Banished at the Border: Retreating from Human Rights

The Political Hot Potato; The Treatment of Asylum Seekers.
Well, George Osborne may potentially have caused the unemployment of 490,000 people...
But at least you're not Sylvia...

"Sylvia first arrived at the Refugee Council aged 19, she was extremely distressed and confused. She had been living in a refugee camp in Burundi for many years after her entire family was killed in the civil war. The refugee camp was raided and Sylvia was detained, where she was repeatedly raped and tortured. As a result of her trauma, she suffered from vomiting, back pains, severe headaches and difficulty sleeping."

If you could give just £2 a month, you could...
Don't worry, I'm not here to scrounge for money but rather to ask for your time and thought...
I attended a Lecture at Lancaster University led by Linda Briskman on the violation of human rights through asylum policies and government action against asylum seekers.
This lecture could not have been more well placed for two reasons...
Firstly, the recent tragic death of Jimmy Mubenga, an asylum seeker who lost his life under the weight of three security guards on a BA Flight 77 to Angola.
"They are going to kill me..." He screamed.
Fellow passengers refused to intervene, preferring to blank the situation, most likely through the blissful world of 'Shrek' or some other this-is-great-I-don't-have-to-think-at-all movie...
Secondly, because of the Spending Review.
I think it is important to remember that although we may be in the midst of Osborne's economic crackdown, we are not running away from the horrors of war, having lost all our family within conflict. Flitting endlessly from country to country in search of asylum...

You are not one of the 353 asylum seekers who perished en route as their boat SIEV X sunk on 19th October 2001, or indeed are you one of the 77 asylum seekers dead as a result of harsh governmental asylum policies. These are just two shocking examples out of many. Of course, asylum is a worldwide issue but within this post I aim to focus mainly on Australia and the UK...

The first event was an Australian embarrassment and disaster.
In the early afternoon of October 19, 2001, the boat’s passengers, fleeing mainly from Iraq and Afghanistan, perished in international waters between Indonesia and Australia. They were travelling in a hopelessly overcrowded refugee boat, which sank while trying to reach Christmas Island.
The area was under heavy surveillance by the Australian air force and navy yet they failed to actively search for the sinking vessel, to rescue the asylum seekers aboard. As a result, 353 people died including 150 children, it was grotesquely described how "children floated on the water like petals..."
The distinct lack of action was undoubtedly a disgrace. Yet violations of human rights similar to the tragedy of SIEV X are being committed on a day to day basis in many different forms...
Asylum is a human right - this should not be forgotten.

Australian asylum policies include:

1. Indefinite Long Term Detention. Australia has 11 different detention centres, the most notorious of which is Christmas Island, whose isolated and private situation ensures asylum seekers remain as far out from the public eye as possible. Asylum Seekers are often kept in poor conditions and treated badly.

2. Temporary Protection Visas. One of the controversial problems with these is that they ban family unions between asylum seekers, causing the separation of brother and sister; children and mother.

3.Excision Legislation.

4.Offshore Processing.

5. Bribing of Indonesia. To run detention centre's on the Australian Government's behalf, to keep asylum seekers away from Australia itself.

6.Penalties for People Movers.

7.Charging for detention costs for those granted visas. Those refugees granted a visa are often forced to pay their own captivity money, often these bills are of large amounts, leaving them in high debt to the government.

As in the UK, asylum seekers also have to pass a Citizenship Test, asking seekers questions on Australian cricket that a majority of Australian citizens would not know themselves...

In 2008, Liam Byrne the previous UK Immigration Minister proudly boasted; "We're now removing an immigration offender every 8 minutes but our target is to move more and faster." Here is a classic example of the negative attitude we, like Australia, also hold. Indeed, deportation has increased from 30,000 cases in 1997 and 60,000 cases in 2007 - but is this something to be proud of?
Would you experience a feeling of pride knowing that you had been responsible for sending Sylvia back to a land wrought with civil war and where she might be hunted down and killed? Does it make you feel proud to be part of a nation who has killed 77 asylum seekers in the last year, either indirectly through suicide or directly through not providing health care when needed?

