The Labour Party will return to Liverpool in 2024 for their first conference as the party of government for 15 years.
The leadership, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, will aim to present Labour as a credible alternative to Conservative government, with a focus on readiness to govern after years in opposition.
The keynote speech from the Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, on Tuesday, September 24th, from 14:00 to 16:00 BST.
NI on the Conference Agenda
The conference period will feature several NI focused fringe events, including:
Northern Ireland Reception at the Labour Party Conference – 22nd September: Hosted by Retail NI, NICVA, and the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, this event will be chaired by Glyn Roberts of Retail NI. It will feature key speakers, including Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, along with senior government ministers.
Time for Change: Implementing the Good Friday Agreement & Building a Shared Future (Sinn Féin) – 22nd September: Chaired by Sinn Féin, this event will include speakers such as Pat Cullen, former RCN General Secretary & Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, and Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, among others.
Change Can't Wait: Rebuilding Relationships and Delivering Change for Northern Ireland (SDLP) – 24th September: This event, chaired by the SDLP, will focus on addressing the urgent need for rebuilding relationships in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland: A Hub for Growth (NI Chamber of Commerce, Supported by Queen’s University Belfast) – 24th September: NI Chamber and Queen’s University Belfast will explore Northern Ireland's unique role in advancing Labour’s Plan for Growth. Speakers include notable business and political figures such as Professor Sir Ian Greer, Cat McCusker from PwC NI, and senior politicians.
Standing Labour Party Candidates in Northern Ireland (Labour Party in Northern Ireland) – 24th September: Chaired by Pauline Hart, this event will feature speakers including Maggie Cosin from the South Eastern Regional Board, Kevin McAdam of the Labour Party Northern Ireland, and Boyd Black, among others.
What can we expect from a Labour Government?
Labour plans to increase NHS appointments by paying staff extra to work evenings and weekends to tackle waiting lists. They aim to use private healthcare providers to clear the NHS backlog and recruit 8,500 new mental health staff. Labour also proposes to double the number of MRI and CT scanners for early cancer diagnosis. Additionally, Labour wants to make the NHS more local-focused, allowing patients to see the same GP for continuity of care.
Ending tax breaks for private schools is a key policy, with the funds raised being directed to improve state school standards and mental health support for students. Labour also promises to introduce free breakfast clubs in every primary school in England.
Labour aims to set up "Great British Energy," a publicly owned energy company, as part of their Green Prosperity Plan. This would focus on cutting energy bills, creating green jobs, and achieving independence from foreign energy supplies, partially funded through a proper windfall tax on oil and gas giants.
Labour plans to establish "Great British Railways," bringing train operators under public ownership.
Labour will increase the minimum wage to reflect the cost of living.
Labour plans to support victims of violence against women by establishing rape units in every police force, providing specialist support in 999 control rooms, and fast-tracking courts for rape victims.
Labour has pledged not to increase National Insurance, VAT, or income tax rates for working individuals. They plan to abolish non-dom status and introduce a system for short-term residents and increase the stamp duty surcharge for non-UK residents by 1%.