Expectation vs reality
It would be fair to say that the atmospheres at the two conferences contrasted widely, however not in the way that might have been expected. Labour were holding their first conference back in government since 2009 and it was expected that, less than three months after winning a large majority, they would be in a triumphant mood. Conversely, the Conservatives had just been through their worst election defeat in over a hundred years and it would be expected to be in a despondent, if not angry, mood trying to work out what went wrong and where to go next as they used the conference as a chance to put the candidates vying to become their next leader through their paces.
However, the ‘vibes’ seemed to be in reverse. Despite a huge presence of businesses, lobbyists and campaigning organisations all trying to shout loudly to get their points heard, the atmosphere at Labour was muted. This is best explained as the conference came against a backdrop of widespread criticism about the new Government being perceived as being too ‘gloomy’ about the UK’s prospects and having already made the controversial decision to withdraw the winter fuel allowance for a significant proportion of pensioners. Negative headlines about in-fighting in 10 Downing Street and the amount of ‘freebies’ the new Prime Minister was receiving only contributed further to this.
In complete contrast, the Conservatives seemed more upbeat. Far fewer lobbyists and businesses in attendance meant it was largely party activists (and former MPs) who were more positive, with a genuine optimism that the party can return to power at the next election as Labour’s difficult start to government continues to dent public support.
Loughborough University activity
Last year was the first time that Loughborough University was represented at party conferences, with the Policy Unit attending in more of an observational and networking manner. This year, however, we were a lot more participatory by running several events across different topics, with all but one of these taking place at Labour Conference.
Hydrogen
The most high-profile event the university ran was a fringe meeting titled ‘Maximising the role of hydrogen in meeting Labour’s Mission for Clean Power by 2030’. This was in a prime spot in the conference centre and saw Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Dan Parsons, sit on a panel with Loughborough MP, Dr Jeevun Sandher, as well as representatives from trade body Hydrogen UK and Cadent. The event was standing room only with a really engaged audience with a real enthusiasm about the role hydrogen can play in meeting net zero targets.
Dr Sandher has recently taken up the role of Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen and told the fringe about his ambitions for the group but also how it can help him campaign for government investment in Loughborough’s Hydrogen Works plans. This is an exciting opportunity for the university and we are going to be supporting him in his work with the APPG and his Parliamentary work more widely.
Creative Industries
As part of a series of discussions with regional partners and local authorities, Loughborough University led on the development of a collaborative Creative Tech Meet Up event alongside the conference to showcase activity and regional strengths in creative technology R&D and innovation. The event was hosted by the CoSTAR Foresight Lab (Loughborough lead) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and was attended by leaders in creative industries and collaborators across the region.
Separately, Director of the Policy Unit, Graham Hitchen, appeared at a Creative Industries panel event along with Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire and Loughborough alumnus.
Universities’ role in powering growth
At both of the conferences, the Policy Unit worked with partners from Midlands Innovation to deliver events with high-profile about the part universities can play in delivering growth, particularly at a regional level. At Labour Conference we were joined by both the Midlands Metro Mayors, Claire Ward of the East Midlands and Richard Parker of the West Midlands, in addition to Adam Thompson MP, the new Chair of the Universities APPG. They all emphasised the important role of universities and R&D in delivering growth, a central mission of the new Government. Claire Ward also announced that she would be setting up an Inclusive Growth Commission for the East Midlands region, which will be an opportunity for Loughborough University to feed into.
At the Conservative Conference, former West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, Shadow Science Minister Saqib Bhatti MP, and Lisa Smith, Chief Executive of Midlands Mindforge were the speakers.
Wider themes from conference and implications for engagement with the new government
There was lots of fringe activity at the Labour Conference discussing important themes that will play an important role in the new Government’s agenda. These will present opportunities for engagement so please do get in touch with the Policy Unit to discuss these and we will be able to help you. These themes include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Sport – particularly widening participation
- Tackling poverty – particularly child poverty through the Child Poverty Taskforce
- Industrial Strategy, and the Government has now published its Green Paper
- Early years – Education ministers confirmed that early education will be the priority within the Department for Education’s work
- Prevention and public health – Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that moving from sickness to prevention is one of his three pillars of NHS reform
- Workers’ rights – the Government has now published its flagship reforms