Getting the most out of Policy Debates at Conference - A handy guide ....

ENJOYING THE POLICY DEBATES AT CONFERENCE

Debates on policy are at the heart of all Liberal Democrat conferences. It is through them that the party sets its policy and future direction. Unlike the conferences of the other political parties, the Liberal Democrat conference is "sovereign" (in other words, ) and what it decides really matters.

Here in the East Midlands, we have a good record of setting out what we think are the priorities we should be looking at both locally and nationally. This conference is no exception, with varied topics to be covered in our debates.

For many, this might be their first conference so below we have a handy guide as to how things usually happen, what you should do if you want to take part i.e. speak on a motion, propose an amendment and what things may happen during a debate. This might also be a good refresher for some of our longer serving members too.

STRUCTURE OF A POLICY DEBATE:

Most debates follow a standard plan - the chair of the session will guide the delegates through any alterations and keep things running to time and in order.

There are several other roles within the debate:

• Policy Proposer (or Mover): The person who has submitted the policy to be debated.
• Amendment Proposer: The person(s) who have submitted proposed amendments to the policy to be debated.
• Speakers: These are individuals that the Chair will call upon to speaker for or against the policy being debated to ensure that there is a balance of opinion
• Summator: The individual tasked with summing up the policy and the debate about the policy to allow those voting an opportunity to have an overall perspective.

The standard procedure usually follows the below:

1. Proposer of the motion speaks.
2. Proposers of any amendments speak in turn.
3. Speakers called on all sides of the debate with the chair seeking to ensure balance.
4. The summator of the motion speaks.
5. The chair takes votes for and against the amendments and separate votes (if any) in turn.
6. A vote will be taken on the motion as a whole.

Speeches:

Each individual that speaks as part of the policy debate structure describe previously has a set length of time:

• Policy Proposer (Or Mover): 3 minutes
• Amendment Proposer (Or Mover): 2.5 minutes
• Summator: 2.5 minutes
• Speakers on the motion: 2 minutes

The chair of the session will indicate when 30 seconds is left. To ensure as many speakers as possible can be called, we ask for speakers to stick to the times or come in under time. All delegates will be allowed entitled to speak.

Please fill in a speakers' card if you wish to speak on a debate!

Cards will be available at conference in your delegate packs) and hand to the registration/Information desk before the debate on that motion starts, if possible well in advance of the debate.

Amendments:

All motions except emergency motions are open to amendment. Amendments that are accepted will be published on the website and available in delegate packs with the policies.

To propose an amendment:

• Please state which part you wish to amend by using the numbered lines (and then which part of the line if necessary)
• Please indicate where the amendment is to be placed, inserted into the text or is to replace a piece of text.

Voting:

Decisions on most motions and on all amendments and separate votes are passed using a simple majority of those voting delegates who are present. To vote, representatives must be seated and show their voting badge.

Separate votes:

A vote can be taken on whether to delete or retain the specified words or section of a motion. A request for a separate vote may be submitted by any representative to the Regional Policy Officer 7 days before the Conference, in this case by 13.00 on Sunday 1^st November 2015.

Reference back:

A delegate may make a request to the Chair for a vote to refer a motion back. This can be used is a delegate feels the motion could be developed into a stronger motion with some support from the region or individual with a knowledge of the subject area. It would be put to a simple majority vote of delegates and the motion would be discussed at the next conference in its new form.

I hope that's been helpful! I look forward seeing you all having some great debates at Conference.

Our Conference program will be with you soon! If you would like to share why you come to Conference or what you would like to see there in future, please email:conference@eastmidslibdems.co.uk

East Midlands Liberal Democrats Regional Conference
Saturday 7th November 2015
Derby Moor Sports College Moorway Lane, Littleover, Derby, DE23 2FS

* * * * * AND DON'T FORGET * * * * *

You can book your place at the Regional Dinner organised by Lucy Care PPC and Derby Liberal Democrats

To find out more about the fantastic Regional Conference and book a ticket click HERE

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