It is said that party conferences can make or break a leader. As this year’s season of Party conferences begins, the Conservatives marked a few days of some imperative remarks, decisions and promises for the voters to note ahead of the upcoming general elections in 2024. The Conservative Party conference was held on Sunday 1 October and will run until Wednesday 4 October. It is in Manchester this year, at the Central Convention Complex, which is a conference centre converted from the former Manchester Central railway station. Members of the Conservative Friends of India including Ameet Jogia MBE, Reena Ranger OBE, former and present Home Secretaries, Priti Patel MP and Suella Braverman, and High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami were also present.
In the Conservative party Agenda, PM Sunak said, “The stakes in the general election next year have never been higher. The choice the British people will be confronted with isn’t just between the Conservatives and Labour but two different ways of doing politics. Governing in the long-term interests of the country and making the tough but right decisions with the Conservatives or short-term politically motivated action, with no regard to the consequences with Labour. Now is the time for we Conservatives to unite around this common purpose. We have much work to do and I know you will all be up for the fight.
Among the many highlights and achievements enlisted during the party conference, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he will not be "forced into a premature decision" on the future of HS2. He told the BBC an "enormous amount" of money was being spent on the high-speed train line and it was important to make the right long-term decision.
Pressure is growing on the PM to make an announcement as reports continue to circle that he is going to scrap the line's Birmingham to Manchester leg. But the PM refused to confirm whether it would go ahead.
National living wage boost and benefits reform announced by Chancellor
In the past, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had announced a substantial wage boost for low-paid workers in the UK. The National Living Wage was set to increase to at least £11.00 per hour by April 2024. Additionally, the government had outlined plans to reform the benefit sanctions regime, aiming to create a more equitable system.
£4bn investment in new hunter-killer submarines revealed by Defence Secretary
In a significant development for the country's defence capabilities, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps unveiled a £4 billion investment in advanced attack submarines. These submarines were expected to bolster the UK's defence while also providing support for domestic jobs in the submarine-building sector.
Government introduces 'Jade's Law' to strip partner-killers of parental responsibility
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk introduced 'Jade's Law' in the past, a measure designed to suspend parental responsibility for individuals convicted of killing their partners. The law aimed to protect children from parental involvement in such tragic cases, with potential exemptions considered for parents displaying diminished responsibility due to domestic abuse.
Transport Secretary opposes Labour's anti-car measures
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has strongly opposed Labour's anti-car policies in the past. He outlined a comprehensive plan to counteract these measures, addressing issues such as insurance claims, traffic zones, and parking. The government's actions were intended to protect the interests of motorists.
Energy efficiency for social housing tenants
The Secretary of State for Energy Security announced £80 million in funding for energy efficiency improvements in social housing. The initiative aimed to make homes warmer and reduce energy bills for thousands of social housing tenants, aligning with the government's commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Six companies progress in Nuclear Design Competition
In the realm of nuclear power development, six companies have been shortlisted to build Small Modular Reactors in the UK. The government's objective was to lead in the development of cleaner and more secure energy sources, with this initiative expected to bring substantial investments and job opportunities.
Government's efforts to tackle late payments to SMEs
The government announced measures to address the issue of late payments that affected small businesses in the past. The focus was on improving the payment culture, especially for SMEs, to help businesses save time and maintain healthy cash flow.
Review of regulatory practices post-Brexit
In a post-Brexit landscape, the government launched a comprehensive review of regulatory practices, involving 90 regulators in the UK. The aim was to reduce bureaucratic red tape for businesses while improving outcomes for consumers. The focus was on making regulation more effective, responsive, and accountable.
Conservatives' ban on mobile phones in schools
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan made a significant announcement in the past, imposing a ban on the use of mobile phones in schools. This move was intended to reduce distractions and facilitate a focused learning environment, with limited exemptions considered for medical reasons.
