as ways to store assets such as collections of, eg, art and antiques as a way to avoid scrutiny and avoid normal checks and controls.

B. Because freeports allow almost anyone to bring in goods on behalf of someone else, without disclosing the ultimate beneficial owner, people are able to use them to hide from tax authorities.

iv) That the government is proposing freeports as a way to avoid tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit, but – given that advocates of a no-deal Brexit argue for setting tariffs to zero for the vast majority of goods – it is unclear what they would achieve even in that scenario.


a) Freeports increase the risk of money-laundering and tax evasion, and neither the UK nor the EU should not act in a way that facilitates these practices.

b) Using freeports to promote particular types of manufacturing in a geographic area risks simply moving industries from one part of the UK to the freeport, and this would mean damaging areas that lose established industries without creating any additional jobs.

c) There is no system for reducing barriers to trade that compares to the benefits of membership of the EU and access to the single market and customs union.

d) UK industry already enjoys many of the claimed-benefits of freeports across the whole country through tariff-free and integrated EU-wide supply chains.

e) There are no circumstances in which the expense of establishing a network of freeports makes sense in the context of the UK.

Conference calls for Liberal Democrats to:

1. Oppose the establishment of freeports in the UK.2. Work with European partners to ensure that all existing freeports within the EU are not

used for the purposes of tax evasion or as tax havens and to ensure transparency around transactions at freeports.

3. If it is not possible to prevent the abuse of freeports, work with European partners to scrap freeports across the EU.


Emergency motion 5: Standing up for parliamentary democracy

11 members


A. The Westminster model of government and the ‘Mother of All Parliaments’ are held in high esteem around the world and are considered to be the basis of modern parliamentary democracy.

B. On 27 August 2019, the Prime Minister announced that he would prorogue Parliament between 9 and 11 September, preventing Parliament from sitting until 14 October and



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stopping MPs from being able to vote on whether to hold a Conference recess. C. Liberal Democrats are working on a cross-party basis in Parliament and in the courts to

stop our democracy being silenced and restore parliamentary sovereignty.


i) The Prime Minister and the Government are the servants of Parliament, are accountable to Parliament, and only continue in post because they command the confidence of the House of Commons.

ii) Shutting down parliamentary democracy for so long during the most significant political crisis in recent memory is an authoritarian power grab by the Prime Minister, significantly reducing the number of days that Parliament can sit before 31 October 2019.

iii) The decision silences democracy, preventing MPs from scrutinising Government policy decisions and the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit in the days leading up to 31 October.

iv) The Prime Minister’s purely politically motivated decision undermines faith in the fairness of the British political system and strengthens the case for constitutional reform.

v) Liberal Democrats in Parliament will stand up for the people’s right to have their say on the final Brexit deal by ensuring that the United Kingdom does not leave the European Union without a deal on 31 October 2019 and by leading the campaign for a People’s Vote in order to stop Brexit altogether.

Conference calls on the Government to:

a) Rescind the Order-in-Council proroguing Parliament immediately, enabling Parliament to fulfil its democratic purpose and sit throughout the remainder of the Conference Recess in order to ensure that the UK does not leave the European Union on 31 October 2019 without a deal.

b) Enable Parliament, rather than the Queen-in-Council, to approve when Parliament is prorogued and for how long, just as the House of Commons approves its own recess dates.

c) Set up an independent commission made up of parliamentarians, academics, the judiciary and others, to consider each power that the executive is able to exercise under the Royal Prerogative and make recommendations on how to curtail the illiberal centralisation of power into the executive and in particular the use of the Royal Prerogative.

Conference reaffirms its commitments, as set out in Policy Paper 117, Power to the People, to make government more accountable both Parliament and to the people by:

1. Creating a House Business Committee to enable backbench MPs and MPs from opposition parties to influence the parliamentary timetable.

2. Providing that a new Prime Minister and their administration can only take office formally once the House of Commons has voted for them to do so.

3. Electing MPs by Single Transferable Vote in multi-member constituencies and electing the House of Lords.

4. Establishing a Constitutional Convention to draw up a comprehensive written constitution for the UK.




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Documents

Conference Extra...Conference Extra, Autumn 2019 DEMAND BETTER FOR COMMUNITIES 6 Coffee Shop Seating area Exhibition plan Exhibition stand 36 1 37 38 39 CZ2 44 43 35 45 42 30 CZ8 47