CONSERVATIVE

ISSUE 1

CENTRAL
OCTOBER 2021

CONFERENCE EDITION

BORIS CONFERENCE
CREDENTIALS
JOHNSON The history, the memories and the
famous speeches!
Build Back Better
Getting On With
TWO YEARS ON
Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak and
The Job Priti Patel on the mission of this
Conservative Government.

#CPC21 conservatives.com/conference
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 CONTENTS
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
CONSERVATIVE
ISSUE 1 CENTRAL
ISSUE 1
OCTOBER 2021

CONFERENCE EDITION

OCTOBER
2021 BORIS
JOHNSON
Build Back Better
CONFERENCE
CREDENTIALS
The history, the memories and the
famous speeches!

TWO YEARS ON
and Levelling Up
Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak, Priti Patel
and Lizz Truss on the mission of this
Conservative government.

CPC21 conservatives.com/conference

10
Rishi
Sunak
How we’re
building back
better from the
pandemic.

22
Priti
Patel

4
Priti’s mission
A Welcome to keep Britain
safe.
from the Prime
Minister 16. Five Memorable Conservative Party
6. Oliver Dowden Conference Speeches
From William Hague to Margaret Thatcher, we looks back at some of
and Ben Elliot the most memorable Conference speeches.
A special thank you from the Chairmen.
19. Step into our office…
8. Social Media How many of our old homes can you name?
How it helps us win elections.
20. What Makes a Memorable
12. Make the Conference?
Most of Conservative Central spoke to MPs, Young Conservatives, and
Conference Councillors about their favourite Conference memories.

Making the most of this year’s Conference. 24. A History of Conservative Party
Conference
Conservative Central: ISSN 2754-2866 Where did it all start? Conservative Central explains.

27. Exhibitor Listings

Copyright © The Conservative and Unionist Party 2021. All rights
reserved. Published by The Conservative and Unionist Party, 4
Matthew Parker Street, London, SW1H 9HQ. No part of this magazine
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any other Exploring the Main Hall.
means without permission in writing from the publisher. Photos

34. Virtual Conference

courtesy of Parsons Media and Alamy. Thanks to Dods for assisting
with editorial content. Printed in Great Britain by Paragon Customer
Communications, Park House, Lower Ground Floor, 16-18 Finsbury
Circus, London, EC2M 7EB. Find out how to attend virtually.

October 2021 3
 a You
Welcome
started it.from
the Prime minister
I am delighted to welcome you to the first ever issue of
Conservative Central, our new magazine for members. And to this
year’s Conservative Party Conference in Manchester!
It is wonderful that we are once again able to be together
in person after last year’s virtual event – and I know many
more will be watching online across the country.
I want to thank all of you for your great contribution to our
Party over the last year. In challenging circumstances, you
continued to put in the hard work to support our Conservative
elected representatives at every level. You helped elect even
more strong and hardworking local Conservatives to build
back better across our great country. It is your dedication
that has helped deliver the historic sets of election results
we have seen this year, of which we are rightly proud. And,
inspiringly, we came together as a Party to support one
another as colleagues, co-workers, and friends through the
pandemic. Thank you.
Two years ago, when many of us last met together in person
for Conference, it was only a short time before we would face
one of the greatest peacetime challenges we have ever had
to endure. The pandemic has brought us unprecedented
trials, but it has also demonstrated the extraordinary
character of the British people. The heroism of our NHS, our
key workers, the strength and resilience of our communities,
the contribution of millions of volunteers, our Armed Forces
and so many more is a source of immense inspiration.
And, thanks to the success of our extraordinary vaccine
programme, which has saved thousands and thousands of
lives, we are moving forward together with confidence.
Boris Johnson
Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party
4
We can be proud of what we achieved together over the
past two years. We Got Brexit Done, delivering on our
crucial promise to the British people. Together, we took
unprecedented action to save lives and support livelihoods.
Even through the extraordinary pressures of the pandemic,
we continued to deliver.
But this recovery cannot simply be about returning to normal.
We were elected to build back better and level up across
the whole of the United Kingdom. It is time to take action
and move our country forward, taking the difficult decisions
that need to be made. That is why we are getting on with
the job, delivering a plan to fund the NHS and social care,
tackling climate change, and supporting high skilled, high
wage jobs with our Plan for Jobs. It is why we are seizing
the opportunities ahead, supporting the recovery, but going
further to take the decisive action needed to build back
better.
And that is the message of this Conference: it is the
Conservatives who are getting on with the job. It is the
Conservatives who have a clear plan – not just for our
recovery, but to take action on challenges that have gone
unresolved for too long.
I hope you enjoy our new magazine and wish all of you a very
enjoyable and productive Conference. ■
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WelcomeYou
to your
startednew
it. membership
magazine – Conference edition!
There aren’t many cities like Manchester. It’s the place where
scientists first split the atom, where engineers launched the first
intercity railway. It’s the city that gave birth to the modern world.
So in these surroundings it’s only fitting we show a It’s an incredible record. So we want to thank you on
little innovative spirit of our own. That’s why we are behalf of the Party – not just for the help you’ve given us
holding our first-ever hybrid Conference. in the past, but for your continued support as we face our
next set of campaigns.
This year you can join us virtually or physically. You can
watch speeches live in the hall or live on your screens. You’ll hear more about those campaigns over the next few
You can take part in fringe events wherever you are in days. Conference is our chance to come together as a party,
the country. take stock of where we are and lay out our plans for the future.

It’s been a fantastic effort by our Conference Team, and
we hope you’ll like the results.
Alongside the innovations, however, there’s one thing
that hasn’t changed: the support we get from our
members.
Since we were last in Manchester two years ago, your
hard work helped us defeat Jeremy Corbyn. You helped
us win an eighty seat majority. You helped us Get Brexit
Done. And that’s not all.
Because of your efforts, we held on to mayoralties in Tees
Valley and the West Midlands, we won council and Police
and Crime Commissioner seats across the country and
we secured an unprecedented victory in the Hartlepool
by-election. In Wales we achieved our best ever results,
in London we had an incredible showing and in Scotland
we won more votes than ever before.
If you’re attending Conference for the first time, this
magazine should give you a good idea of what to expect. If
you’ve been with us before, you’ll notice that this magazine
isn’t like the traditional handbook. We have articles by
Secretaries of State, a detailed history of Conference and
a run-down of great Conference speeches. So it’s worth
taking a look through.
If you like the articles, let us know! We’re planning to
produce a regular magazine for members – building on this
Conference special edition – and we’d like your input on
content.
What kind of articles, discussions or information would you
like to be included? Send your thoughts and suggestions to
membership@conservatives.com.
In the meantime, let us thank you once more for all your hard
work. We’re the most successful political party in the world
because of members like you. ■

