Paul’s conference diary (4) – Why I care, Simon Hughes at church and Glee Club photos

My last day before I disappear on five buses. I had a run along the promenade and noticed a police operation. I take my hat off to the police. We should remember that they spend an awful lot of time and care following up “concerns for safety”. Often they are like emergency social workers. Full marks to them.

Hove Plinth is a thing. At the moment it has a beautiful sculpture called “Flight of the Langoustine” on it (pictured).

While having breakfast I watched the debate on A Liberal Vision for primary health care.

It was good to see our two Maguire MPs, Helen and Ben, speaking in the same debate. There were several harrowing tales of do-it-yourself dentistry. It was good to hear from GP Peter and Ben from the busiest emergency department in Europe, in Leicester, where they see 1000 patients a day.

I would point out that for the first time we are being asked to conceal our badges as we walk around the streets of Brighton. It makes sense. Why make yourself an easy target for some lunatic?

I waved at the Brighton offshore windmills (the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm). Ed asked us to, because they are a Liberal Democrat governmental achievement. Note: he didn’t say tilt at them.

Another stroll round the exhibition hall. I was thoroughly educated in the basics of heat pumps at the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) stand.

The Property Institute had an excellent true or false test – I won a mini Mars bar – and learnt some fascinating facts about leasehold/commonhold.

There is a “Why I care, why I fight” board for us to scribe something wise on. There were only spaces about seven feet up or at the bottom. I was persuaded not to stand on a chair to do it – just think of the insurance. So I lay on the floor and filled in a big space at the bottom. What to write? Well, I try not to bang on about it but the basic motivation at the bottom of my conscience, which keeps me going, is my faith. The board was missing a Biblical quote so I went with “Whatever you do for the least amongst you, you do for me”.

I went to the stand of the Office of Tibet and met N Dhargyal (see photo). It was heart-rending to hear of the massive ice melt and ravageous mining in Tibet. As requested, I will be writing to my MP (Hello, Lee!) about it.

Arthritis UK is the biggest funder of arthritis research in the world. They gave the money to develop the current generation of drugs for inflammatory arthritis.

I read the very interesting “Irish World” newspaper as I ate lunch in the beautiful Russell Square gardens.

I then went to, for me, the most astounding event of this conference. It was a fringe meeting not mentioned in the conference directory. I was handed a flyer for it this morning. It wasn’t in the normal conference venues, but a short walk away in the extraordinarily beautiful and historic church of Saint Paul’s. Yes, actually in the central nave of the church. It was organised by LibDem Lawyers “Rights Liberties Justice”.

Simon Hughes (above) outlined, with extraordinary detail and fluency, the story of “black arts” and the press. The latter half of his speech explained his own involvement in the story, and the recent judgment of the group case of which he is part.

I was left with tremendous admiration for Simon, for the sober caution and expertise with which he has approached the case, and the honest way he stated his predicament. He has proceeded carefully, seeking and receiving much advice at every stage. I will certainly be praying for Simon and for a just outcome to the case. The deadline for appeals is next week.

Supporting people to age well. Colleague Mary Reid spoke very movingly about dementia treatment.

As usual Jane Dodds gave a very uplifting presentation on Wales. I’m glad she gave a big shout-out to David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm-Tawe.

To the hall motion: Stopping violence against women and girls in the digital age.

Wera Hobhouse put forward an amendment (for which she is also preparing a bill) to regulate smart glasses.

It was great to see Yi-Pie Chou Turvey, MSP for North-East Scotland, making a speech.

Kitty Dawson is aged 13 and made a superb speech which drew a spontaneous standing ovation from the whole hall.

This was the sort of debate which makes you very proud to be a Liberal Democrat.

I then went to another excellent party briefing. It was quite wonderful to see my old friends Gerald and Mark doing a big part of the presenting.

I then went for a lie down and a cup of tea. With the Glee Club rearing its head, I need to preserve my energy.

And so to the Glee Club. I am delighted to bring you a photo (below) of, by day, Chair of the Liberal Democrat Campaign for Racial Equality and, by night, our glamorous maestro for the Glee Club, Janice Turner.

Thank you for reading these diaries and thank you to the party and Brighton for a superb conference!