Member News
By Tony Grew - 18th September 2009
ePolitix.com runs through the agenda for the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth, their last annual gathering before the general election.
The Lib Dems will make full use of the weekend at their conference, with events kicking off at 10.00am on Saturday.
First on the agenda are three consultative sessions on localism, quality of life and disability.
They are billed as a "less formal mechanism" than the full-scale conference debates for conference attendees to talk about party policy.
After lunch comes the formal opening of the conference at the Bournemouth International Centre and various official reports, but all eyes will be on the policy motion entitled Real Women.
Jo Swinson, MP for East Dunbartonshire, has generated quite a bit of media interest with her campaign, under the Real Women banner, to ban airbrushing in advertising.
Even LA-based celebrity blogger Perez Hilton reported on it.
Teather has argued for a ban on adverts aimed at under-16s using digital retouching to portray unrealistic body images.
The motion calls for a range of measures to improve the lives of women, such as 20 hours per week free childcare and thousands of new midwives and health visitors.
It will be followed by a policy discussion on campaigning on the environment, with Dr Doug Parr from Greenpeace on the panel.
Liberal Democrat policy is decided by conference, so policy motions can carry real significance.
On Sunday morning conference will hear a report from the campaign for gender balance on the "significant failure" to reach the target of getting an extra 83 women on the approved candidate list.
This will be followed by a report on the diversity engagement group, a policy motion on devolution and another on "thriving in a globalised world – a strategy for Britain".
There will be speeches by foreign affairs spokesman Ed Davey and health spokesman Norman Lamb, while the afternoon session will discuss civil liberties.
Liberal Youth has tabled an amendment about the estimated 3,500 'Mosquito' devices in the UK "which are designed to emit a high pitched noise to deter young people from gathering in certain areas".
Tavish Scott, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, will address conference at 2.20pm, followed by a "town hall-style" question and answer session with party leader Nick Clegg.
There will then be a policy discussion on the establishment of a Privacy Commission.
Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti was expected but is "unable to attend". Instead delegates will hear from David Heath and MEP Sarah Ludford.
Sunday's business will conclude with a policy motion on tidal solutions to the UK's energy needs.
Away from the main hall there is an eclectic range of fringe meetings, and ePolitix.com is providing a full guide to events on the fringe and in the conference hall.
Monday morning begins with a policy motion on MPs' expenses and another on the use of torture.
Environment spokesman Tim Farron will make a speech at 11.00am, followed by a question and answer session on crime policy chaired by Brian Paddick, Lib Dem candidate for mayor of London in 2008 and a former senior police officer.
High profile deputy leader and Treasury spokesman Vince Cable MP will address conference at 12.20pm.
Monday's afternoon session begins with a policy motion demanding further action to assist the developing world through the economic crisis.
Sarah Teather will address conference, followed by policy motions on reaffirming the military covenant and protecting the environment.
There will then be a report on party finance and administration and other party business.
On Tuesday morning there will be an opportunity to discuss any emergency motions along with policy motions on rail franchises and priorities for the party's general election manifesto.
Baroness Scott of Needham Market, president of the Liberal Democrats, will address conference.
The afternoon session will consider policy on child protection and energy and climate change.
Home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne will make a speech and there will be a question and answer session on the economy with Vince Cable.
Tuesday concludes with more party business.
After the report from the federal executive there will be a vote on amendments to the Lib Dem constitution.
Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority to pass.
On Wednesday morning there will be another chance to debate emergency motions, followed by parliamentary reports from the party's MEPs, MPs and peers.
There will be policy motions on consumer protection and the policing of protests and Lynne Featherstone, party spokeswoman on youth and equality, will address conference.
However, all eyes will be on the afternoon session, when Nick Clegg will give the leader's speech.
It will be his last chance to address the national party before the general election, and in it he will attempt to set the tone and direction of the Lib Dem agenda.
The speech will be closely watched not just for the direction it sets for Lib Dem policy, but also for any signs that the party would be prepared to work with Labour or the Conservatives in a hung parliament.
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