Rt Hon Oliver Dowden CBE MP and Ben Elliot

Chairmen of the Conservative Party

6
 ZERO CARBON HOMES
BY 2025
As community creators, Thakeham are committed to responsible and sustainable
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Together we can transform the way the homebuilding sector operates - to find out
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Thakeham’s sustainability initiatives include:
• Fast electric car charging points in every home
• Committed to 20% biodiversity net gain
• Replanting trees and hedgerows
• All homes exceeding Passivhaus standards
• Creating wildlife corridors and protecting woodland
• Supporting environmental school programmes

MEET US AT STAND 72

Scan for details

Keep in touch!
Conservatives

Social media is a key tool of modern

campaigns.
It helps us get our message out. It helps us reach
new voters. And it helps us win elections.
The lesson from the 2019 general election is
clear. The more followers we have across social
media, the more people we reach.
So if you want to give a bit of extra support to
your party without leaving your home, make
sure you’re following us on all our social media
accounts.

One more thing. If you haven’t signed up to

hear from us over email, why not sign up today?
By signing up, you’ll get the news sent straight to
your inbox. So you’ll find out what we’re doing to
Build Back Better across the country.
We also ask people for their views through
surveys. That way, you can have your say on
the biggest issues facing the United Kingdom.
And we can make sure we’re focused on your
priorities.
Thousands of people have already signed up to
hear from us. So why not join them?

Just visit conservatives.com

and enter your email address.
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RISHI
SUNAK
CHANCELLOR OF
THE EXCHEQUER
 CONSERVATIVECENTRAL

The last eighteen months have been like nothing we have ever
experienced before.
I remember vividly on the afternoon of
Friday 20th March 2020, walking up
the famous yellow staircase in Downing
Street with the Prime Minister to
announce something no government of
any stripe – not even in wartime – had
ever done in this country’s history. For
the first time, the government was going
to pay people’s wages while we kept
shops, pubs and cafés shut to protect
people from Coronavirus.
The enormity of that moment was not lost
on me. Not just because we were going to
have to implement and deliver something
that had not been done before. Not just
because we were dealing with something
there was no playbook for. But we said we
would stand with the British people against
this virus, and this was the moment we had
to deliver. Looking back now, I believe we
did. I believe we provided people with the
reassurance and confidence, that in times
of crisis, we will act at scale and at speed
to protect livelihoods.
And I will continue to stand by the British
people as we come out the other side of
this pandemic. My sole priority and focus
from the very beginning of this crisis has
been to protect, support and create jobs.
Furlough was the centrepiece to that plan.
Almost 12 million people have been on
furlough at any one time in the last year
and a half, and has been used by 1.3 million
businesses to keep their staff on.
We took decisive action last year to
ensure that as many jobs were protected
as possible. Now we are building on our
Plan for Jobs, providing new opportunities
for those who need to reskill, upskill or
start afresh.
We as Conservatives believe in the dignity
of work and the power of the individual.
By strengthening our skills offer we can
empower people to take things into their
own hands, to carve out a new career, to
find a new passion, to make a better life
for themselves.
Whether it is our ambitious Kickstart
scheme, our Lifetime Skills Guarantee
giving every adult the opportunity for
a fully-funded Level 3 qualification, our
generous apprenticeship incentive
payments of £3,000 to take on new
apprentices, or tripling the number of
traineeships available for people to join.
This suite of skills options all have a proven
track record. We know they work so we
are investing in them to help find new jobs,
demonstrating our commitment to getting
people into better quality, better paid work.
I believe unequivocally in business and
in enterprise, because businesses doing
well means more jobs are created. So I’m
fully focused on empowering those who
are willing to take risks, by providing the
environment in which people can start a
business and flourish. The UK remains one
of the best places in the world to start and
grow a business and I am determined it
remains so.
Coronavirus has brought with it
challenges that we never thought we
would have to face, decisions that we
never thought we would have to take
and circumstances which we hope
we never have to experience again. It
required us to be pragmatic in the face
of the unknown and we should be proud
of what we have done as a party in
government.
To come through this crisis, it required
a collective effort like no other, with a
role for everyone to play – business and
government together. Together we will
be able to recover from this pandemic
and build back better for our great
country. ■

But that’s not all we have done. Grants,

loans, VAT cuts, business rates holidays,
strengthened welfare support, cash
deferrals, mortgage holidays, cash for
charities, cash for the arts and culture
sector, insurance schemes, grants for the
self-employed, a hardship fund for local
authorities. Over £400 billion spent to fight
this virus and protect jobs.

And it’s clear the Plan for Jobs is working.

Schemes such as furlough and all the other
support we put in place have helped to
protect millions of jobs that may otherwise
have been lost had we not stepped in.
That’s millions protected from uncertainty ▲ Recovering from this crisis, we need a collective effort like no other with a role for everyone to play. I
and unemployment. want to thank you all for your support.

October 2021 11
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
MAKING THE
MOST OF
CONFERENCE
Conference is the place to be for everyone from across our
party. And it’s easy to see why. No matter where you are,
there’s always something happening.
So how can you make the most of this year’s
Conference? CONSERVATIVE CENTRAL
gives us some tips.
Start Early
There are lots of early breakfast
events, often with interesting speakers.
Perhaps more importantly, you can grab that
much needed bacon roll.
Read the ‘What’s On’ Guide
Navigating the fringes can be a difficult
process. The ‘Conference 2021: What’s On?’
guide will be available in Manchester – so
make sure you familiarise yourself with the
events you’re keen to attend.
Download the App
and follow #CPC21
Download the App and follow #CPC21
The Conference app has a handy scheduler,
which will alert you before events start,
provide speaker updates and lay out venue
maps.
It’s also worth following the Conference
hashtag #CPC21 across social media – it’s
great for spotting events that aren’t on the
app or in the handbook!
12
Visit the Exhibition
The exhibition is always fun to walk
around. You get to see famous faces and
even grab some freebies. Make sure you
have a go at the interactive stalls and check
out the exciting range of exhibitors!
Head to the Midland Hotel
The Midland Bar is the hub of
Manchester conferences. As the Exhibition
closes for the evening, everyone heads to
the Midland Hotel for evening fringe events.
It’s the perfect place to spot MPs, meet new
people and put the world to rights over a gin
and tonic.
Don’t be afraid to start a
conversation
With the variety of attendees drawn to
Conference, you could end up sitting next to
a party activist, a councillor or even an MP.
So don’t be afraid to start a conversation and
make a friend!
Make yourself heard
Get your voice heard by asking
questions at fringe events. But make sure
you keep them short and relevant. Long
statements are difficult for speakers to
respond to!
Factor in time between events
Leave plenty of time between events,
and assume you’ll bump into people you
know on the way. Don’t miss opportunities by
having too tight a schedule!
Wear comfortable shoes!
Conference is short, but it can feel
long if you bring the wrong shoes. There’s
lots of walking and events can run late. So
wear comfortable shoes!
Queue early for the
Prime Minister’s speech
If you want to go to the PM’s speech on
Wednesday morning, make sure you’re
up early. It’s the most popular speech at
Conference, so you’ll need to join the queue
a few hours before the speech is scheduled
to start.
Keep an eye out for who you’re sitting with:
MPs and Ministers are always present.
And if you miss out on a seat, don’t worry!
There’s an overflow room where the speech
is screened. ■
 We lc om e f r o m
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Sean
Sean Duckworth
ip
Head of Membersh

