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 – 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.
More information will follow shortly, but a broad outline of the event is as follows:
10:30 Welcome address and introduction
10:40 Keynote address
11:00 Co-operative Party Campaigns update:
12.00 Policy workshop: Co-operative Party General Election Manifesto development
12:45 LUNCH
13.15 Co-operative Party Equality Networks: Get involved
13.30 Keynote address
14.00 Focus on .. Scottish policy objectives, including:
16.00 – 17.00 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
The Grassmarket Community Project, Candlemakers Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QA