Join us at Conservative Party Conference | Conservative Environment Network

Our events at Conservative Party Conference 2024

Birmingham ICC
Sunday 29 September - Wednesday 2 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.

All of our events will be held in Hall 7 at the Birmingham ICC. You can also find us at our stand in the main hall.

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

Sunday 29 September

13:30 - 14:30 | Here comes the sun: are solar farms a threat to food security or the route to energy security?

Reaching environmental and energy security goals requires more clean energy. More cheap solar power will cut bills and power economic growth. But, there is an ongoing debate about the impact of solar farms on Britain's food security. Does there have to be a trade-off between low-cost food and low-cost energy? Could solar help British farmers boost business resilience while continuing farming and how can local communities be brought on board?

Speakers: Graham Simpson MSP (Shadow Minister for Net Zero, Energy and Transport); Ruth Edwards (Former MP for Rushcliffe); Martin Lines (CEO, Nature Friendly Farming Network); Cllr Kelham Cooke (Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, South Kesteven District Council); and Chris Hewett (CEO, Solar Energy UK),

15:00 - 16:00 | Muddying the waters: where next for water quality?

Sewage was the defining environmental issue of the last parliament, but it is far from the only pressure on our watercourses. Other leading causes of water pollution that our green and pleasant land is subjected to include intensive agricultural practices, the soil erosion and nitrogen runoff it causes, the ever expanding built environment, and the manmade modification of our rivers. Rather than wait for the headlines to hit, we need action now to clean up water once and for all. Can we solve all of these issues in one go? How can we bring farmers and local residents with us? Is there a distinctly conservative approach we can take? Join us to find out.

Speakers: Robbie Moore MP (Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs); Rebecca Smith MP; Willie Athill (CEO, Norfolk Seaweed); Guy Thompson (Group Sustainability Director, Wessex Water); and Emily Hunter (Policy Lead, Woodland Trust).

16:30 - 17:30 | Can we overcome rural resistance to the clean energy transition?

To boost energy security, we must build much more clean energy and grid capacity. National Grid says 1,000 miles of new power lines are needed to meet our targets. The Conservatives proposed giving households money off bills for hosting clean energy infrastructure. Is money enough to stave off objections? How can we protect the countryside alongside developing new projects? How should Conservatives respond to Labour’s clean energy planning reforms?

Speakers: Greg Hands (Former Energy Minister); Cllr Richard Clewer (Leader, Wiltshire Council); Dillon Smith (Researcher, Energy and Environment, Centre for Policy Studies); Dave Powell (Senior Advocacy Manager, Climate Outreach); and David Hickling (Head of Public Affairs, RWE).

18:00 - 19:00 | Is net zero a conservative mission?

Some see climate action as a left-wing issue. Yet, Margaret Thatcher was the first world leader to raise the threat of climate change at the UN in 1989 and under the Conservatives, the UK became the first major economy to halve its emissions. With much greater investment in clean technologies now needed, how can we decarbonise whilst growing the economy and keeping costs low? Is net zero really a conservative mission and what does a conservative approach look like?

Speakers: Lord Frost CMG; Alexander Stafford (Former MP for Rother Valley); Clem Cowton (Director of External Affairs, Octopus Energy); and Sam Richards (Director, Britain Remade).

19:30 - 21:30 | Reception - net zero: a conservative success story?

The environment has consistently remained a priority for voters. Conservatives in government took positive steps to address voters’ climate concerns, but rowed back on some targets in 2023. Now in opposition, should Conservatives take pride in their environmental achievements or row back further to counter the threat from Reform and contrast with Labour? Join us for a drink to hear what the party’s messaging on climate should be as it rebuilds.

Speaker: David Simmonds CBE MP (Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government).

Monday 30 September

09:00 - 10:00 | Cleaner communities: how the environment can help revive our towns and cities

British people put great value on having a beautiful, clean, and prosperous local environment and a strong sense of community. We owe it to them to create communities and neighbourhoods that are pleasant to live and work in. Join CEN and Refresh Britain to discuss a conservative vision for moving around urban areas and what environmental measures will help the Conservative Party win back support in towns and cities over this parliament.

Speaker: David Simmonds CBE MP (Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government); Andy Street CBE (Former Mayor for West Midlands); Samuel Hughes (Head of Housing, Centre for Policy Studies); Cllr Phil Broadhead (Chair, Conservative Councillors’ Association); and Imo Martineau (Head of UK Portfolio, Clean Air Fund).

10:30 - 11:30 | Balancing act: can renewables get us to net zero?