Here are just some of the questions that

members have asked recently.
How do I have a say on policy?
Lots of members have asked how they can
contribute to policy-making. The answer
is the Conservative Policy Forum (CPF).
The forum offers members a chance to
explain their views. If you’d like to find
out If you’d like to find out more, just visit
conservativepolicyforum.com
How will the party keep me
regularly updated?
We send regular emails to members. These
include newsletters, briefings and invitations
to various events. If you’re not receiving our
emails, it probably means we don’t have an
up-to-date email address for you. Just send your
email address, full name and postal address to
membership@conservatives.com – stating that
you are happy to receive our updates.
How do I get involved in campaigns?
Volunteers power our campaigns. They help
us knock on doors, deliver leaflets and make
calls – all year round. It’s a big job, so we’d
love to have you involved! Just send an email
to volunteer@conservatives.com and tell us
how you’d like to help. Please include your
name and postcode so we can put you in
touch with local campaigners.
PS: It’s been said before and I’ll say it again.
Your membership makes everything possible.
And as we recover from the pandemic,
membership is more important than ever. So
if you know someone who might want to join
the party, why not ask them? The number-
one reason supporters haven’t joined is
because they haven’t been asked! So if your
friends or family are interested, direct them to
conservatives.com/join
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
FIVE MEMORABLE
CONSERVATI
CONFERENC
The Main Hall is an integral part of Conference, giving our candidates
and elected representatives the chance to speak directly to the country
about our plans and priorities.
From a teenage William Hague to
Margaret Thatcher’s defiance in the
face of terrorism, CONSERVATIVE
CENTRAL looks back at ten of
the most memorable Conference
speeches.
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
Brighton, 1947
“Time is on our side”
There are a handful of people in modern
times who have changed the world through
their speeches.
Throughout the Second World War,
Churchill’s parliamentary speeches and radio
broadcasts helped to rally the nation and
stiffen the sinews of politicians and fellow
citizens. His tactical genius helped to lead
Britain to victory in the war – but he went on
to lose the 1945 election. For many leaders,
such a shocking defeat would have been the
final chapter in their career. But Churchill was
never one to take defeat as final. Instead,
after the 1945 election Churchill decided to
stay on as party leader and continue to fight
for a Conservative government. And in 1947
that government looked closer than ever.
14
In his Conference speech of the same
year, Churchill declared that the socialist
government of Clement Attlee was ruling
“without the support and against the
wishes of the larger part of the nation”. He
told Conference that “time is on our side”.
Churchill asked for the “utmost activity
and exertion” in preparing for a general
election, saying that the “first step to national
recovery” would be to defeat the Labour
Government.
While the next election wouldn’t take place
until 1950, Churchill’s predictions were right.
In 1950 Labour’s majority was reduced to five.
The next General Election just one year later
took the Conservatives back to power, where
we would remain for the next thirteen years.
Once again Sir Winston Churchill proved that
the vital ingredient to success is never giving
up – never, never, never, never.
William Hague
Blackpool, 1977
“Half of you may not be here
in thirty or forty years’ time,
but I will be, and I want to be
free.”
Aged just sixteen, Hague stirred the crowd
with a tribute to small government and a
warning about socialism. Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher called the speech
“thrilling” and declared Hague a “young Pitt”.
David Cameron paid tribute to Hague’s
speech in 2014, recalling how “our greatest
living Yorkshireman” used to read Hansard in
bed as a teenager.
Margaret Thatcher
Brighton, 1980
‘You turn if you want to. The
lady’s not for turning!’
Margaret Thatcher was a remarkable orator.
She delivered one of the most memorable
political speeches of all time, saying: “To
those waiting with bated breath for that
favourite media catchphrase, the u-turn, I
have only one thing to say. You turn if you
want to. The lady’s not for turning.”
Thatcher elicited a rapturous response
from members, who gave her a five-minute
standing ovation. In those five short words,
“The lady’s not for turning”, Thatcher had
defined herself in the eyes of the party and
the country. And she lived up to her promise.
She continued to liberalise the economy,
helping to restore Britain’s greatness at home
and abroad.

IVE PARTY
CE SPEECHES
▲ Top: Margaret Thatcher in 1980, delivering the
line that would help define her: the lady’s not for
turning. Bottom: A sixteen-year-old William Hague
gave a provocative speech to Conference, watched
closely by Mrs Thatcher.
October 2021
Boris Johnson
Birmingham, 2014
“First chuck Salmond
overboard and then eat the
Kippers for breakfast.”
Conference in 2014 was a pivotal moment.
With less than a year till the next general
election, the party faithful needed rallying.
So who better to rouse the troops than
Boris Johnson?
Boris trumpeted the Conservatives’
commitment to house-building, in one
instance brandishing a brick that he then
proceeded to address: “So, brick, my little
friend”, he said, “you will not be alone in
London.”
However, Boris saved his sharpest attack
for UKIP, explaining “our new fisheries
policy, folks. First chuck Salmond overboard
and then eat the Kippers for breakfast!” The
troops were well and truly rallied.
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
Boris Johnson
Manchester, 2019
“Get Brexit Done”
One of the most eagerly anticipated
Conference speeches of modern times was
Boris Johnson’s first as Prime Minister.
Britain was on the brink of a general
election. The “communist cosmonaut”
Jeremy Corbyn was calling for a second
referendum, though he couldn’t decide
which way he’d vote. Parliament was
still chewing over the “supermasticated”
subject of Brexit, despite having had three
years to get it done. And people across the
country were fed up.
It was in these circumstances that Boris
Johnson stepped up to the podium.
The Prime Minister delivered an electrifying
speech that set a clear path for his
government. It was time to “get Brexit done”,
he said, so the government can “get on
and deliver all the priorities of the people”.
That meant investing in the NHS, recruiting
20,000 more police officers, raising standards
in schools, and backing businesses large
and small. It also meant unlocking the talent
that exists in “every corner of the United
Kingdom”.
This was a pro-enterprise, pro-public
service vision that found wide public
support, Labour discovered when they
finally agreed to a general election. And
it’s a vision that defines our Conservative
Government to this day. ■
15
 TWO DATES MEMBER
EXCLUSIVE

TO REMEMBER
Join your fellow members
at Spring Forum 2022.
Taking place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool
on 18 and 19 March.
Blackpool has been home to some of the most
memorable Conservative events ever. Now you can
take part in the next one.

