This year IBBC visited the Labour conference in Liverpool with the intention of meeting key ministers and introducing IBBC to them, whilst also networking and understanding how the Labour party are focused on policy and the general condition of the party.

We went as members of Labour business, who not only put on some useful panel sessions, but hosted a drinks reception with leading Shadow minsters, including Rachel Reeves (Shadow Chancellor), Jonathan Reynolds (BEIS) Angela Rayner (Deputy leader) and Stephen Kinnock) and Annalisa Dodds (chair) at Labour Business Green and Digital futures event.

Shadow ministers were freely visible at the conference, leading think tank sessions and attending Labour Business and other events. We met David Lammy (Shadow defence) following and IPPR event, and Bambos Charalambous (Shadow Middle East Minister) at the KRG reception, along with the Iraqi Deputy Ambassador and UEA head of political affairs. Rachel Reeves enjoyed a high profile at the conference, following a well-received speech, outlining Labour’s commitment to green energy, and she also spoke at IPPR on enterprise and Jess Philips at the labour lawyers’ event on Violence against women and Wes Streeting (health) at the Tony Blair institute, spoke about digitising and modernising healthcare.

There was not a strong emphasis on foreign policy, except to promote the idea of mutuality and respect with the EU and issuing certificates of conformity in terms of trade.

Overall, the Labour party felt at ease with itself, with a cohesive narrative across ministries about green futures and social fairness, articulate and balanced lead shadow minsters in waiting and confident they will form the next government.

IBBC at Conservative conference

With backdrop of a new PM and Government, difficult budget and uncertain economic markets, the Conservative conference met at Birmingham, in somewhat sceptical mood. However, once there, the party seemed in robust mood, at least away from the main hall speeches.

Again, the objective was to meet the new key ministers in the Government, in particular the Foreign Office and Trade. Luckily, these ministers were doing the rounds and speaking at regular events: We met James Cleverly (Foreign Office), Kemi Badenoch (Trade) twice, and attended numerous trade and foreign policy events with the likes of Mastercard, the Arab Ambassadors reception (Meeting the Iraqi Ambassador) and the UEA and Saudi Ambassadors, and a KRG reception (with Alicia Kearns MP) promoting KRG as an investment and tourism destination. Other panels included A Data and R&D revolution discussion with Matt Warman MP, Tony Blair Global Change event with the Bahrain Ambassador and Gulf Ambassadors on a new paper about the modernisation of the Middle East.  Report here.

The Conservative Middle East council (CMEC) hosted a serious session on the influence of China and Russia on the Middle east and how the West needs to respond. Speakers included Sir Simon Mayall (MOD ME advisor) Baria Alamuddin – journalist and RUSI.

Overall, there was a big emphasis on trade and its importance to Global Britain, from the likes of Dr Liam Fox and CPS (Centre for Policy Studies), Kemi Badenoch, Mastercard, the IEA with Sally Jones of EY, City of London and Shanker Singham on International trade in uncertain times and what the Government needs to do.