On 23-26 September, ALDE Party member Liberal Democrats held its party conference in Bournemouth, during which members adopted a major policy paper that will form the basis of the party’s manifesto for the next general election expected to take place within the next year. 

After four big by-election successes in the past year, and further by-elections on the near horizon, the party members gathered to adopt the party’s pre-Manifesto vision “For a Fair Deal” and its priorities. 

💷 A fair, prosperous economy
👩🏻‍⚕️ Strong, local, public services
🍃 A flourishing environment
🇬🇧 A proudly internationalist UK
🗳️ A truly fair democracy

Members at #LDConf have just passed our Pre-Manifesto - For a Fair Deal - setting out our plan for a better, fairer Britain. pic.twitter.com/vrSS5e8gey

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) September 24, 2023

These include a fair, prosperous and innovative economy that promotes opportunity and wellbeing; fair access to good public services and a strong social safety net; a flourishing environment, with fair access to nature for all; a strong United Kingdom and a fair international order; and a truly fair democracy, where everyone’s rights are respected and individuals and communities are empowered. 

In his keynote speech, party leader Ed Davey spoke about the big challenges facing the country – from the cost-of-living crisis to the climate crisis to the NHS crisis - and how the only way to resolve them is to tear down the ‘Blue Wall’, defeating Conservatives across the country.  

"This is a landmark moment as we set out our ambitious plans to the country to deliver a fair deal for families and pensioners. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats at the next election will be a vote to fix local health services, a fair deal on the cost of living and an end to filthy sewage dumping in our beaches and rivers,” he said. 

He spoke openly about his own personal experiences of the devastating impact cancer has on so many thousands of people every day and laid out his vision of a brighter future for Britain, calling for a Fair Deal for the British people. 

ALDE Party Vice-President Kira Rudik MP delivered a keynote address and expressed her gratitude for the support shown to Ukraine since Russia's invasion began and discussed the fundamental importance of Liberalism in the fight against authoritarian regimes across the world. 

“I’m extending all the gratefulness to each and every one of you who are dragging me down the halls and telling me the stories about Ukrainian families living with you. For the support that you are gathering and for what your nation is doing for us, what you are doing is truly generational, and on behalf of Ukranian people I say only one thing: thank you. We will never forget it,” she said. 

Members also adopted a number of policy motions, including further support to Ukraine, protecting the European Convention on Human Rights, its plans to improve the service, affordability and accessibility of public transport, and to increase funding for schools as well as providing a modern curriculum to prepare children for life in the 21st century. 

ALDE Party hosted a high-level international reception during the conference with interventions from Davey, Foreign Affairs spokespersons Layla Moran and Lord Pervis of Tweed, and ALDE Party Vice-Presidents Sal Brinton and Rudik. ALDE Party Vice-President Annelou van Egmond also participated speaking on a panel discussion on coalition building.  

In addition, the party will continue to campaign on the need to change the UK’s current electoral system from first-past-the-post to proportional representation, to ensure democracy is fully respected and nobody’s voice is left behind. 

Our local and national community champions.

Our fantastic Liberal Democrat MPs of today…and tomorrow 👀🔶.#LDConf pic.twitter.com/jBFAVbY2Wo

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) September 23, 2023

Photo: Liberal Democrats