Green Blog
30 September 2011
Food for thought: why party conferences matter
There are two unwritten rules at the political party conferences:
- Never buy your own food (make sure you eat the free stuff at one of the many fringe events).
- Lay on food at your own events (If you don't, no-one will turn up).
But are these great gatherings of party activists really reduced to little more than a scramble for the final vol-au-vent?
Thankfully, no. Once everyone's filled their boots (and I've actually seen people brazenly putting multiple bottles of wine in their bags before scuttling off into the night) most people get stuck into passionate and informed debate.
The topics are incredibly varied, ranging from the energy crisis to jobs and the economy. There was even one event at last weekend's Labour party conference billed as 'Can Britain afford to be a nation of dog-lovers?'. I didn't go (I think it was at something to do with saving the planet) but I really hope they provided Pedigree Chum sandwiches.
Friends of the Earth also ran a fringe event while we were there. Not only did we provide food (veggie and vegan goodies, plus fresh seasonal fruit, naturally) but also a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion about how local councils can do their bit to tackle climate change.
Our campaign on this issue recently had a big breakthrough. But there's much more to do to ensure we see the carbon cuts we need in every local area.
That's why we pulled together an MP, a council leader and our campaigns director, Craig, to thrash out what role the Labour party can play in making that change a reality. It's also why we were asking searching questions at lots of other events throughout the weekend.
So while there's lots of nonsense around party conferences (some lobbyists near me on the train last Sunday were wondering how they would possibly survive four days without a Carluccio's) they're also a great opportunity to promote our campaigns and meet with people who can help us take them forward.
And a very economical way to avoid the weekly food shop.
Ollie Hayes, Parliamentary team
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