As people switch to heat pumps and electric vehicles, electricity demand is set to increase. The rollout of renewables is cutting emissions. But, what happens when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine? To ensure we have electricity when and where we need it, ensuring adequate storage is paramount. How can the government unlock private investment in these technologies to help the country balance a net zero grid?

Speakers: Lord Martin Callanan (Former Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance); Samuel Kurtz MS (Shadow Minister for Energy and Economy); Daisy Powell-Chandler (Partner and Head of Energy and Environment Practice, Public First); Charles Hendry CBE (Former Minister for Energy & Climate Change); and Keith Anderson (CEO, ScottishPower).

12:00 - 13:00 | Born to be wild? How land use change can help us to reach our environmental goals

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The degradation of our natural assets, such as peatlands, have turned them from carbon stores into greenhouse gas emitters. While rewilding may hold the key for meeting our nature and climate targets, it has become increasingly controversial among farmers and politicians alike, hindering practical and policy progress. But what does rewilding actually mean? How can we have a more honest conversation about rewilding? Is there a business case to be made for it? What is standing in the way of action? Join us to find out.

Speakers: Sir Robert Buckland (Former Justice Secretary); Aphra Brandreth MP; Tom Bradshaw (President, NFU); Prof Alastair Driver (Director, Rewilding Britain); and Leo Mercer (Policy Analyst, LSE).

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13:30 - 14:30 | Is net zero an electoral asset or liability for the Conservatives?

A strong net zero position accompanied the Conservatives’ electoral triumph in 2019, whereas the rowbacks in 2023 failed to revive the party’s fortunes. The last election saw huge seat losses to pro-net zero parties but also the loss of many votes to the anti-net zero Reform Party. Will a clear pro-net zero position win back voters or further alienate those disillusioned with the party?

Speakers: Graham Stuart MP (Former Minister for Energy and Net Zero); Selaine Saxby (Former MP for North Devon); Lord Mark McInnes CBE; Nick Partington (Senior Manager, CT Group); and Dan McGrail (Chief Executive, RenewableUK).

15:00 - 16:00 | What does the future of conservative environmentalism look like?

To be a conservative is to conserve. Reflecting back on the past few years of government, conservatives have a lot to be proud of when it comes to protecting and restoring our green and pleasant land. But the past does not necessarily predict the future. With the undeniably green Parliament of 2019-2024 now dissolved, it is time to ask ourselves: did we do enough to tackle the environmental challenges we face? Is support for nature restoration waning and in conflict with standing up for farmers? Where does the Conservative Party go next on the environment? As conservative environmentalists, what do we want the future to look like and how, then, can we achieve it?

Speakers: Michael Gove (Former Environment Secretary); Jesse Norman MP (Former Minister for Transport); Rebecca Pow (Former Minister for Nature); Dr David Jeffery (Senior Lecturer, University of Liverpool); and Angela Francis (Director of Policy Solutions, WWF UK).

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16:30 - 17:30 | Costing the earth: what is the conservative approach to green investment?

Fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship are core conservative principles. The new government is spending billions to unlock new investment in green industries. With the Treasury’s fiscal room for manoeuvre limited, what should the Conservatives’ proposition be for delivering net zero targets in a more market-driven way? And how can lower-income households be protected from upfront costs of net zero?

Speakers: Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Former Minister for Business, Energy, and Clean Growth); Harriet Cross MP; Liam Halligan (Economics columnist, The Telegraph); Shahbano Soomro (Deputy Head of Policy & Advocacy, Impax Asset Management); and Joe Dharampal-Hornby (Head of Public Affairs and Communications, UKSIF).

18:00 - 19:30 | Environmental leadership election reception

We're delighted to be joined by Conservative Party leadership contenders at this reception on how they propose to build on the Conservative Party’s proud record on the environment and champion conservative action on climate and nature throughout this parliament.

20:00 - 22:00 | CEN’s quiz of the year

Join us for our annual conference quiz with rounds on politics, general knowledge, pop culture, food and drink, and the environment. Each round will be hosted by entertaining guests and friends of CEN. Come along and test your knowledge at this drinks reception with a twist!

Speakers: Mims Davies MP (Shadow Women and Equalities Minister); Thérèse Coffey (Former Environment Secretary); Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst (Deputy Leader of Herefordshire Council); Cllr John Cope (Leader of the Conservatives for Elmbridge Borough Council); and Cllr Joe Porter (Climate Change Working Group for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council).

Tuesday 1 October

09:00 - 10:00 | Food security under threat: how can we tackle farmland flooding and drought?

