Halving energy prices by 2035 and other takeaways from the Lib Dem party conference

The ICE policy and external affairs team spent a sunny few days in Bournemouth soaking up all things Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) policy at the party’s autumn conference.

Among a few stunts by party leader Ed Davey (which this year included an interview while ziplining) there was plenty to talk about when it came to infrastructure.

Conference policy announcements

At conferences, party members can vote on ‘motions’ which, if passed, update the party’s position on topics.

These can be as wide-ranging as protecting the rights of people in Hong Kong, internal party rules, and the future of the space industry.

Party spokespeople also make policy announcements. Many of this year’s touched on infrastructure:

• Party members voted to bring the target date for achieving net zero emissions in line with the government’s 2050 aim. The party believes that, due to the last Conservative government’s choices, meeting its previous 2045 target is now unlikely.
• Daisy Cooper MP, the Liberal Democrats’ Treasury spokesperson and deputy leader, called for an energy security bank to help homeowners and businesses make their properties more efficient. This comes alongside the party’s policy on delinking gas and electricity prices to help halve energy prices by 2035.
• On transport, party members reaffirmed their commitment to reconsidering the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2, as well as freezing rail fares this year and overhauling them to offer passengers the best value for money. The party also supports light rail as a mode of transport and would implement a national freight strategy.
• New transport policy includes working with national and local government on a new Liverpool to Manchester rail connection, simplifying national transport ticketing systems, and introducing automatic compensation for cancellations and delays.
• The Lib Dems clearly recognise the construction skills shortages the UK faces. In their skills policy, the party commits to reforming Skills England to create an arms-length independent body responsible for enabling growth and opportunity.
• They would also align new regional Workforce Development Plans with the national industrial strategy and make the apprenticeship levy model more accessible for small and medium sized businesses.

What do the Lib Dems think of the government’s direction on infrastructure?

The Lib Dems are strong on climate policy and thoroughly support renewable energy investment as a way to cut costs for consumers.

The climate motion details the Lib Dems’ support for many of the Labour government’s net zero policies.

These include the roll out of small nuclear reactors and the National Wealth Fund’s role in attracting private money for new decarbonisation technologies.

The government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill was also a popular topic of conversation throughout the conference.

The party views the legislation as too ‘top down’ – imposing development on communities, rather than responding to their viewpoints and concerns.

The principle of public participation is a core aspect of the party’s beliefs.

‘Build, baby, build’

At a panel event during conference, energy spokesperson Pippa Heylings could be heard saying that it was time to ‘build, baby, build’, echoing Labour’s commitment to infrastructure and housing.

How the Lib Dems would develop an alternative approach – one that puts local engagement at the centre of planning policy while speeding up delivery – is a question the party still needs to answer.

The Reform-shaped elephant in the room

Maybe the most striking aspect of the Lib Dems’ view on Labour’s policies, though, is that they’re not all that focused on them.

Instead, Reform UK was front and centre of senior figures’ speeches.

The party is positioning itself as the alternative to Nigel Farage’s vision for the future of the UK.

They have also signalled that they will target Conservative-held seats across the country at the next election.

Balancing the competing demands of those strategies, while communicating a clear policy vision in the months and years to come, will be the party’s next challenge.