Housing, AI and insourcing among issues to be debated at conference

Topics for debate at this year’s Labour Party conference include housing, AI and insourcing following the results of the priorities ballot.

The annual ballot decides which contemporary motions will be given time for debate at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool this week.

A total of 12 topics were selected as part of the ballot. Six were selected by constituency Labour Party (CLP) delegates and the remainder by affiliates.

The full list of topics selected is as follows:

CLP list:

• Housing
• Violence against women and girls (VAWG)
• Buses
• Knife crime
• Reindustrialisation
• Fairness for older workers

Affiliate list:

• Opportunities for young people
• AI in the interests for working people
• Reindustrialising our communities
• Insourcing and public ownership
• Public services
• Rebuilding our economy for working people

The ballot earlier today narrowed the options down from 36. Other potential topics included regulatory safeguards and public scrutiny, the Middle East, animal welfare, gambling and supporting women in prison.

The confirmation of the priorities ballot means CLPs that were successful in submitting a motion can attend composite meetings to further decide on the exact wording of the motions. A maximum of two delegates from each successful CLP can attend meetings on Sunday night, which are required to culminate by 11pm.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has talked repeatedly of plans to “reindustrialise” the UK. Language included in the motions argues for “deepening collaboration with local authorities, trade unions, business, supported by local MPs to guarantee that communities like Rossendale and Darwen remain at the forefront of the UK’s reindustrialisation”, according to the Rossendale and Darwen motion.

On housing, the Labour in Local and Regional Government (LLRG) called on the Government to strengthen planning oversight, “back local authorities to flexibly fund and build new homes” and continued coordination by local and regional government. The LLRG was joined in the motion by Chingford and Woodford Green and Witham CLPs.

More to follow

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