Carbon Brief’s pick of the Climate and Energy events at the Labour conference
Things could get interesting for climate and energy policy wonks. The Labour conference almost upon us, and Ed Miliband is expected to propose a motion supporting the 2030 power sector decarbonisation targets. Here’s our rundown of the climate and energy events at the Labour conference starting this weekend in sunny Manchester.
Don’t panic if, like us, you haven’t shelled out for a pass – these events are outside of the security zone and free to all. Some may also include complimentary access to some small triangular sandwiches and orange juice.
Labour Autumn Conference
30 September – 4 October 2012, Manchester
Sunday
Environment question time: Sustainable growth in harmony with the natural environment
The RSPB host a discussion on how economic growth can be achieved without harming the natural environment. Speakers include Mary Creagh MP, shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.
18:00, Charters suite, Arora Hotel
Monday
Floods or drought? The water debate
Hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Water, Gavin Shuker MP, chairs a panel including Richard Flint, from Yorkshire Water, James Bullock, from United Utilities and Paul Gibbs, from Anglian Water.
12:45, Committee Room 3, Manchester Town Hall
Will the Green Deal help tackle fuel poverty?
Policy Exchange and Rockwool host a discussion on the Green Deal. Geoffrey Lean, Environment Editor at the Daily Telegraph chairs a panel including Luciana Berger MP, Thomas Heldgaard, managing director at Rockwool and Guy Newey, head of environment and energy at Policy Exchange.
17:45, Rylands 1, Novotel Manchester Centre
Transport Hub – What is labour’s plan for aviation?
Darren Caplan, chief executive at AOA, Luke Pollard, head of public affairs at ABTA, Seema Malhotra MP, and Joe Fortune, executive committee member with SERA discuss Labour’s policy on aviation.
18:15, Committee Room 1, Manchester Town Hall
Tuesday
Flagship green policy: Green deal or green gamble?
Hosted in partnership between Micropower Council, PRASEG and SERA, this event is chaired by Damian Carrington, head of environment at the Guardian and includes speakers Luciana Berger MP, Dr Alan Whitehead MP, chair of PRASEG and an as yet unnamed representative from Which?
12:45, Dickens/Thackery, Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel
How can we secure real green growth?
James Murray from Business Green chairs this Policy Exchange debate exploring the policies required to drive green investment and effectively harness the low carbon economy as a source of green growth. Speakers include Gavin Shuker MP, David Palmer-Jones, chief executive SITA UK, and Professor George Yarrow, chairman of the regulatory policy institute.
13:00, Rylands 1, Novotel Manchester Centre
Low carbon and lower bills: Can the circle be squared?
Chaired by Damian Carrington, head of environment at the Guardian. Speakers include Caroline Flint MP, Guy Newey, head of environment and energy at Policy Exchange, David Reiner, director of the MPhil technology policy programme and assistant director, electricity policy research group at the University of Cambridge.
17:45, Rylands 1, Novotel Manchester Centre
Should Labour let aviation taxes make flying the preserve of the rich?
Luke Pollard, head of public affairs at ABTA, Darren Caplan, chief executive at AOA, Gavin Shuker MP and Helen Rimmer, North West campaigner with Friends of the Earth discuss aviation tax.
18:15, Harty Room, Manchester Hotel
Wednesday
Building a green economy: The case for new energy infrastructure
New Statesman in partnership with Energy Networks Association host a talk by Caroline Flint MP on the future of UK energy infrastructure and the green economy.
08:30, Reception Room, Manchester Town Hall
The energy-industrial revolution: How the UK can lead the world in low-carbon
Hosted by Friends of the Earth, IPPR and WWF, this panel discussion will be chaired by Sue Ferns of Prospect Union. Speakers include Caroline Flint MP, Andrew Pendleton, Friends of the Earth, Will Straw, IPPR, Nick Gardiner, BNP Paribas, Dimitri Zenghelis, London School of Economics, and David Nussbaun, WWF.
12:00, Lord Mayor’s suite, Manchester Town Hall
Going for green – The SERA rally for green growth
Hosted by SERA, this event is chaired by councillor Leonie Cooper and includes the speakers: Chuka Umunna MP, Mary Creagh MP, Roger MacKenzie, Unison, Karin Christiansen, Co-operative Party, Alan Whitehead MP, Andrew Pakes, SERA UK, and Melanie Smallman, SERA and NPF.
18:00, Exchange 10, Manchester Central
If you find any other conference events that you think someone interested in climate or energy policy might appreciate, feel free to post links in the comments section below.