Registration is open for this year’s Co-op Party conference, held in Glasgow from October 11-13.
Organisers are expecting hundreds of members and supporters from across the UK to debate policy and hear from speakers in the co-operative and labour movements. They say the event will help the Party shape its work and campaigns in the year ahead.
This year’s theme is Building a Fairer Future, with the Party focusing on “some of the big challenges our economy and communities face”.
There will be a particular spotlight on climate change and community, says the Party, with a showcase for some of the best co-operative solutions that can be expanded and supported to build the fairer future we so desperately need.
Policy debates will be held on the Green New Deal and community, place and power, and there will be topical discussion on mental health and modern slavery.
Keynote speakers on Saturday 12 October include the Keir Starmer MP, shadow secretary of state for exiting the European Union and Richard Leonard MSP, leader of the Scottish Labour Party (both on Saturday). On the Sunday, delegates will hear from Christina McAnea, assistant general secretary at Unison.
Before the conference opens, on the Friday, there will be delegation meet ups for the different Party regions, a welcome reception in association with Social Enterprise UK, and a Youth Network social.
Other events on Saturday include fairer future information workshops, an LGBT+ network social, and the conference party, organised with Scotmid Co-op, which includes an awards ceremony, speeches and live band.
The Sunday morning programme opens with a BAME network breakfast and is followed by the Party’s AGM and a Women’s Network lunch.