SAVE
Be in the room when the Prime Minister gives
his speech. Hear the latest updates directly from
ministers. Take part in a variety of fringe events. And

THE DATE
catch up with your fellow members.
Tickets available later this year.

ADVERT
SAVE THE DATE FOR
CONFERENCE 2022.
Taking place at the
ICC Birmingham from
2 to 5 October.
There’s nothing quite
like Conference in
Birmingham.
With more parks than Paris, more Get ready to hear the speeches, attend
miles of canal than Venice, and more the debates, and meet everyone from
restaurants than you’ll have time to councillors to Cabinet members.
attend, Birmingham is a fantastic home
for Conference 2022. Tickets available early next year.
16
 Step into
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL

our office…
The Conservative Party has been headquartered in ten offices over
the last 150 years. As we prepare to open a new headquarters in
Leeds, how many of our old homes can you name?

1870 – 1874 1922 – 1941

53 Parliament Palace Chambers,
Street Bridge Street

1874 – 1918
St. Stephen’s Chambers,
Bridge Street
1941 – 1946
24 Old
Queen Street

1958 – 2004
32 Smith
2014 Square
4 Matthew
Parker Street

1919 – 1921
1 Sanctuary 1946 – 1958
2004 – 2007 Buildings, Abbey House, 2007 – 2014
25 Victoria Street Great Smith Street 2–8 Victoria Street 30 Millbank
(All addresses are London SW1. Where original buildings are no longer in existence, the current street scene is shown.)

October 2021 17
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
WHAT MAKES
A MEMORABLE
CONFERENCE?
We spoke to MPs, Young Conservatives, and Councillors about their
favourite Conference memories, their top tips for first-timers, and what
they are looking forward to this year.
James Daly MP:
MP for Bury North
When was your first Party
Conference?
My first Conference was in 2010. By
that time, I knew I wanted to be an
MP and was interested in all things
political. It felt like Christmas! I was
so excited and loved spotting
different MPs and Ministers. The
idea that someone like me could go
18
and speak directly to politicians was
mind-blowing!
What’s your top tip for a Party
Member attending their first
Conference?
Approach it with an open mind, go to
everything, be friendly and inquisitive,
and take in the experience as best
you can. It’s one of those unique
occasions where whatever you want
to debate or talk about, there will be
an opportunity to do so.
What’s your favourite Conference
memory?
My favourite memories from
Conference are the leaders’ speeches.
Especially recently, they have
consistently sent the membership
away with the encouragement and
inspiration to knock on doors, and
take the Party message forward.
What do you like most about
Conference?
There are very few circumstances
where you will be stood at a bar with
a grassroots member on one side
and a cabinet minister on the other,
strike up a conversation, and put
the world to rights over a couple of
drinks. That’s my favourite part of
Conference.
What are you looking forward to this
year?
This is the first time I’ve been asked
to speak! I’m taking part in a few
fringe events around criminal justice,
so I’m looking forward to bringing my
own personal experience I gained
when I was a solicitor to the panel
and highlighting the lesser-known
policy areas.

When was your first Party
Conference?
My first Conference was in 2017.
Although I’d been involved on a
local level during the election, I didn’t
know many people on a national
level and thought it would be a great
place to start. I went knowing nobody
and came back with loads of new
friends and contacts.
What’s your top tip for a Councillor
attending their first Conference?
Check out the Councillors’ Lounge,
it’s such a good place to drop in – if
for nothing else, to recharge your
phone! Secretaries of State and
Ministers also visit, so you might get
the chance to ask them that burning
question!
Cllr Clare De Silva:
Bush Hill Park Ward Councillor What’s your favourite Conference
memory?
I once had the privilege of chairing
a fringe with a minister, which was a
great experience.
Heather
Wheeler MP:
MP for South Derbyshire
When was your first Party
Conference?
The first Party Conference I
attended, I was 16 and had to get
permission from school to go! It was
an amazing experience and I’ve
been a regular since, I think in total
I’ve only missed five Conferences
over the years.
What’s your top tip for someone
attending their first Conference?
Well, this year it’s in Manchester,
so my main tip is to pack for all
weathers! Take more shoes than
you think you need and make sure
they’re comfortable – because you’ll
be up until all hours, and then you’ll
have to get back to your hotel!
October 2021
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
I also vividly remember Geoffrey
Cox introducing Theresa May in
2018 with that booming, baritone
voice. It was the best thing I’d heard
all week, and it brought the house
down.
What do you like most about
Conference?
For me, the fringe events make
Conference, and are always
superbly done. As a Party we always
say we are a broad church, and if
you look at the timetable for the
fringes – that proves it! There’s
something for everyone.
What are you looking forward to
this year?
This is the year we can finally all
come together and celebrate both
the best General Election result
we’ve had for a very long time and
coming back together as a Party for
the first time since lockdown
What’s your favourite Conference
memory?
The seaside Conferences were
always fun. Around 3am it always
seemed to be a good idea to go to
the beach – in October! One year,
there must have been around twenty
of us, and some people decided
to go for a swim… At that point I
thought – it’s time to go to bed!
What do you like most about
Conference?
My favourite part of Conference is
that you get to meet new people
every year, and you make such good
friends across the whole Party and
the whole country.
What are you looking forward to
this year?
I’m looking forward to the fact it’s a
hybrid event, and I can still join in
with proceedings remotely, which
will mean everyone will be able to
join in.
19
PRITI
PATEL
HOME SECRETARY

