URGENT ISSUE TOPIC SELECTED

The topic for the ‘urgent issue’ discussion at Harrogate this weekend will be gun crime. It will be at 17:10 on Saturday. This topic was chosen by Federal Conference Committee and Federal Policy Committee officers, from a wide range of issues submitted by conference reps, and will give conference-goers a chance to take part in a broad-ranging discussion on this highly topical issue

TRIDENT DEBATE
The debate on Trident takes place on Saturday morning. It is scheduled to start at 11:10, but we will bring the start time forward if we can, as we anticipate a large number of speaker’s cards will be submitted. Aim to be in the hall from at least 11:00.

Copies of all amendments selected to the main motion will be distributed on Friday evening, so as to give conference reps a good chance to read and discuss them in advance. Copies will be handed out at the end of the rally on Friday evening (19:30) and will also be available in the Holiday Inn Hotel later.

Anyone aiming to speak in the debate is encouraged to submit their speaker’s cards as early as possible. On Friday, cards can be picked up from, and handed back to, the Information Desk in the Conference Centre, which will be open until 8.00pm. (From Saturday, cards will be available only from stewards in the auditorium.)

4Rs CONSULTATION CANCELLATION
Due to ill health the 4Rs Commission consultation session will not be taking place as originally scheduled on Friday. The work of the Commission has been paused while chair Dr Bethan Marshall convalesces. We wish her well and will keep members informed of a reviewed timetable for the final paper’s publication when we can confirm it.

GETTING AROUND CONFERENCE
Finally, I advise leaving yourself plenty of time to get into and around the Conference Centre. Due to security checks and the size of the building you should allow at least 10 minutes to get from the entrance to the auditorium – and more at peak times!