Report on LY Conference

On Saturday April 2nd, young liberals gathered in Bristol for Spring Conference, in a new 1-day format. With a packed agenda, we debated policy, delivered and received training on a variety of topics (including canvassing and AV), enjoyed a lively panel discussion featuring Tessa Munt MP, Duncan Hames MP, Stephen Williams MP, and leader of Bristol City Council Barbara Janke, and voted in radical constitutional reforms. The effect of these reforms changes the structure of the Liberal Youth Executive, and improves on the way we interact with members, allowing more Branch and Regional control and dialogue. The new streamlined executive committee will be easier to manage, having removed the VC Membership Development position, several redundant committees replacing them with dedicated officers, and reduced the number of G.E.M.s (now called Non-portfolio officers) from 8 to 2, and should enjoy a greater efficiency when it comes to the running of Liberal Youth, meaning more time can be spent acting on campaigns and canvassing. Nominations for the new executive will be announced shortly.

Conference heard reports from the executive on the work that has been done, including branch development, campaigns work, a riveting financial report, and our relationship with the Federal Party (which, we are told, has gotten increasingly cordial). Quite understandably, a lot of our time at the start of the term had been taken up dealing with tuition fees, but now we are able to focus more on other areas, such as the various officer portfolios and projects the Executive have taken on.

As always, we had some very interesting debates. Three policies were on the agenda, and I am happy to say all three passed. The motion on the AV referendum solidifies our position to fight for a Yes! vote in May to bring in fairer votes. We also passed policy committing Liberal Youth to campaign for a fairer deal for International Students and their dependants, and to urge the government to bring in measures to better protect Asylum seekers and give them a fair hearing.

Of all the issues debated, it was naturally the Constitutional Amendment on National Restructure that caused the most stir, and took the most time! With two amendments to debate (keeping policy committee and modifying how state parties work) and procedural motions flying everywhere, it was nearly a full hour before the motion finally passed, with both amendments.

As the 1-day format had never before been tried, it was a hectic day, but fortunately we finished on time, and did not have to cut any agenda items. We heard parting words from Stephen Kearney MP, Stephen Gilbert MP and Liberal Youth Chair Martin Shapland. Bidding is now open for Autumn conference, so if you fancy hosting, contact conference.committee@liberalyouth.org for a bid form. The next major event Liberal Youth are hosting is Activate, our flagship training conference which will be this summer (more details to follow soon). I hope to see you there


By Stuart Brown
General Executive Member