Liberal Democrats Regional Conference

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 10th Oct 2009

Simon Hughes MP

The LibDems Regional Conference is being held on Saturday 17 October at the Langley Training & Conference Centre, Kineton Green Road, Solihull B92 7ER. A full programme has been arranged, and guest speakers will include Simon Hughes MP, spokesman for Energy & Climate Change, and Baroness Ros Scott, President of the Party. A number of policy debates and 'fringe' events will also take place, and it will be an opportunity for members from different parts of the West Midlands to promote their ideas.

Baroness Ros Scott, President of the Liberal Democrats

The Conference will be opened by Lorely Burt, LibDem MP for Solihull, and a number of training events for members and activists will be available. Some of the morning sessions will be repeated in the afternoon, for those who would otherwise have had to choose between them. One discussion will consider the policy adopted at the Federal Conference in Bournemouth - 'Thriving in a Globalised World' - and its effect on manufacturing in the West Midlands.

Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull

Manufacturing output fell by 12 per cent last year in Britain - echoed by the steep increase in unemployment in the West Midlands, the heart of Britain's traditional manufacturing activities. At the last count, 284,000 people were working in manufacturing in this region. Five years ago this stood at 469,000. The government says that manufacturing is a "success" story - even though its share of national output has fallen from 18% to 13% under its watch. How can the party's national policies enhance Britain's ability to make its own goods? Should our policies be concerned about our economy's over-reliance on the finance sector?

There will also be sessions on election law, membership and campaigning; and a policy debate on equality and diversity. Come and share your views on these important issues, before policy proposals for the West Midlands are finalised. Registration before the day is £10; on the day £15 (students half-price). Refreshments will be provided from 09.30 and lunch will be available for £5. The conference begins at 09.50 and finishes at 17.00.