When this government took office, the world
and our country were very different places.
Think back to 2019. We were still
members of the European Union.
Parliament was in deadlock. The country
had a broken immigration system. And
nobody could have predicted what the
following year would have in store.
Whilst the unprecedented battle against
Coronavirus has rightly taken centre
stage, we have spent the last two years
delivering on the promises we made at
that Conference, and the subsequent
General Election.
We said we would honour the referendum
result, leave the EU and end free
movement. Despite the best efforts of
the Labour Party, we have delivered
on our promise. We have ended free
movement and introduced the points-
based immigration system – now people
who want to come to the UK are judged
on their skills and what they can offer, not
where they are from.
Now we have our points-based system
for legal migration we must tackle illegal
immigration. Earlier this year I launched
our New Plan for Immigration – our
common sense plan to fix our broken
asylum system and replace it with one
which is firm and fair.
It is the only plan to make small boat
crossings off the Channel unviable. For
the first time, whether you enter the UK
legally or illegally will have an impact
on how your asylum claim progresses,
and on your status in the UK if that
claim is successful. Those who prevail
with claims having entered illegally will
receive a new temporary protection
status rather than an automatic right to
settle, will be regularly reassessed for
removal from the UK, will have limited
family reunion rights and will have no
recourse to public funds except in cases
of destitution. Coming to the UK illegally
will no longer be worth the risk.
To tackle the practice of making multiple
and sequential (often last minute and
unmeritorious) claims and appeals which
October 2021
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
frequently frustrate removal from the UK,
we will introduce a ‘one-stop’ process
to require all rights-based claims to be
brought and considered together in a
single assessment upfront. We will also
introduce a robust approach to age
assessment to ensure we safeguard
against adults claiming to be children.
The Nationality and Borders Bill which
puts this plan into action has already
received its second reading in the House
of Commons. But getting it into law will
be hard. The Labour Party will strain every
sinew to stop us taking control of our
borders, but I will not be deterred.
As Home Secretary, keeping you, your
family and our country safe is my number
one responsibility. One of our key election
promises to you was to recruit and put
an extra 20,000 police officers on our
streets to cut crime, and I’m delighted that, ▲ We said we’d get Brexit done, reform
we have already recruited nearly 10,000 immigration, hire more police and make Britain
more officers across the country. These safer. Your support made it all possible.
officers will help us stamp down on knife
crime, county lines drug gangs and violent Each day I see the threats that are posed
offenders and we will continue recruiting to our national security and the work
more officers over the years to come. which our security services are doing
to keep us safe. It’s our job to keep
As well as having more bobbies on the protect the public from these threats
beat, it’s important our brave officers and keep terrorists off our streets. That’s
have both the powers and tools to protect why we have introduced measures as
themselves and the public when dealing enhancing the monitoring of terrorists,
with weapon wielding thugs. In our boosting the resources available to our
manifesto, we promised to give our police security services, and increasing our
new powers, resources and funding they funding of counter-terror policing – to
need to keep us safe. We have kept to that make sure that the public are protected
promise, providing funding to equip more from dangerous terrorists and that we
officers with tasers. We are giving the intervene early to stop radicalisation from
police new powers to deal with disruptive taking place.
protests and unauthorised encampments,
extending Whole Life Orders to child There’s no doubt the last two years have
murderers, introducing life sentences been the toughest our country has faced
for killer drivers, and introducing Serious in my lifetime. Fighting Coronavirus
Violence Reduction Orders. has demanded so much of us all. But
this Government has not forgotten the
The actions we have taken are working pledges we all made on the doorsteps
and crime is falling, whilst the Police, and were elected on. From recruiting
Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently more police officers, to regaining control
making its way through Parliament and will of our borders, we are delivering on our
further strengthen the powers available to promises and will Build Back Better from
our police. this crisis. ■
21
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL

A HISTORY OF C
PARTY CONFER
CONSERVATIVE CENTRAL looks back at key moments in
the history of Conservative Party Conference, from the first ever
Conference in 1867, to the first-ever completely virtual
Conference in 2020.

1867 The First

Conservative Party
Conference
The origins of Conference lie in
the National Union of Conservative
Associations, which was founded in
1867 by Benjamin Disraeli and which
held its first meeting in the Freemasons’
Tavern in London on 12 November of
that year. In 1868, the Conference moved
to Birmingham, with just seven people
in attendance. By the following year, in
Liverpool, this had grown to 36 delegates.

1927 Handbook
1931 Young
Since 1927, the Conference Handbook Conservative
has been circulated to Party members Conference
about a month
before Conference. It John Buchan became the first President 1954 All Access
originally contained of the Federation of University for the Television
all the motions Conservative and Unionist Associations,
Cameras
submitted for debate, which consisted of a dozen university
and which front- associations and aimed to strengthen
In 1954, the Party invited television
bench spokespeople links with younger Conservatives and help
cameras to its conference for the first
would respond, party recruitment. The Federation’s initial
time, airing Sir Winston Churchill’s speech
as well as the conference was held in Birmingham in
to the nation. Labour refused to let the
annual report January 1931.
TV cameras in, but the coverage of
of the National
Conservative Conference was seen as
Union Executive
such a success that Labour were forced to
Committee.
follow suit the next year.

22

CONSERVATIVE
RENCE
1975 First Female
Party Leader Takes
to the Stage
Having been elected first female Leader
of the Conservative Party in February
that year, Margaret Thatcher took to the
Conference stage in 1975. She reflected
that the first Conference she’d attended
had been in 1946, as a representative
of Oxford University Conservative
Association. She praised the Conservatives
as “the Party of equality of opportunity —
as you can see.”
1984 Brighton
bombing
Interviewed shortly after the bomb
exploded, Thatcher made it clear that
she would never give in to terrorism: “the
Conference will go on – as usual”.
Hours later she gave her speech as
scheduled, and her message was defiant.
She declared that not only had this
attack failed, but “all attempts to destroy
democracy by terrorism will fail”.
October 2021
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
2009 First Conference 2021 Hybrid Party
Pride Event Conference
2009 saw Manchester’s Canal Street This year, for the first time, Conservative
turn blue, as the Conservatives held their Party Conference will be a hybrid event,
first ever gay pride event. The evening meaning delegates can either attend in
of performance and music also saw person in Manchester or tune in from the
Conservative cocktails and the famous tree comfort of their own homes using the
logo painted in rainbow colours. virtual platform. ■
2014 A Move to the
Digital Age
In 2014, the Party launched its first ever
‘Conference App’, with its first “Conference
App”, which included a digitised version
of the handbook, speaker profiles, and
venue maps, among other features.
2020 The Party’s
First Virtual
Conference
The Covid-19 pandemic brought a halt
to normal Conference proceedings
in 2020. Adapting quickly, the
Conservatives launched the first-ever
virtual Party Conference, inviting delegates
to attend streamed speeches and online
fringe events.
23
 Advertisement

Conservative Party
Conference Fringe Guide

3 Sunday
October 4 Monday
October 5 Tuesday
October

The Rail Interview PoliticsHome Breakfast Briefing Live Levelling Up

17:30 – 18:45 | Derby Suite, The Midland 09:00 – 10:15 | Derby Suite, The Midland London: The Key To
The UK’s Recovery?
09:00 – 10:15 | Central 7,
Manchester central

