Date: Monday 6 October

Location 1: Central 6, Manchester Central

Britons and Blasphemy – Defending Free Speech in a Changing Britain

Can the government balance addressing prejudice against religious people and safeguarding the rights of those who want to challenge religion? This panel will examine the risk of blasphemy laws returning, the government’s ability to protect those who speak out, and the Khan and Walney Reviews.

Climate Crossroads: What’s next for the Conservatives on Net Zero and Nature

As the Conservatives shape their climate and nature priorities, what are the political stakes ahead of the next election? Using insights from More in Common, this session will explore whether a reset on climate is a risk or opportunity, how to build on past achievements like COP26, coal phase-out, and the Environment and Agriculture Acts, and win back voters’ trust.

Conservative Thinking at the Crossroads: Where Next for the Right?

After 14 years in office and faced with pressure across the political spectrum, the Conservatives attempts to rebuild depend in part on where the battle for Conservative ideas goes next and what are their potential voters likely to make of it? There are many potential causes that the Tories are urged to adopt as their own – from YIMBYism and crushing crime to looking for growth and more fiscally Conservative economics – this panel will debate the implications of where the Conservatives might turn next.

This Place Matters: Social Cohesion for a New Age

Social cohesion has risen up the political agenda as leaders across society think through the fallout from the 2024 riots, rising concern about immigration, the long-tail of the pandemic and the loss and decline of associational life. Drawing on insights from More in Common and UCL Policy Lab, this panel will debate what the Conservative programme for social cohesion might look like and what it will take to repair Britain’s social fabric.

More in Common Conservative Conference Reception

18:30 onwards

Central 6, Manchester Central