From Crisis to Co-operation – Midlands regional conference

For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Co-operative Party is returning to your region in one of a series of in-person Conferences being held across all regions and nations of the UK.  Members and supporters from across East & West Midlands are invited to take part in this event in Derby on Saturday 25 February from 10.30am to 3pm.

This is your Conference and your chance to meet with Co-op Party members from across the Midlands 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 – 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.

The venue

Derby University Enterprise Centre, Bridge Street, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3LD

The programme*

A broad outline of the event is as follows:

10:30  Welcome address :

• Catherine Atkinson, Labour & Co-operative prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) for Derby North
• Baggy Shanker, Labour & Co-operative PPC for Derby South and Leader of the Labour Group on Derby City Council

10:40 Keynote address & Q&A: Alex Norris MP, Shadow Minister for Levelling Up

11:00  Co-operative Party Campaigns update, speakers include:

• Stu Sherwin, Stirchley Co-operative Development
• Dr Jeevun Sandher, Head of Economics New Economics Foundation
• Cllr Emily Wood, Lincoln Council
• Chair – Elaine Dean

12:00  Policy workshop: Co-operative Party General Election Manifesto development

12:45  LUNCH

13.15  Co-operative Party Equality Networks: Get involved

• Jennifer Hemingway, Equalities Officer, Co-operative Party

13.30 Keynote address (via Zoom): Preet Gill MP, Chair of Co-operative Party Parliamentary Group and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development.

13.45 Focus on.. the Midlands:

• Baroness Anderson of Stoke on Trent on West Mids Levelling up
• Jeevan Jones, National Members Council, the Co-op

14.15 Delivering a co-operative agenda locally, speakers include:

• Tom McNeill, Dept. Police & Crime Commissioner West Midlands
• Cllr Alison Martin, Derby City Council

14.45 Final words – looking forward to a co-operative future in the Midlands

• Lord Vernon Coaker

15.00 – end-

Following the Conference there will be the opportunity to get out and door-knock for a local Labour & Co-operative candidate.

*Subject to change

Conference Registration