The Labour Party Conference takes place in Brighton this weekend, and we’ll be there representing our campaigns on accessibility, transparency and passenger rights. The Williams Review and rail devolution are sure to be big topics, along with urgent discussions concerning climate change, transport poverty and the nationwide crisis in bus services. We’ll be asking MPs: what can public ownership do to ensure an integrated approach to transport fit for the twenty first century?
Here are our top five recommendations for public transport events at the Labour fringe – hope to see you there!
Open to the Public:
Publicly Owned Railways and Meeting the Climate Emergency Challenge
Sunday 22nd September, 12:30 – 2pm. Fecam Room, Old Ship Hotel, Brighton.
This fringe event is hosted by the RMT Union and chaired by its president Michelle Rodgers. Speakers include: Andy McDonald MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport; Mick Cash, General Secretary of the RMT; Lynn Sloman, Director of Transport for Quality of Life; Emily Yates, co-founder of the Association of British Commuters; and Ian Mearns MP, Chair of the RMT Parliamentary Group.
This event takes place outside the conference zone. Admission is free and no booking is required.
Policy Lab: Transforming Transport
Monday 23rd September, 3pm – 4:30. Friends Meeting House, Brighton.
This collaborative session is part of a ‘Manifesto for the Movement’ project organised by The World Transformed fringe festival. There will be a chance for feedback on Labour’s public transport policies; and partipants will collaborate with policy experts to create a radical set of proposals on public transport. After short speeches from Andy McDonald MP and Cat Hobbs of We Own It, we’ll be joining other campaigners to facillitate group discussions on a long-term vision for a progressive transport policy.
This event is part of The World Transformed and a wristband is required for admission. For more information, click here.
Conference pass holders only:
The Big Transport Debate: Connecting a Divided Country
Sunday 22nd September, 5:30 – 7pm. Lancaster Room, Hilton Brighton Metropole.
This event is chaired by Christian Wolmar, rail journalist and broadcaster. Speakers include: Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and Chair of Core Cities UK; Rachael Maskell MP, Shadow Rail Minister; Neil McGonigle, Head of Cities UK & Ireland, Uber; Dafydd Williams, Regional Head of Communications, Associated British Ports; Maria Machancoses, Director, Midlands Connect.
This event is inside the conference zone and admits pass holders only.
The Transport Infrastructure Revolution: Why We Need It and How We Can Get It
Monday 23rd September, 12:30 – 2pm. Gloucester Room, Hilton Brighton Metropole.
This event is chaired by Luke Raikes, Senior Research Fellow of IPPR North. Speakers include: Rachael Maskell MP, Shadow Transport Minister; Steve Rotheram, Mayoral of Liverpool City Region; Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council; John Cridland, Chairman, Transport for the North.
This event is inside the conference zone and admits pass holders only.
What Will Rail Look Like Under a Labour Government?
Monday 23rd September, 2pm – 3:30. Ambassador Room, Hilton Brighton Metropole.
This RSSB-sponsored event is chaired by Gwyn Topham, Transport Correspondent for The Guardian. Speakers include: Andy McDonald, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport; Bill Esterson MP, Shadow Minister for International Trade; Stewart Fox-Mills, Commercial Director, Abellio Group; Manuel Cortes, General Secretary, TSSA; Mark Phillips, Chief Executive, RSSB.
This event is inside the conference zone and admits pass holders only.
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