CPRE at the party conferences: how we’re giving the countryside a voice

We’re preparing for a busy party conference season by attending all five major party conferences. We have sponsored events at Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat conferences. We’ll be championing the countryside and ensuring rural voices are heard. Here’s what to expect.

Shaping rural policy at Labour Conference

28 September – 1 October, Liverpool

We’ll have a strong presence at governing party’s conference, with President, Mary-Ann Ochota, and CEO, Roger Mortlock leading the way. The highlight of our week is a joint reception with the Fabian Society, launching a new essay collection, Rethinking Rural. Featuring contributions from Labour MPs and a foreword by DEFRA Secretary of State Steve Reed, the collection explores how government can unlock the potential of rural areas while protecting nature and improving infrastructure.

This reception on Tuesday 30 September will shine a light on rural priorities across Labour’s national missions and strongly encourage a greater focus on countryside issues in their first year in government.

Championing best use of land at Conservative Conference

 5 – 8 October, Manchester

At Conservative conference, we’re co-hosting a panel with the Conservative Rural Forum and Conservative Home ‘Why should the Conservatives care about land use?’ The discussion will explore the urgent need for a Land Use Framework, which has been repeatedly delayed. A framework is vital in balancing competing demands on the countryside, from housing and energy to food and nature. CPRE’s Roger Mortlock will join Shadow DEFRA Minister Robbie Moore on the panel.

We’re also co-sponsoring the Green Alliance Environmental Groups Reception, highlighting concerns about the party’s environmental direction and the urgent need to protect biodiversity and tackle climate change.

A voice for nature at Liberal Democrat Conference

20 – 23 September, Brighton

We’ll be active at the Lib Dems’ climate and nature day on Sunday 21 September, engaging in fringe events and asking how the party plans to balance large-scale solar development and countryside protection. We’re co-sponsoring ‘Nature: Winning Here?’ with the National Trust and The Wildlife Trust, featuring exclusive research from More in Common and a panel including Roz Savage MP and Jo Swinson.

With the Lib Dems gaining ground in rural constituencies, we’ll be highlighting the need for affordable housing and sustainable energy solutions that protect landscapes while delivering the climate action – and the homes – people iurgently need.

Exploring new ground at Reform and Green Conferences

Reform: 5 – 6 September, Birmingham
Greens: 3 – 5 October, Bournemouth

This year marks CPRE’s first attendance at Reform and Green conferences. At Reform conference, we’ll be aiming to meet MPs and local leaders to discuss rural housing, rooftop solar, and the climate emergency.

With the Green Party’s leadership contest now settled, we’ll be watching closely to see how their new direction aligns with countryside priorities. We are also joining a panel with Rewilding Britain to talk about nature and planning.

Looking ahead

Across all conferences, we will continue to advocate for changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, pushing for more rural affordable housing, stronger local democracy, and better land use. We’ll be supported by the Better Planning Coalition Coordinator, hosted by CPRE, who will attend each conference to amplify our message.

Above all, we’ll be there to make sure the countryside – and the people who live in it – stay at the heart of the political conversation.