2023 Autumn Conference Review
Autumn conference 2023 was a sensation! I left feeling joyous about the democratic nature of the Liberal Democrats, of which I am a proud member, and overwhelmingly satisfied with the motions that were passed. The Liberal Democrats are buoyant and optimistic at all levels of the party. We are speaking with a consistent message of hope and a firm belief in evidence-based policies.
The Liberal Democrat Conference embodies all that is precious about democracy, rigorous debate that leads to the peaceful and non-coerced resolutions.
I was particularly ecstatic about the ‘Investing in our Children’s Future’ motion, which was successfully passed.
I am a full-time teacher in one of our local secondary schools and I know how important it is that the younger generations are empowered by a wide-ranging curriculum and are allowed to use their creativity to thrive.
We are calling on government to increase per-pupil funding above the rate of inflation each year and mental health provision to be enhanced by putting a dedicated and qualified mental health practitioner in every school. Our young people are suffering due to long-established poverty in certain areas of South Dorset. This is made worse by the cost-of-living crisis.
The Liberal Democrats will provide free school meals for all children in primary education and all secondary age children whose families receive Universal Credit. The motion will also
lead to a broader curriculum which will embrace the creative minds of our young people, rather than create a population with narrow educational backgrounds and restricted creativity.
Local and national elections loom large, and we are confident that we can sweep up seats across the ‘blue wall’ through our community centred approach led by hard working councillors and MPs. Long-term conservative voters have lost faith in their party. The Liberal Democrats offer an alternative that respects the evidence of experts, and bases policies upon research, rather than merely seeking to provide soundbites for the press.
The Liberal Democrat membership has an extremely exciting year ahead!