Autumn conference 2009, Hove Town Hall, 3rd-6th September 2009
In its final AGM before the next general election, the Green Party brought its conference to Brighton & Hove.
In Brighton & Hove, the Greens outpolled all comers in this year's European elections, across all three parliamentary constituencies. And having defeated the ruling Conservatives in a by-election - for the first time ever - the Greens now hold as many city council seats in Brighton & Hove as Labour (13), and far more than the LibDems (2).
Brighton & Hove is where, in the 2005 general election, the Greens achieved their highest ever parliamentary vote. And this is the city where the Green Party is working hard to achieve its Westminster breakthrough, with party leader Caroline Lucas MEP set to contest the Brighton Pavilion constituency.
At the conference on 3-6 September 2009:
Panel debates featured speakers from the Science Museum, Liberty, Reprieve, the Public and Commercial Services Union and Unlock Democracy.
Key general election policies were unveiled, including protecting and improving the NHS, and how a Green government would make life better for older people.
Plenary debates covered a wide range of subjects including social policy issues like top-quality childcare provision, addressing Britain's high rate of teenage pregnancy, funding a national rape crisis hotline and the need to protect whistleblowers; economic issues, like handling the UK's debt; and foreign policy issues including Afghanistan and the Israel-Palestine situation.
Entertainment for conference-goers included a special showing of the film Pig Business, political theatre and comedy, and the first ever unofficial Green Party awards.
There were elections to the national executive, to line up the best possible leadership team to take the Green Party through the next general election.
Members from all over the country took part in a mass canvass and leaflet drop on the Sunday afternoon.
Further information will be posted in due course. General enquiries should be directed to Green Party office, 020 7272 4474, office@greenparty.org.uk. Media callers please contact our press office, 020 7561 0282, press@greenparty.org.uk.
