From Crisis to Co-operation – Scottish Co-operative Party conference

For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Co-operative Party is returning to Scotland in one of a series of in-person Conferences being held across all regions and nations of the UK.  Members and supporters are invited to take part in this event on Saturday 22 April from 10.30am to 4pm in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket Community Project.

This is your Conference and your chance to meet with Scottish Co-operative Party members to discuss, debate and take part in workshops as we examine the theme ‘From Crisis to Co-operation’ by identifying the local co-operative initiatives that really do make a difference to communities in the midst of a cost of living crisis.

As well as hearing examples of best practice from invited guest speakers – including Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of Scottish Labour and Ian Murray MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland and PPC Kirsty McNeill– we want to hear from you, our members – on how we can widen ownership in our economy and give people the tools and support to tackle the big issues from inequality, hunger and energy provision to green jobs and high street regeneration.

& after the event finishes, we are holding a drinks reception to mark the retirement of Harry Cairney as President of Scotmid Co-operative.  Do stay on and join us..

Following a recent decision by the Co-operative Party NEC to hold an in-person Annual Conference every 2-years, this will be the main chance that members have this year to meet with other members from across our nation to discuss, debate and take part in workshops.

The programme*

10:00     Registration commences

10.30     Introduction:

• Cathy Peattie, Vice-Chair Scottish Co-operative Party

10.35     Welcome:

• Cllr Cammy Day, Leader Edinburgh City Council

10.40     Keynote address + Q&A:

• Kirsty McNeill, Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns at Save the Children UK

11.00     Co-operative Party campaigns

• Food Justice
• Great Homes Upgrade/ retrofit
• Councils for Fair Tax

11.45     tea/coffee

12.00     Policy workshop: Co-operative Party General Election Manifesto development, led by:

• Richard McCready, Scottish Co-op Party Parliamentary and Political Officer

12.45     lunch

13.15     Welcome back

• Ben Procter, Chair Scottish Co-operative Party

13.15     Diverse voices – the work of the Co-op Party Equalities Networks

• Moya O’Rourke, Communications Officer

13.30     Keynote address + Q&A:

• Monica Lennon MSP & Co-Chair Scottish Co-operative Party Parliamentary Group

14.00     Keynote address + Q&A:

• Ian Murray MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland

14.30     Focus on Scotland:

• Community Energy
• Land Reform
• Skills and Apprenticeships
• Community Wealth Building

3.30        Keynote address + Q&A:

• Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of Scottish Labour

4.00        Networking drinks

• Do join us for a short while after Conference finishes for the chance to meet with other co-operators as we mark the retirement of Harry Cairney, President of ScotMid Co-op.

*Subject to change

Venue

The Grassmarket Community Project, Candlemakers Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QA

Conference Registration