Next Tuesday London Liberal Democrats hold our conference– and this year, as well as keynote speeches from Nick Clegg and Brian Paddick, we will be making time for some new sessions too.

Firstly, there’ll be a Campaign Briefing, led by Chris Rennard, who will update members and activists about the campaign we are now running across the capital, in the run-up to the Mayor and GLA elections on 1 May.

And secondly we will also have time for a discussion of three of the really big issues facing the future of London:

* What’s the liberal way to keep Londoners safe? (which will be introduced by Chamali Fernando)
* How do we solve London’s housing crisis? (introduced by Jo Christie-Smith)
* What’s the next big step forward for transport in London? (introduced by Denys Robinson)

What’s the liberal way to keep Londoners safe?

As Londoners, we’re some of the most watched people on the planet but how do we balance freedom and privacy with the benefits that CCTV can bring to solving crime and reducing antisocial behaviour? How should Lib Dems address fear of crime in local communities without demonising young people and what do you think of Safer Neighbourhood Teams; should we spend more on them or are they just not working in your area? Stop and Search: is it vital for combating terrorism in our city or the fastest way to divide a community? And if we do use Stop and Search, how should we use it?

How do we solve London’s housing crisis?

Everybody agrees that London needs more housing but very few people want their Borough to be the one that provides it. How are the Lib Dems in London going to make sure that London families have access to affordable housing that’s big enough for their needs. Should we be focussing on providing more affordable homes to buy or social housing? What’s the most environmental and sustainable way to increase the housing stock in London and what type of housing are we most in need of? What should the role of the Mayor and the GLA in housing Londoners?

What’s the next big step forward for transport in London?

With the Evening Standard reporting that rush hour traffic is as slow as it was before the Congestion Charge came in transport in London needs a radical rethink. With Ken stale and running out of ideas and Boris on a different planet, it’s the Lib Dems that need to come up with a radical programme for improving the speed and ease at which Londoners travel around. What are we going to do about increased congestion, Heathrow expansion and encouraging all of us on to bikes and buses? London Underground and the Metronet debacle have cost Londoners a fortune – how are we going to ensure it doesn’t happen again?

Please come along and join us and contribute your views on these key areas.

London Liberal Democrats conference is on 18 March, from 5.45pm, very close to Euston station, at Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD

* Denys Robinson is Chair of London Liberal Democrats.

[Editor’s note: we will happily publicise regional conferences for any region. Simply drop us an email at [email protected]].