The Rail Debate: How Can The Value

Of Rail And Industry Reform Deliver
For Britain Post-Pandemic?
12:30 - 13:45 | Derby Suite, The Midland
The Maritime Reception
19:30 – 20:45 | Derby Suite, The Midland
Seize The Moment: Unleashing The
UK’s Economic Potential
09:00 – 10:15 | Derby Suite, The Midland

A Greener Future: How Can We

Insuring Our Futures: How Can We
Best Serve Our Ageing Population?
13:00 – 14:15 | Central 7, Manchester central
Ensure Our Homes Meet The
Government’s Net Zero
12:30 – 13:45 | Derby Suite, The Midland

@DodsEvents
@dodsevents Future Challenges In Defence
17:30 – 18:45 | Derby Suite, The Midland

The Aviation Interview

17:30 – 18:45 | Derby Suite, The Midland

customer.services@dodsgroup.com
0207 593 5500
 EXHIBITOR LISTINGS

Exhibitor
listings

October 2021 25
 EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
MCS Charitable Foundation
Our vision is a world where everyone has access
to affordable and reliable renewable energy and
zero carbon technologies. As a Foundation we
work to increase public confidence, awareness
and access to renewable energy and zero carbon
solutions across the UK.
Falkland Islands Government
Visit the Falkland Islands stand, representing
one of the UK’s most dynamic Overseas
Territories. Meet members of the Falkland Islands
Government who can update you on current
developments affecting the Islands and our plans
for the future.
www.fig.gov.fk/londonoffice/
@FalklandsinUK
E.ON
We are leading the energy transition by
offering every customer a smart, sustainable
and personalised energy solution that’s right
for them. E.ON are committed to a sustainable
energy future: by making energy cleaner and
its consumption more intelligent and by making
sustainable energy available to all our customers.
@eonenergyuk
National Education Union
The National Education Union brings together more
than 450,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff
and leaders, to form the largest education union in
Europe.
www.neu.org.uk
@NEUunion
26
Facebook
Visit the Facebook stand, and speak to our team
about how you can use the platform to connect
and communicate with your community. Hear
about Facebook’s impact in the UK and the
changes we’ve made to our platform to ensure the
safety and security of our users.
www.Facebook.com
British Heart Foundation
Visit the BHF’s stand to learn about we are doing
to help improve the quality of life for millions with
cardiovascular disease.
Humanists UK
We’re the national charity working on behalf
of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000
members and supporters, we advance free
thinking and promote humanism to create a
tolerant society where rational thinking and
kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral
care, and education services, and campaign for
human rights and equality.
humanists.uk
@Humanists_UK
bp
bp is showcasing how our UK projects will help
the country meet the Prime Minister’s Ten Point
Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. Please drop
by stand 60 to discover our plans for offshore
wind in the Irish Sea and in Scotland; how a
bp-led project will decarbonise ‘The East Coast
Cluster’; hydrogen on Teesside; bp pulse, the UK’s
largest public EV charging business; our work
to help the city of Aberdeen to decarbonise; our
plans for reducing emissions offshore; and, hear
about lightsource bp, Europe’s largest PV project
developer.
Association of Convenience Stores
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores)
is the voice of over 33,500 local shops across
the UK. Our members have a unique reach
into every community across the UK, trading in
villages, neighbourhood parades, high streets and
transport hubs. During the pandemic, convenience
stores have been a lifeline to many communities
and played a vital role in feeding the nation.
Convenience retailers provide local, flexible and
secure employment to over 392,000 people and
have invested over £534 million in their businesses.
Coalfields Regeneration
The only organisation dedicated to supporting
the UK’s former coalmining areas, we deliver
activities improving the health and wellbeing,
skills and employability of our communities and
have embarked on the development of industrial
space for SME’S. There is huge potential for our
communities to contribute to economic growth
#WorkingwithYou
www.coalfields-regen.org.uk
@coalfieldsregen
National Farmers Union
Come and meet the NFU at stand 70 and hear how
British farmers are leading the way producing;
climate friendly food for the home and overseas
market, as well as levelling up rural Britain. You
can enjoy some farm made ice cream, test your
knowledge of British farming and chat to our
farmer representatives.
@NFUtweets
Royal Mail
As Key Workers, Royal Mail’s employees kept the
country connected during the pandemic. Dramatic
changes in customer shopping habits have led to
the business launching a massive transformation
and UK investment programme. Visit us in the
Exhibition Hall to hear how we are adapting
our operation, and building on our already low
emission delivery model including the purchase of
thousands of electric and gas-powered vehicles.
CONSERVATIVE WEEKLY DRAW

