Join us at Conservative Party Conference | Conservative Environment Network

Our events at Conservative Party Conference 2025

Manchester
Sunday 5th October - Tuesday 7th October

Join us at Conservative Party Conference where we'll be hosting an extensive programme of fringe events to debate environmental issues and conservative solutions.

Our events will be held in the CEN room in the exhibition hall of Manchester Central, with the exception of our pizza party which will be held in Franco Manca, Manchester Piccadilly.

You can also find us at our stand in the main hall where each day we will be highlighting a different campaign and offering themed merchandise.

We'll be updating this webpage with even more speakers as we announce them.

Monday 6th October

10:30 - 11:30 | From waste to watts: Turning rubbish into reliable energy

Britain’s future energy security depends upon growing and diversifying our supply of reliable, domestically produced energy. For some of the most difficult to decarbonise sectors, green gas could provide an important solution. This panel will examine what role green gas could play in protecting the UK from volatile global energy markets, supporting rural economies, and delivering a cleaner, more secure future.

Speakers: Nick Park (Senior Adviser, Global Counsel); Cllr Kelham Cooke (Member, Local Government Association Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board); Cllr Lizzie Hacking (National Chairman, Conservative Rural Forum); Nic Crowe (Government Affairs Director, Green Gas Taskforce); and Sam Hall (Director, Conservative Environment Network)

12:00 - 13:00 | Powering the future: Can we build our way to energy security?

The goals of strengthening energy security, lowering bills, and tackling climate change are only achievable if we build more clean energy infrastructure. Building new power lines, solar farms, nuclear plants, and wind turbines is essential to meet growing energy demands, but can often prove controversial. How should Conservatives respond? And how can developers work with communities to win support?

Speakers: Graham Stuart MP (Former Energy Minister), Harriet Cross MP (Opposition Assistant Whip); Daisy Powell-Chandler (Partner and Head of Energy and Environment Practice, Public First); Claire Skelton (Director of Policy and Regulation, ScottishPower Renewables); and Max Anderson (Head of Communications, CEN).

13:30 - 14:30 | Can Brexit help to restore British nature?

The environment emerged as one of the greatest potential beneficiaries of Brexit. But has this opportunity been seized? Or has DEFRA lost sight of the original vision? What steps should the UK take now, outside of the EU, to deliver better outcomes for the environment and the economy? Join us at this panel event to find out how Brexit can help to reverse the fortunes of one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

Speakers: Lord Gove (Editor, The Spectator); Hilary McGrady (Director-General, National Trust); and Sam Hall (Director, CEN).

15:00 - 16:00 | Go green or go broke: What is a conservative approach to financing net zero?

Trump’s second term has seen a flurry of American banks exiting net zero alliances and dropping their sustainability commitments. Is this something for conservatives to cheer or does it damage the prospects for the private sector leading action on climate change? Will the Conservatives continue to champion fiscally responsible policies for attracting private capital into the transition, or will their head be turned by the changed global context?

Speakers: Graham Stuart MP (Former Energy Minister); Greg Hands (Former Trade, Energy, and Treasury Minister); Matthew Lesh (Country Manager, Freshwater Strategy); Joe Dharampal-Hornby (Head of Public Affairs and Communications, UKSIF); and John Flesher (Deputy Director, CEN).

16:30 - 17:30 | Wild idea: Should landowners be free to do what they want on their own land?

From rewilding and renewables, to forestry and farm shops, land use change can be controversial. Rarely can a landowner change how they use their land without facing red tape or red, angry faces. Should landowners listen to them? Or should they be able to simply get on with it?

Speakers: Robbie Moore MP (Shadow Farming Minister); Baroness Coffey (Former Environment Secretary); Maxwell Marlow (Director of Public Affairs, Adam Smith Insitute); Martin Lines (CEO, Nature Friendly Farming Network); and Kitty Thompson (Head of Campaigns, CEN)

19:30 - 21:00 | Next Gen CEN: Free markets, free pizza, fresh perspectives

Calling all young conservatives! Join Next Gen CEN as we take over Franco Manca Manchester Piccadilly. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and drinks, while you connect with other young conservatives who believe in championing market-based environmental solutions. Whether you're a climate policy wonk or just starting your conservative environmental journey, come and find out more about our growing community of under 30s!

Location: Franco Manca, Manchester Piccadilly (seven minute walk from the secure zone)

Tuesday 7th October

09:00 - 10:00 | Air pollution and transport freedom: CEN councillor breakfast

Much of the debate around improving air quality is dominated by messages of bans, fines and restrictions, running counter to conservative principles. But what could an approach to improving air quality through conservative policies look like? Join us for bacon rolls and pastries to discuss how Conservatives can win with a positive offer on the environment and learn more about campaigning for cleaner air through conservative policies.

