Scottish Autumn Conference 2023 Report
The election is coming. Change is coming. And we represent so much of what Britain needs to become. So let’s get out there.
Alex Cole-Hamilton
Liberal Democrats from across Scotland, including from Renfrewshire, met at the 2023 Autumn Conference in Edinburgh on 4th November 2023. The conference could potentially be the last one before the next General Election and was filled with energy and excitement. There is many new first-time members at conference that was filling with lots of debates including around replacing Council Tax and the introduction new mini-motion format that saw lots of great engagement particularly with first time speakers.
As the general election approaches, we are reminded how the Scottish Liberal Democrats can be the answer for the millions of people crying out for representation which embodies the values they hold dear. For someone who will put the interests of their communities first. Who will carry themselves with integrity and lead by example.
Guest Speakers: Nazanin Zaghari and Richard Radcliffe
One of the biggest and moving sessions was the interview, hosted by Christine Jardine, with guest speakers with Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe and Richard Ratcliffe. Christine started with her personal story that she still has the blue flower Richard gave her when she went to visit him outside the Iranian Embassy when he was on hunger strike during Nazanin’s six-year imprisonment in Iran.
It was a really interesting question and answer session finding out about how it is campaigning and dealing with the Foreign Office to help secure the release. Lot of learning around how it is currently setup and how to look at improving it going forward for all citizens. Changing it to a right instead of being dependent on the relationship with a minister.
