Bristol Green Councillors to attend largest ever Party Conference in Bournemouth

Bristol councillors will be attending the biggest ever autumn Green Party National Conference with a large number of local party members expected to head to Bournemouth this weekend.

Some of the key issues to be debated will be creating a robust strategy on addressing the homelessness crisis, strengthening laws on how retailers deal with food waste and broadening democratic reform policy.

The Conference focuses on amending and writing the Green Party’s standing national policy document, the Policies for a Sustainable Society. Unlike other party conferences, any member can put forward a motion and find support from four other members for it to be voted on a “one member one vote” basis on the conference floor. The Conference will also see a mix of public addresses and debates, workshops and emergency motions.

It is expected that leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett will spell out the urgent need for a binding international deal to tackle climate change ahead of the Paris Climate Talks in December.

Councillor Carla Denyer (Clifton East) will be attending, and is looking forward her first conference since becoming an elected representative of the party.

Cllr Denyer said:

‘Conference is an exciting time when experts in various fields debate the merits of old policies and new to ensure that we have a robust policy base for both our national and local platforms. 

She Added:

‘As well as attending with my councillor hat on, I will also be volunteering for the conference team with dozens of others, helping to ensure the event runs smoothly. There is a real buzz around conference, especially during this crucial time of growth for the Green Party – I can’t wait to get started!’

The Green Party website suggests that the starting point for members attending the conference is to:

‘Imagine a political system that puts the public first. Imagine an economy that gives everyone their fair share.

Imagine a society capable of supporting everyone’s needs. Imagine a planet protected from the threat of climate change now and for the generations to come.’