Flooding has wreaked havoc on farmland across the country and British consumers and nature are paying the price. In other years, a lack of rain is the problem, with harvests ruined by drought. Too much and too little water both represent environmental and economic threats. But what can we do about it? Progress on the nature-friendly farm payments that will make our land more water resilient has been made, but some of the best solutions to these issues, like building reservoirs, allowing certain parts of land to flood, restoring forests, and reintroducing beavers, remain controversial. How can we get the political and community buy-in we need to protect our farmers, ecosystems and our food security from growing water risks?

Speakers: George Freeman MP (Former Minister for Science, Research and Innovation); Jerome Mayhew MP (Shadow Business and Trade Minister); Martin Lines (CEO, Nature Friendly Farming Network); Cllr Lizzie Hacking (Chair, Conservative Rural Forum); and Vicki Hird (Strategic Lead on Agriculture, The Wildlife Trusts).

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10:30 - 11:30 | Pastures new: how can we protect our natural inheritance?

The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, with our natural inheritance in danger of being lost. As conservatives, it is our duty to protect and restore the natural environment for the next generation. With a legally binding target to halt the decline of biodiversity in the UK by 2030, this new parliament is a make it or break it moment. With so much of Labour’s plans for nature, planning, and farming unknown, in opposition, our duty is harder to fulfil but the need has never been greater. How can our conservative instincts help us to defend nature? What can Conservatives do to hold the new government to account? Join us at this panel to find out.

Speakers: Theresa Villiers (Former Environment Secretary); Ben Goldsmith (Chair, Conservative Environment Network); Abi Bunker (Director of Conservation and External Affairs, Woodland Trust); and Hilary McGrady (Director-General, National Trust).

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12:00 - 13:00 | Can climate action help to stop the boats?

Millions of people may be forced to move due to the effects of extreme weather caused by climate change or by conflicts exacerbated by rising temperatures. How big a problem is climate migration going to be and where? Should aid money be spent on domestic priorities or be a way to win favour from developing countries to tackle illegal migration? Is climate action an important part of an effective strategy to tackle migration or a distraction?

Speakers: Andrew Mitchell MP (Shadow Foreign Secretary); Dr Ben Spencer MP (Shadow Health Minister); Sam Bidwell (Director of the Next Generation Centre, ASI); Evie Aspinall (Director, British Foreign Policy Group); and Rachel Maclean (Former Housing Minister).

13:30 - 14:30 | Crude awakening: is the UK ready for the energy transition?

The UK has long benefited from its oil and gas reserves, but these are declining along with jobs in the sector. Renewable power has boomed, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. How can communities reliant on the waning oil and gas sector be supported? Do Labour’s plans to end new exploration licences risk energy security and jobs? And can Conservatives show they understand the climate imperative and economic opportunities of the energy transition?

Speakers: Mark Garnier MP (Shadow Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero); Virginia Crosbie (Former MP for Ynys Môn); Richard Bodal Hansen (Director of Regulatory & External Affairs, Ørsted); and Gwen Peters (Head of Politics, Uplift).

15:00 - 16:00 | Is the cost of cleaning up the air a price worth paying?

Labour has spoken about the need for accelerated action to reach our environmental targets, including on air quality, but its only solution is to roll out a comprehensive pollution monitoring system. Just knowing where the hotspots are won't make a meaningful difference to the quality of the air we breathe. Join CEN to discuss how the Conservatives can offer real solutions to keep traffic moving, the economy growing, and pollution falling.

Speakers: Sir Robert Goodwill (Former MP for Scarborough and Whitby); Emma Best AM (Deputy Leader of the Conservatives, London Assembly); Cllr Marisa Heath (Cabinet Member for Environment, Surrey County Council); Sam Dumitriu (Head of Policy, Britain Remade); and Tim Dexter (Campaigns Manager, Asthma + Lung UK).

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16:30 - 17:30 | The great debate: will free market environmentalism help or hinder environmental action?

With the Labour government promising the creation of publicly-owned companies to boost clean energy and improve our transport infrastructure, the Conservatives need to propose a credible alternative to address voters’ concerns. Could a renewed focus on unleashing the power of the free market help achieve this? Or would this put the environmental progress made under previous Conservative governments in jeopardy? Join us to debate.

Speakers: Gerard Lyons (Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Studies); Luke Graham (Former MP for Ochil & South Perthshire); Matthew Lesh (Public Policy Fellow, Institute for Economic Affairs); Alys Denby (Opinion and Features Editor, CityAM); and Tone Langengen (Senior Policy Advisor for Climate & Energy, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change).

18:00 - 19:00 | Young conservatives reception: how can we conserve our future?

Are you a young conservative who believes in protecting the environment? Then join us for some drinks and nibbles as we round off CEN’s conference programme. It is a great opportunity to meet like-minded young conservatives, find out more about the opportunities available for young people at CEN, and pick up some merchandise.