Lib Dem Conference highlights

Members will be aware that this was held at the Bournemouth BIC between 23rd and 26th September.

Those attending have given it good reports and some positive press was achieved, Ed Davey's speech was particularly good and can be accessed via the national Lib Dem or our Local Party website.

The General Election is due to be held in 2024 and there will be Dorset Council Elections in May next year.

Any member or supporter willing to help in any of the campaigning next year, please get in touch.

Lib Dem Conference Highlights

Here are some the key points raised during the conference:

The motion set out to replace industry regulator Ofwat with a “regulator with real and meaningful powers”.

One of the commitments was to introduce a new 'blue flag' standard, which is the classification that a beach meets international water quality standards, and introduce a 'blue corridor' programme for rivers, streams and lakes to ensure clean, healthy water.

Pledge to rejoin the EU Reach program and European Chemical Agency to reduce chemical hazards.

The motion set out to replace industry regulator Ofwat and replace it with a “regulator with real and meaningful powers”.

Commitment to set a new 'blue flag' standard inline with the international water quality standards, and introduce a 'blue corridor' programme for rivers, streams and lakes to ensure clean, healthy water.

1. Reverse the decline of nature by 2030

   A key point discussed was the reversal of the decline in nature by 2030 and to increase the levels of nature by 2050. This will be done by funding local government to increase the local nature reserves.

   A pledge was also set out to double woodland cover by 2050.

   Currently the government has pledged to safeguard 30% of land for nature by 2030, and 30% of seas. The Lib Dems also committed to safeguarding 30% of seas by 2030.

2. Establish a 'nutrient negativity' requirement in vulnerable areas

   The Liberal Democrats pledged to introduce nutrient budgeting in English catchments. Developers would be required to do more to deliver nutrient neutrality, they would need to reduce the amount of pollution in waterways in order to develop land.

3. Abolish Ofwat

4. Set a blue flag standard 

5. Align with Europe on chemical legislation

6. Establish a new authority on green washing 

7. Ban bottom trawling in MPAs

8. Reduce the UK’s resource consumption

9. Reform the planning system

10. Improve Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements

11. New framework for land and seas

12. Complete ban on horticultural peat use

If you attended the conference and have feedback or comments then please contact us.

Source: Ends Report