Join The Future Governance Forum at party conferences
With a new Prime Minister in Downing Street, this year’s Party Conference season carries added political significance. Progressives of all stripes will be keenly aware that just three years remain to make the case for a different future for the nation and deliver it. The task is formidable — but the energy and optimism that accompany new leadership will be in no short supply.
This year we’ll be at both Labour and Liberal Democrat conferences. Thanks to the support of our partners, we’ll be hosting fringes thinking all about power: who holds it, and what needs to change to make it work for the public. If the government is to drive growth, rebuild infrastructure, secure clean power and revitalise communities, it must first think more purposefully about power and how it operates. Only by shifting power towards the public can government hope to deliver real change, restore trust, and demonstrate that democratic politics can make people’s lives better.
We’ll cover all these topics and more across our fringe events programme, and we’ll also be hosting a Monday night drinks reception at Labour Conference, kindly sponsored by Vanguard.
The outline of the programme is below and you can check full details of all events here. Later in the summer we’ll announce our fantastic line-up of speakers.
We hope you can join us, to hear from and share your views with leading political figures, experts and industry leaders. And in the meantime, wishing you all a happy and hopeful summer break.
Adam Terry
Executive Director, The Future Governance Forum
Liberal Democrat Conference
Sunday 20 September, 12:15 - 13:15
With multiparty politics now the norm and a 2029 hung parliament possible, this LGA Liberal Democrats and FGF event asks where Lib Dems should challenge or collaborate with other parties, and how they can position themselves against the populist right.
Sunday 20 September, 19:45 - 21:00
As the global consensus on refugee protection comes under strain, this event explores the Refugee Convention’s continued relevance in today’s connected, unstable world. Join us to consider how governments can uphold their international commitments while restoring public trust in asylum. Labour Party Conference
Labour Conference
Sunday 27th September
Sunday 27 September, 11:30 - 12:30
Andy Burnham assumes power at a crucial time for the clean energy agenda: needing to consider how to raise the finance needed, how to involve people and places, and how to tell a compelling political story. This event will bring together high profile political and sector voices to explore how clean energy can cut living costs and build stronger local economies.
Sunday 27 September, 17:30 - 19:00
The Treasury sits at the heart of the UK’s economic model and system of government. Yet to many, it is something of a black box; its inner workings and power dynamics a mystery. In conversation with a Treasury minister, we’ll discuss how HMT decides what gets funded across Whitehall, and how it uses its power to build a stronger, fairer economy.
Monday 28th September
Monday 28 September, 08:30 - 09:30
Boosting growth remains a core priority for government – but too often regulators are treated as a barrier to this. This event will explore how government can rethink its approach; empowering regulators to drive innovation through stronger internal cultures and talent, effective collaboration, and the right balance with political accountability.
Monday 28 September, 10:00 - 11:00
The new Prime Minister has set a clear political direction behind devolution - ‘taking power out of the centre and putting it in the hands of the people and places who can use it best’. Join us to hear from people with the insight and experience of regional government to discuss what this promise could mean in practice.
Monday 28 September, 17:00 - 18:30
Kindly supported by Vanguard, this year’s reception will look ahead to the next phase of Labour government and explore how the new Labour administration can transform the state and economy to renew the nation. Please note: this event is invitation only.
Tuesday 29th September
Tuesday 29 September, 08:30 - 09:30
Too many of Britain’s female, ethnic minority, disabled and working class entrepreneurs are ‘underinvested’: unable to access the finance needed to start or scale a business. To mark the launch of new FGF research sponsored by HSBC, this session will discuss practical policy solutions to break down barriers and unlock economic potential.
Tuesday 29 September, 10:00 - 11:00
On immigration and asylum, the new Prime Minister must address public concern without fuelling division, and offer a credible approach that is both workable and politically resonant. This joint event will explore how to build an authentic Labour approach that commands public support, and can navigate the political risks and opportunities involved.
Tuesday 29 September, 11:30 - 12:30
In a constrained fiscal environment, this session asks how new private finance models can help build the infrastructure the UK needs. Drawing on emerging policy, international experiences and pilots, we’ll explore how public-private partnerships can be designed to deliver value for money, public benefit and long-term growth.
Tuesday 29 September, 16:00 - 17:00
Rail nationalisation and the creation of GBR is one of this government’s most popular policy moves.The stakes are high: GBR’s performance will be seen as indicative of wider government success or failure. This event will explore how GBR can be established as a strong, enduring institution that delivers for society and the economy.
Tuesday 29 September, 17:30 - 19:00
Labour’s English devolution agenda is set to accelerate under the new Prime Minister, which could include a new devolution deal for London. In partnership with London Councils, this session will bring together people with experience of local and regional government – in London and beyond – to explore how this could improve regional delivery.