UK Labour Conference - First in government for 15 years
Last week, the Labour Party held its first national conference as the governing party since 2009. The mood of delegates and visitors was of quiet celebration but a determination to prove themselves with the mandate they were given by the UK voters.
Ian Dylan Thomas, our Secretary General, represented Rainbow Rose by meeting many political representatives, delegates, and visitors, at what was the biggest UK Labour conference in its history.
Once again, LGBTIQ+ events were a central part of the conference programme, with LGBT+ Labour taking the lead. And this was clearly highlighted by the election of the biggest LGBTIQ+ caucus any Parliament the world has seen. Over 60 Labour MP’s identify with our community, and are already having their presence felt within the parliamentary Labour group. The opening LGBT+ Labour Disco is a staple event for all delegates to conference.
It was LGBT+ Labour and these MPs, as well as key stakeholders within the political family and outside, who contributed to an array of panels and workshops. One such panel focussed on LGBTIQ+ people in the workplace, and how we can support them to thrive. Another was on tackling LGBTIQ+ hate crime, which was joined by the Minister for Equality. And a third was regarding the Terrance Higgins Trust’s campaign to end HIV transmission by 2030, where a commitment by the Labour Health Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, was forthcoming.
On the lighter side of conference, there was Labour’s Diversity Reception, Labour’s Communities Reception, and the Socialist Societies Receptions, all of which celebrated the UK’s and Labours diverse make-up, especially its LGBTIQ+ community. These receptions saw speeches from the Foreign Secretary, Justice Secretary, and Labour Party Chairperson.
There was also an LGBTQ+ networking brunch, which allowed LGBTIQ+ NGO’s local to Liverpool, or to the region, could promote their cause to politicians and delegates alike.
Outside of explicitly LGBTIQ+ themed events, the opportunity to promoted LGBTIQ+ rights were seized. At the reception for the delegation from Wales, the First Minister of Wales was introduced to Rainbow Rose - herself the first woman to hold such a position, and a former MEP - as were numerous new MP’s from the nation.
And as a member of the International delegation, a meeting was held with Labour International and Foundation Max van der Stoel regarding the on-going programme in the Western Balkans, so that it can be the best route to securing a legacy of LGBTIQ+ activists in the region. At a sister party lunch, we heard from Labour Party general election campaign leaders on how they won the 411 MPs. We were also represented in the main conference hall for the speech from the Prime Minister.
All through this, representations were made in relation to motions passed at our General Assembly last year, to ensure politicians and delegates were aware of the need to support trans people as best they can, and Rainbow Rose’s wider agenda. This took place at a drop-in that was hosted whereby MPs were invited for a brief chat, or between the conference events through informal conversations with politicians and delegates, where connections were long established or through introduction’s made. A discussion was had with the new Europe Minister, Stephen Doughty MP, regarding issues connected to our sister parties.
A lot has changed in the UK since 2009, and during that period we saw the UK move from continuing the path of progress with equal marriage, to the regressive return of LGBTQI+ hatred and the so-called ‘culture wars’. All from the same governing party, the Conservatives. And this instability within the leaders of the party remind us that securing LGBTIQ+ rights is never over, but an on-going task, especially during uncertain times.
It was clear that the Labour Party will change the discourse on LGBTIQ+ rights in the UK, and that LGBT+ Labour will be a critical friend and partner in achieving that.
Photo caption: Above - LGBT+ Labour panel on LGBTIQ+ rights at work. Below - Prime Minister speaking to Welsh Labour delegates; panel with sister parties on general election with Europe Minister, Stephen Doughty MP; Health Minister Wes Streeting MP speaking at the ending HIV transmissions event; Lily Soaper co-chair of LGBT+ Labour addressing Socialist Societies reception; our Secretary General Ian Dylan Thomas meeting the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS.