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THE
CONSERVATIVE
FOUNDATION
YOUR LEGACY – THE COUNTRY’S FUTURE

Every year, supporters leave us gifts in their wills. The majority we won in 2019 is their legacy.
What will your legacy be?
It’s no secret that the Conservative Party has always relied on the generous support of its members.
But that’s just the start. To go the extra mile, to win the majority that no one expected, we need
lasting financial security. This takes long-term planning – and long-term funding. That’s why the
Conservative Foundation was set up a decade ago.
The Conservative Foundation provides the party with lasting financial security. Funded entirely
through gifts left by supporters in their wills.
Every gift, no matter how large or small, helps us win elections. And every gift is ring-fenced, so you
can rest assured that your money will always be retained as capital, only the income is distributed, to
be used solely for the benefit of the Conservative Party.
The money helps provide mean-tested bursaries for candidates who qualify for assistance. At the last
election, the majority of candidates we gave bursaries to won their seats. At the next election, that
could be the difference between a Conservative and a Labour government.
But there’s much more to do. So if you want to help secure the future of this country, then why not get
in touch? Call 020 7984 8037 for further information or visit theconservativefoundation.co.uk.
 EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
Midlands Engine
The Midlands Engine is the largest regional
economy in the UK outside London and the place
that 11 million people call home. Our Midlands
Engine Partnership spans the heart of the UK and
encompasses some 800,000 businesses, 65 local
authorities, 20 universities, nine local enterprise
partnerships and one combined authority. Working
at scale in partnership, we focus on tackling the
things that really matter in our region to drive
prosperity for our communities and businesses.
Together, we make sure the Midlands voice is
heard and act.
British Red Cross
Covid-19 has shown the incredible power of people’s
kindness more than ever before. As we emerge from
the pandemic, the British Red Cross will continue to
be there to support people in crisis in communities
across the UK and internationally. Visit our exhibition
stand to learn more about our work and how you can
play your part.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest
independent cancer charity. We fund research
across 90 UK institutions and have helped develop
8 of the world’s top 10 cancer drugs. This progress
has saved lives, and we are more focussed than
ever on seeing 3 in 4 people survive their cancer
by 2034. Our ambition hasn’t faltered, but there
are still significant challenges to overcome if
we’re going to get there. You can Play Your Part in
beating cancer – visit us to find out how.
www.cancerresearchuk.org
Thakeham
First and foremost, Thakeham are community
creators committed to people, communities and
creating amazing places to live. Ahead of COP26,
in 2019, Thakeham committed to Zero Carbon
infrastructure-led placemaking approach and
is widely accepted as being at the forefront of
community creation in the UK.
@Thakeham
28
Sky News
The home of independent news
Sue Ryder
There when it matters Sue Ryder supports people
through the most difficult times of their lives.
Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a
loved one or a neurological condition – we’re
there when it matters. Our doctors, nurses and
carers give people the compassion and expert
care they need to help them live the best life they
possibly can.
www.sueryder.org
@Sue_Ryder
Macmillan Cancer Support
Come meet our fantastic Macmillan nurses!
Macmillan are the UK’s biggest charity supporting
people with cancer. Our incredible professionals
and volunteers do whatever it takes to support the
3million people living with cancer in the UK. We’re
delighted to be joined at conference by some of
the 6,400 nurses Macmillan has supported. It’s a
been a difficult year for the NHS – so they want
to talk to you about why it’s crucial to support the
workforce of the future and invest in a Cancer
Nurse Fund. Please drop by and say hello.
Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs is here to help the two million people
living with sight loss in the UK live the life they
choose. Our expert staff, volunteers and life-
changing dogs are here to help people affected by
sight loss live actively, independently and well.
BBC
The BBC invites delegates, politicians and
visitors to its stand to discuss its mission to
inform, educate and entertain. There will be
an opportunity to find out about the ambitious
Across the UK plans, focussing on representing all
audiences. This transformation in the way the BBC
commissions will see a clear majority of its UK-
wide TV made outside London by 2027/28, as well
as 50% of the network radio and music spend. The
stand will also showcase the World Service plus
the BBC’s work to provide the latest information
during the pandemic.
Alzheimer’s Society
The pandemic has been devastating for people
with dementia, with more than 34,000 losing their
lives to COVID-19. Come visit us to hear about
what we can do to finally #CureTheCareSystem.
Staffer for a politician? Come collect your free
goody bag!
Marie Curie
Marie Curie is the leader in end of life experience
in the UK. We offer expert care, guidance and
support to dying people across the UK, in their
own homes and our nine hospices. We campaign
inside and outside Parliament for the policy
changes needed to deliver the best possible end
of life for all.
www.mariecurie.org.uk
@mariecurieuk
Tideway
Construction on the Thames Tideway Tunnel is
entering its final phase of tunnelling, with 21km of
tunnel now constructed. Above ground, work has
started on the new pieces of land which form part
of Tideway’s legacy to London. Come to see us
to find out more about the exciting work we are
doing to reconnect London with the River Thames.
www.tideway.london
@TidewayLondon