Speakers: David Simmonds MP (Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government); Cllr John Cope (Chairman, Conservative Councillors' Association); Thomas Turrell AM (Environment Spokesman, Conservative London Assembly Group); and Sam Hall (Director, CEN).

10:30 - 11:30 | International climate collaboration in the age of Trump: All talk, no climate action?

With the US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement again, can the UK and other allies meaningfully influence big emitters like China to cut their emissions and fund climate action overseas? If the era of global collaboration on climate change is over, what happens next? And what does this mean for countries that cannot afford to decarbonise or adapt to the effects of rising temperatures without help?

Speakers: Louie French MP (Shadow Minister for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society); Rebecca Smith MP (Opposition Assistant Whip); Tom Nurcombe (Senior Researcher, Coalition for Global Prosperity); Peter Cardwell (TalkTV, Commentator); and Fin McCarron (Senior International Programme Manager, CEN).

12:00- 13:00 | Power struggles: How can the Conservatives beat Reform on energy policy?

Both the Conservatives and Reform have pledged to scrap net zero by 2050 and authorise more oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Does the party copy Reform on ripping up renewable energy contracts, banning pylons and batteries, and restarting fracking? Or is there political advantage from championing a distinct alternative, Conservative path that will lower energy bills and bring communities with us as we decarbonise?

Speakers: Rebecca Smith MP (Opposition Assistant Whip); Andy Street (Former Mayor for the West Midlands); Samuel Hughes (Co-author, Foundations); David Hickling (Head of UK Public Affairs, RWE); and John Flesher (Deputy Director, CEN).

13:30 - 14:30 | The nature of opposition: In conversation with Victoria Atkins

From cutting Agricultural Property Relief to tightening penalties for polluting water companies, holding the government to account on farming and sewage has kept Victoria Atkins, the Shadow Environment Secretary, busy. But what’s the positive Conservative offer on protecting and restoring nature? Join us as we discuss this Labour government’s policies on the environment, what she has been working on in Parliament, how she is approaching the party’s policy review process, and her ambition to retain the Conservative’s title as the party of the natural environment.

Speakers: Victoria Atkins MP (Shadow Environment Secretary); and Sam Hall (Director, CEN).

15.00- 16.00 | Returning to our roots: Should environmentalism be a conservative agenda?

Kemi Badenoch has promised to return the Conservatives to first principles and then to power. After a seismic election defeat and with growing electoral threats, how can the Conservatives chart a route back to government and what role will the environment play? CEN’s new book, Returning to our roots, sets out the principles underpinning a conservative approach to protecting the environment. Join us to find out more and discuss.

Speakers: Cllr Richard Clewer (Conservative Group Leader, Wiltshire County Council); William Atkinson (Assistant Content Editor, The Spectator's); Dr Daniel Pitt (Visiting Postdoctoral Professor, University of Buckingham); and Izzy Goodwin (Head of Outreach, CEN).

16:30 - 17:30 | Reindustrialising Britain: Can hydrogen make British industry competitive again?

British industry faces threats from expensive energy, trade barriers, and cheaper imports. As the world moves towards cleaner energy, industry is looking for new solutions. Hydrogen can help decarbonise industry, but without more domestic production, the UK won’t be able to meet growing demand. What is the conservative approach to building this industry? Can and should the UK become a world leader? Are the costs affordable?

Speakers: Mark Garnier MP (Shadow Treasury Minister); David Simmonds MP (Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government); Charles Hendry (Former Minister for Energy and Climate Change); Laura Weldon (Head of Public Affairs, Cadent Gas); and Elinor Bale (Climate Programme Manager, CEN).

18:00 - 19:00 | Saving the planet and the party: could a greener shade of blue be the key to winning over young voters?

Young people are growing increasingly frustrated by environmental inaction and turning to protest not politics to get their voices heard. How can we convince them that throwing soup on artwork and blocking roads is not the way, and instead that conservative environmentalism shows the path to a brighter future? Get ready as we discuss whether a greener shade of blue is the key to winning over young people and securing the party's future.

Speakers: Reem Ibrahim (Head of Media, Institute of Economic Affairs); Frances Lasok (Voluntary Political Director, Conservative Policy Forum); James Cowling (Managing Director, Next Gen Tories); Jack Richardson (Associate Fellow, Council on Geostrategy); and Kitty Thompson (Head of Campaigns, CEN).