Labour Conference 2024: A New Era with New Hurdles and New Opportunities

This year’s Labour Conference promises to be more focused than in previous years, reflecting the challenges of governing in an ever changing political landscape. However, for organisations ready to align with the Government's priorities, there will be ample opportunities.

The last time Labour entered conference season after a fresh election victory was in 2005. Back then, Tony Blair was set to address the conference after becoming the first Labour Leader to be elected as Prime Minister for three consecutive terms in office. Nearly two decades later, Labour’s new MPs arriving in Liverpool might be forgiven for their excitement as the party navigates its return to power. This excitement however is tempered by the current realities. Political tensions and global conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine dominate and aren’t straightforward for many in the party. ?Labour also now faces the dual challenge of reforming the country while simultaneously driving economic growth. The task is to define a five-year plan that balances the UK’s economic situation while providing hope for the future. Achieving this delicate balance will not be easy but could define whether Labour has the chance to emulate New Labour's longer term in office.

The Road Ahead: Navigating Difficult Choices

One pressing issue will be how the Labour government manages internal disagreements. The decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance highlights the tough trade-offs the Government faces, contrasting with the comparatively stable times of the Blair years when economic growth smoothed over many political differences.

The Government's large majority secured the vote on the Allowance, but it left parts of the wider party uneasy. The policy’s sudden implementation without prior consultation has stirred internal dissent. This internal strife is likely to be a theme at the conference as Labour's leadership navigates emerging divides over policy direction. While the recent election victory might suggest unity, the party is all too aware of how minor disputes can escalate quickly, especially after the rapid changes of direction in the Corbyn era.

Opportunities for Engagement

For attendees, this conference represents a chance to engage with Labour’s new MPs and advisors. For example, Fringe events will explore Labour’s proposed reforms to planning laws and how these changes could stimulate growth across the UK’s regions.

Already, Labour's government has made moves to unblock green energy projects by lifting restrictions like the moratorium on onshore wind and prioritising clean energy hubs featuring solar, grid, and nuclear power. However, there will be questions around the establishment of Great British Energy (GBE) and how quickly it can be operationalised. The domestic clean energy supply chain, a key component of GBE's mandate, will seek clarity on its role in this new framework.

Foreign companies looking to invest in the UK will also have an opportunity in Liverpool to assess the new government's openness to innovation, collaboration, and new technologies. Despite a recent downturn in foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UK since 2016, the country remains an attractive option for FDI, particularly in the energy and industry sectors.

One encouraging sign from the new Labour government has been its efforts to rebuild relationships with European partners. The Prime Minister’s recent state visits to Berlin and Dublin signal a commitment to smoothing trade relations and building long-term alliances. However, how far this reset can go without substantial reform and negotiation with the EU remains a question that could be answered at the conference.

Back to the Future

In 2005, Blair's speech addressed the triumph of securing a third term and the need to balance economic prosperity with emerging global issues. Today, Labour finds itself in a similar position, celebrating a fresh electoral victory while confronting the complexities of a volatile political and economic environment. Both conferences highlight the balancing act of managing internal party dynamics and external pressures while striving to drive forward transformative policies. The underlying challenge remains consistent: leveraging political success to achieve substantive progress and address the pressing needs of the time.