WWF
WWF is the world’s leading independent
conservation organisation. The decisions made in
the coming months will define our future. Come
find us at Conservative Party conference, ahead
of COP26, to discuss how we can put nature and
land-use at the heart of our response to climate
change and support our global ambition to limit
warming to 1.5 degrees.
Key Cities
Key Cities: the network that speaks for urban UK.
Key Cities is a diverse, national network covering
almost half the UK’s urban areas. More than
any other network it represents urban living in
the UK, with the range, expertise and agility to
deliver innovative solutions for the challenges we
face. Key Cities are significant urban entities with
integrated municipal government in close touch
with the lived experience of their populations.
For Key Cities, platforming and connecting the
diverse voices of urban UK is central to unlocking
successful devolution and a productive, balanced
economy for all parts of the country. Our members
represent all of the major political parties and
places across England and Wales.
EDF Energy
Visit Sizewell C’s stand to find out more about
plans for the UK’s next new nuclear power station,
and the benefits it will bring for jobs, businesses
and the environment across the UK. Plus: test your
skills at nuclear construction with our live welding
experience!  negative by 2030 through pioneering carbon
Visit us online at SizewellC.com
October 2021
GB News UK
GB News is Britain’s first new television news
channel for 32 years. Its mission is to provide
plurality by listening to all voices around the UK,
especially outside London. After only three months
on air, the multi-media start-up is already breaking
new ground in news, opinion and debate.
People’s Postcode Lottery
To date, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have
raised over £750 million for good causes across
the world. Visit our stall to find out what players
have funded in your constituency and how you can
help ensure the maximum amount of funding is
available for good causes.
www.postcodelottery.info
@PPLPubAffairs
Sunbelt Rentals UK
We are the leading provider of plant, machinery,
rental equipment and managed solutions for
UK government. We supply to the facilities
management, construction, industrial, energy,
infrastructure, and event sectors. We are your one-
stop-shop covering national, regional and local
government.
Drax
We will be showcasing our transformation from
being the UK’s biggest coal fired power station
to one of the largest decarbonisation projects in
Europe and our exciting plans to become carbon
capture technology, stimulating green jobs and
driving the UK towards net zero.
EXHIBITOR LISTINGS
Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar
Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is happy to
again support the Conservative Party Conference.
The Chief Minister, The Hon Fabian Picardo QC
MP will be attending and host the now traditional
reception. Government officials will also be at
the Gibraltar stand to meet as many friends as
possible.
Visit Blackpool
Blackpool is both proud and excited to welcome
delegates back to the seaside for the spring
conference 2022. The resort has been through an
extensive investment and regeneration plan with
the arrival of new hotels and a new conference &
exhibition centre, the spring conference marks the
beginning of a new era for business events for the
resort. For further information on accommodation
and what’s on take a look at our website
visitblackpool.com.
@VisitBlackpool
INEOS
INEOS is a global chemicals company and the UK’s
biggest producer of clean, low-carbon hydrogen.
Our position as both a producer and consumer
of clean hydrogen gives us a unique perspective
on the transition to net zero. Visit our hydrogen
car exhibition and see how we’re fuelling the
hydrogen revolution.
29
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
INDEPENDENT
STREET M2
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER. SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL INDEPENDENTS
AND CREATING MONTHLY ARTISAN MARKETS AND ONE OFF EVENTS
David Rycroft Art Tipsy Hedgehog
Original art, upcycling and
repurposed object d’art.
www.davidrycroft.co.uk
Debbie Adamson Art
Artist and illustrator of original
artwork, cards and prints.
www.debbieadamson.com
Kevin France Enamel Art
Beautiful Enamel panels inspired
by wild windswept places, skylines,
silhouettes, reflections and the
Great British weather.
www.artbykevinfrance.com
The Tinned Fish Market
Based in Salford and a regular
fixture in local farmers markets in
the North West.  leather bags.
www.thetinnedfishmarket.com
LANX Shoes
Proper shoes for the boardroom to
the bar.
wwww.lanxshoes.com
Acanthus Glass
Decorative art glass and glass
jewellery.
Okay Cokey
Geometric sterling silver jewellery,
fluid art canvas, wired headbands
and accessories.
www.okaycokey.co.uk
30
Beautiful vintage and antique china
glassware filled with scented soy
wax candles.
www.folksy.com/shops/
TipsyHedgehog
Pens By Bailey
Pen maker from rare but sustainable
wood.
www.pensbybailey.co.uk
Sls Scott
UK Artist, Manchester - Aberdeen.
Paintings, prints, drawings and
commissions.
www.slscott.co.uk
Berber Leather
Luxury high quality handmade
www.berberleather.com
Devil Design
Handmade bespoke gifts and home
decor.
www.devildesign.co.uk
The Edge Gin
Cheshire based gin distillery. Award
winning smooth gins that make for
a magical G&T.
www.theedgegin.co.uk
Loubee Rox
Sterling silver and gold jewellery.
Hand-crafted in our Cheshire
workshop.
www.loubeerox.com
The Weston Biltong Company Rise N Design
Handmade biltong, crafted in the Handmade bespoke products and
Cheshire countryside using only home decor.
100% British Beef. www.risendesign.art
www.thewestonbiltongcompany.
co.uk ABHA London
Bold and Beautiful statement
From Puglia jewellery. 
Artisan Olive Oils from Puglia in www.abhalondon.com
southern Italy.
Alexandre of England
Alexandre of England’s suits are
Molly Lou Candles expertly tailored, with roots tracing
Luxury hand poured soy wax back to London iconic Savile Row.
candles, reed diffusers and much
more.
www.mollyloucandles.co.uk Blackwells Books
Independent bookseller, trading
Cocky Nairo Creative since 1879.
Framed Manchester meanings and www.blackwells.co.uk
quotes. Handmade decorations and
hilarious greetings cards. Lazy Lizards
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ Unique, ethical gifts crafted from
CockynairoCreative colourful hand-looms by barefoot
ceylon.
Arts and Craft by Roberta
www.lazylizards.co.uk
Mendonca
Beautiful handmade gifts and The Oxford Shirt Company
childrens stationary.
Clothes designed to take you from
www.ebay.co.uk/ the West End to Weekend.
artsandcraftsbyrobertamendonca
www.oxfordshirt.co.uk
Yes B VIP
Vegan / Eco Hair Repair / Growth
Brand.
www.yesbvip.com
Wood Like To Play
Beautifully handmade educational
puzzles for children.
www.woodliketoplay.co.uk
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 LIZ
TR U S S
FOREIG N S E C R E TA R Y
The country has had a tough eighteen months. That much everyone
knows. We are determined to take action to build back better
Both at home and abroad, this has
been a period like no other. The crisis in
Afghanistan and the global challenges
of Covid-19 have been at the forefront of
the work of my department, and that of
the government as a whole.
I want to be absolutely clear. The UK has
risen to these international challenges and
done itself proud. In Afghanistan we have
managed to evacuate more than 15,000
people during Operation PITTING, one of
the largest and most complex evacuations
in living memory. We have also established
the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme,
which will provide safe haven in our
country to some of the most vulnerable
people.
We’ve managed to carry out our work in
Afghanistan while leading the world with our
support for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
We have distributed hundreds of millions
of doses globally, two thirds of which
have been or are being sent to lower- and
middle-income countries. And we’re helping
to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to over 139
countries and economies.
When this government took office, we
made it clear that our mission was to
35
unleash a new Global Britain. As you can
see, we’ve been able to do just that.
Our Chairmanship of the G7 and the hosting
of the UN Climate Change Conference in
Glasgow enables the UK to take a lead
amongst the international community.
We published the Integrated Review, the
most comprehensive and far-sighted
▲ When we took office, we made it our mission
to unleash a new Global Britain. Thanks to your
support, we’ve done just that.
foreign and security policy strategy
published by a British government in
decades. This has informed how we
are driving our work at the G7 and in
preparation for COP, to further the UK
national interest.
Only a Conservative government could
seize these new opportunities. Since
the 2019 election this government has
already made huge strides in boosting our
free trade, human rights and science and
technology agenda.
We are harnessing the power of global
free trade to help the world build back
stronger and greener. We have agreed
trade deals with almost 70 countries
plus the EU. The benefit of this goes
straight to UK small businesses and
British consumers. This includes our first
landmark FTA which we agreed with
Australia.
Beyond this, we are boosting our
relationships with the growth markets of the
future, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, as the
hub of economic opportunity this century.
We have achieved a new partnership
with ASEAN countries in South-East Asia,

launched negotiations on joining the
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP),
which is a trade agreement with countries
including Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Canada
and New Zealand, while also agreeing a
Roadmap with India which outlines our
shared desire to negotiate an FTA.
On human rights, we continue to forge
ahead to ensure that the UK is truly a force
for good on the world stage.
In spite of the significant challenges
to our values taking place in Belarus,
▲ I’m proud to take on the role of Foreign Secretary. Together we’ll make Britain an even stronger
force for good.
October 2021
Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Iran and
Afghanistan, we continue to hold human
rights abusers to account.
We established the UK’s first Global
Human Rights sanctions regime to target
human rights abusers globally. And we
followed this up with a new Global Anti-
Corruption Sanctions Regime, which will
prevent corrupt actors from using the
UK as a haven for dirty money, while
combating corruption around the world.
On Climate Change, we continue to lead
the way to tackle the climate crisis. With
CONSERVATIVECENTRAL
COP26 coming to Glasgow in November,
I have discussed climate in around 100
engagements with my counterparts across
the world, asking countries to improve their
pledges, so we can leave the planet in a
better state for future generations.
We have taken action by doubling our
International Climate Finance to £11.6bn, while
also using the G7 to drive further ambition.
I am also using all the power of the
newly created Foreign, Commonwealth
and Development Office to ensure
girls get 12 years of quality education,
to transform the fortunes of not just
individuals, but whole communities
around the world. Our hosting of the
Global Education Summit raised almost
$4bn for this cause.
We have also been focused on keeping
the British people safe by responding
to global threats. We are increasing our
defence spending by £24 billion over
the next four years, which exceeds our
NATO pledge, while remaining absolutely
committed to our nuclear deterrent.
So while we grapple with the challenges of
our time, we will also grasp the opportunities
to trade more energetically and act as an
ever stronger force for good in the world.
That’s the mission of Global Britain that the
Prime Minister is leading and all of us in
government are delivering. ■
36