Leading the ocean conversation at the Labour Party Conference

We were delighted to take a leading role in two fringe events at the Labour Party Conference (22nd-25th September) in Liverpool, focusing on the importance of the ocean to our coastal communities and more globally.

The first event was our Ocean Question Time panel, on Sunday.

The packed-out event was chaired by Satvir Kaur MP and featured NOC Chief Executive Dr John Siddorn , CEO of Maritime UK Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE and Barry Gardiner MP.

After introductions from the panellists, the audience contributed contributions and asked highly insightful questions, showing real passion for ocean-related issues.

Our second event, held jointly with the Labour Climate and Environment Forum (LCEF) and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), was a chance for coastal MPs and MPs with interest in coastal issues to take part in a roundtable discussion.

Chaired by LSEF’s Alex Mackaness , the lively discussion focused on the ocean and what challenges and opportunities it presents to our coastal opportunities.

Speakers included NOC’s CEO John Siddorn and Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Penny Holliday , and MCS’s Chief Executive, Sandy Luk .

In attendance were also Darren Paffey MP , Jessica Toale MP, Helena Dollimore MP, Jayne Kirkham MP, Alison Hume MP , Lloyd Hatton MP, Clare Walsh, political advisor Rob Wakely and Sonali Siriwardena of Simmons & Simmons.