Conservative Party Conference 2024: Seahorse Environmental’s green event guide
As this autumn’s conference season comes to an end, the Conservatives will hold the final get-together of the three largest parties in Birmingham from 29 September-2 October. For their first conference in opposition for 14 years, the Tories will focus on what direction the party heads in following defeat and which of the four remaining leadership candidates is best equipped to guide them. This leadership contest will be pivotal in determining the Conservatives’ approach to environmental policy, with some candidates offering a more net-zero sceptic vision to try and win over Reform voters.
The conference has a slightly lighter agenda this year, with notable absences being speeches from the Opposition Leader and shadow cabinet secretaries – except for Shadow Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Nonetheless, there are several green events in the line-up looking at a range of environmental issues such as land use, nature finance, and the political expedience of net zero.
Seahorse has created a green event guide for the 2024 Conservative Party Conference to help environment-focused attendees navigate the agenda. The full agenda for the conference can be found here.
Please note that all events listed as ICC will require a conference pass.
Sunday 29th September
15:00 - 16:00. Muddying the waters: where next for water quality? (Conservative Environment Network, WWF, and the Soil Association). Kickstarting the green agenda is one of CEN’s first events at this year’s conference, with this panel discussion focusing on a key topic in the recent general election: sewage. The speakers will examine what action is required to clean up the UK’s waterways and whether there is a “distinctly conservative approach” to this issue. Chaired by CEN’s Senior Nature Programme Manager, Kitty Thompson, other speakers include Rebecca Smith MP, the Soil Association’s Gareth Morgan, EnTrade’s Guy Thompson, and Norfolk Seaweed’s Willie Athill.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 7
18:30 - 20:00. The nature of our economy (Green Alliance). With COP16 approaching and the biodiversity financing gap still a huge barrier to meeting 2030 nature targets, the UK must continue to build its reputation for sustainable finance. This panel, which will be chaired by Green Alliance’s Shaun Spiers and feature Nattergal’s Archie Struthers, WWF’s Angela Francis, and Santander UK’s Oliver Breen, will examine how to embed nature finance into UK policy.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Disraeli Theatre
Monday 30th September
09:30 - 09:50. In Conversation with the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. Day two of the conference starts with a speech from Shadow Chancellor Jeremy Hunt – the only member of the shadow cabinet who will taking centre stage.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 1 (Main Stage)
14:00. Meet Our Leadership Candidates Part 1: In Conversation & Member Questions. Want to know more about the four Tory leadership candidates? In part 1 of the ‘meet our leadership candidates’ event, Shadow Minister for Security Tom Tugendhat and Shadow Housing Secretary Kemi Badenoch will answer questions from members about how they plan to reform and revive the party.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 1 (Main Stage)
13:30 - 14:30. Is net zero an electoral asset or liability for the Conservatives? (Conservative Environment Network in association with RenewableUK). After huge seat losses to more pro-net zero parties in the recent election, alongside the loss of many votes to the anti-net zero Reform UK, this panel will look at whether the party will turn towards or away from a stronger stance on the 2050 target. Speakers include Graham Stuart MP and former Tory MP Selaine Saxby.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 7
18:00 - 19:30. Animals Matter in partnership with Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation. Join the Animals Matter coalition – comprising RSPCA, FOUR PAWS UK, Compassion in World Farming and Humane Society International/UK – at an evening reception, hosted by Rebecca Harris MP, to recognise the important of improving animal protection.
Venue: Hyatt Regency, Fortissimo
Tuesday 1st October
10:30 - 12:00. Delivering the transition: how electrifying heat will create a secure and prosperous future for the UK (Nesta and The Carbon Trust). With households once again facing rising energy bills, the electrification of heat offers solutions to issues such as high costs and energy insecurity. In this panel, speakers will look at how this can be delivered in an affordable way.
Venue: Hyatt Regency, Andante Suite
13:30 - 14:30. Crude awakening: is the UK ready for the energy transition? (Uplift and Conservative Environment Network). As the UK transitions away from fossil fuels, it is crucial that communities who have relied on the oil and gas sector are supported. Panellists including Shadow Energy Minister Mark Garnier, Ørsted’s Richard Bodal Hansen, Uplift’s Gwen Peters, and former Tory MP Virginia Crosbie will discuss how to balance reaching climate goals with energy and job security.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 7
14:00. Meet Our Leadership Candidates Part 2: In Conversation & Member Questions. In part 2 of the ‘meet our leadership candidates’ event, Robert Jenrick MP and Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly MP will take turns to answer questions from members about their visions for the party.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 1 (Main Stage)
22:30 - 00:00. Green Groups Reception. Celebrate the final evening of conference with various environmental NGOs such as Green Alliance, The Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, RSPB, WWF, Marine Conservation Society, CPRE, Woodlands Trust, Greenpeace, Uplift, Chester Zoo, The Nature Conservancy, WWT, Hope for the Future, and Wildlife and Countryside Link.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 11b
Wednesday 2nd October
10:45. Leadership Candidate Speeches. On the final day of conference, each of the four candidates will have the opportunity to make their case for becoming the next Conservative Leader to party members. This conference is serving as another leadership campaign moment, offering candidates more time with members, but there is still over a month to go until the next leader is announced on 2nd November. Post-conference and leadership election will be the real pivotal moment for the party to properly step in the role of the Official Opposition and set out its ambitions and priorities for this parliamentary session.
Venue: Birmingham ICC, Hall 1 (Main Stage)