Labour Party Conference 2022 - Sunday PM

 

A rather random collection of photos from the first afternoon and evening of conference. With picture from an excellent fringe in support of Ukraine with its UK ambassador as well as David Lammy MP and John Healey MP. I asked a question how can we can encourage local Labour Parties to engage with their Ukrainian and East European communities? 

I went also to a fringe addressed by our UNISON General Secretary, Christina McAnea, on fixing the social care crisis. As well as the Labour Unions (TULO) fringe where our former vice President Sian Stockham, spoke about her life experiences as a low paid care worker. As did later Labour Deputy leader (and former care worker) Angela Rayner MP. 

I visited various receptions and fringes in the evening but had a relatively early night since I had to prepare for being on a pension panel the following day. 

Labour Party Conference 2022 - Sunday Morning

Following the London reception yesterday evening I had a (non keto) pizza with UNISON colleagues then a relatively early night. Up for a early morning run along the Mersey, back for breakfast then UNISON delegation meeting at 9.30am.

Conference started with a tribute to the late Queen, followed by a minutes silence and the singing of National Anthem . A first in my experience at a Labour Conference but I understood that the predecessor union of UNISON - NALGO,  used to finish their conferences with a rendition of the Anthem.

First agenda item was a "Welcome to Liverpool" by MP for Wallasey, Angela Eagle. Next was a short introduction by Chair, Alice Perry, followed by Conference Arrangement Committee report and questions; Obituaries and classic barn storming speech by deputy leader Angela Rayner MP. Great to hear the commitment to insourcing of public services. 

General Secretary, David Evans report included the welcome news that the party had no deficit or debts. Party Chair Anneliese Dodds MP gave the Women and Equalities report followed by debate on motions from Women's Conference; A healthy finance report by outgoing Treasurer Diana Holland; a wonderful Merit & Best Practice; Local Government report by the new Leader of Labour LGA Cllr Shaun Davies & last speaker, Joe Fortune, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party. 

We then adjourned late (and missed the lunch time fringes). 

I hope to make a number of posts on conference as and when.