Derek Deedman

Background

The federal conference was held on 16-20 September 2007 in Brighton where the Liberal Democrats developed and strengthened our policy platform on issues across the political agenda, in preparation for the next general election, whenever it comes. There were debates and speeches on health, education, civil liberties, foreign affairs and constitutional reform. But particularly important were papers taking forward our agenda on climate change, tax reform and tackling poverty and inequality:

The Environment – Action Now
The central theme of the conference was “The Environment – Action Now”. With the policies in our climate change paper we have become the first major British party to map out the route to a carbon neutral Britain. Running through all our policies is a green thread that signals our commitment to combating climate change. Under our proposals, the UK would set the green standard for others to reach. [Watch our ‘Environment: Act Now’ video]

A Fairer and Greener Tax System
Building on the Green Tax Switch plan adopted by the party a year ago, proposals were passed by conference for the setting up of a Future Transport Fund, using the proceeds of new charges on road freight and internal air flights (excluding ‘lifeline’ flights) to double investment in Britain’s railways over the next five years. The tax system will also be made fairer, with tax cuts for those on lower incomes paid for by removing loopholes exploited by the rich, as well as increases in environmental taxes.

Freedom from Poverty, Opportunity for All
Radical new proposals to reduce poverty and tackle inequality in Britain were agreed by conference. Under Labour inequality has increased and social mobility has decreased. Our plans will reverse Gordon Brown’s dependency culture and create a society of genuine opportunity where instead of treating the symptoms of inequality, we treat its causes - poor educational opportunities, unemployment, bad housing and unstable families.

Upbeat and Ready for a General Election
The Liberal Democrats will be ready for the general election, whenever it comes. We will expose the cosy consensus which exists between the Conservatives and Labour on so many issues. We will continue the principled and consistent opposition that we so effectively provide in Parliament. While Gordon Brown and David Cameron fight the battle of spin and PR, we will take them on, and beat them, in the battle of ideas, demonstrating the politics of substance that the British people want and deserve.