Linda Briskman identified 5 main strategies governments use to try and justify their violation of the asylum right to the public. Obviously, many of these strategies are not made obvious but rather are underlying processes, she specifically linked Australia to all 5:
1.Criminalisation and Dehumanisation. Asylum seekers are made to be seen as criminals, whereas in fact, to apply for asylum is a recognised human right. They are dehumanised whether though being assigned a number, or the neglect of their life stories. The public are made to forget many of them are fleeing from conflict or death threats as a result of political situations.
2. Resources and Disease. Having neglected the real-life stories, governments try to suggest that Asylum seekers are only seeking the country to take advantage of the high standards of living, fair enough, a minority do attempt to do this but on the whole, most are fleeing serious danger. Secondly, disease is exploited and the idea that Asylum seekers are filthy and contaminated. This is even exploited to to the extent that in some detention centres, visitors must wash their hands after leaving the company of Asylum seekers.
3. Out of Zone Belonging. Here, governments exploit the 'stranger danger' idea. Basically, they subliminally promote racism towards outsiders. This is strongest in Australia, where its secluded location successfully parallels this idea.
4. Depiction as Terrorists. This idea is strong in Australia, which is ironic especially as Australia has not yet received a major terrorist attack as both America and the UK have.
5. The Demonisation of Islam. Muslims are treated with suspicion and doubt and upon entering society are expected to become like us, casting aside their religion and traditions.


The 5 above, seem rather ironic when we think of how governments aim to reduce racism.
However, behind the scenes there is clearly a different story with countries simply aiming to take in as few Asylum seekers as possible, seeing them as an unwelcome burden.
As well as being a Scholar, Linda Briskman has also been a successful human rights activist and campaigner and so she ended the talk by suggesting her 'remedy' to help resolve the situation...

1.International Law. An International Law should be passed to help guarantee the protection of Asylum seekers, even those who are waiting to be deported again.
2. Emphasize Human instead of Border Security. Instead of just being about facts and figures, the real life stories of the Asylum Seekers need to be brought into the public view, so they are aware of the people who are being turned away.
3. Open Borders? In an ideological situation, this would be the solution. Linda favoured the view as she claimed only a small percentage of the world's population are on the move at once, personally I do not approve of this idea and she recognised that it would pose some problems and isn't a very popular solution.
4. Expenditure. If Politicians have failed to be convinced through being brought to awareness of the tragic human costs of their decisions, then perhaps the economic cost should be exploited?
5. Growth in Social Movements. Social movements should form coalitions and put pressure on the government, naturally Amnesty was mentioned as the key human rights group.

Asylum Seeking remains one of those areas where negative attitudes as a result of ignorance prevails.
As a responsible, democratic country, we should be more open to those in need. I accept that we cannot take everyone - we simply don't have the resources. But even those who will have to be deported should be better cared for whilst it is important the negative stereotypes are eliminated so those who are free to stay can lead the simple, ordinary life that they yearn.

"After initially refusing Sylvia's asylum application, the Home Office eventually recognised her as a refugee. The Refugee Council found Sylvia a place on an English and Computer Course and organised a work placement for her so that she could gain office experience. Sylvia hopes one day to manage her own business..."

This is the type of care we should strive to achieve.
Remember - Asylum is a Human Right.

It's controversial. It's complicated. It's sensitive... It's the Spending Review.

"He needed to understand that Daddy might not always be very popular, and that there might be people who don't like Daddy, or the things he has to say. He might even hear it at school, but he's not to worry about it." ~ George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Oh! The terrible pain when a Father has to tell his eight year old son that he is about to make 490,000 public sector workers redundant...

I will admit that because of the three reasons stated in the title above, I was considering trying to attempt to blissfully ignore the announcement of the spending review within my blog. However, I then realised that although it may be easier to ignore the spending review; it would be a political disgrace on my behalf.

I therefore attempt to analyse aspects of the Spending Review;  in the words of the Right Honourable Danny Alexander MP "not because it is easy, but because it is right". A phrase he used to defend his involvement in implementing the many cuts contained within the review at the Liberal Democrat Conference.

George Osborne began by reminding us, that as a country, we have the largest structural deficit in Europe at £109bn. Whether you blame Labour or not, this means each year, the country is paying £43bn in debt interest. Each day that is more than £100m spent on servicing our debt; enough to build a Primary School every hour.
To carry on like this would simply be unsustainable.

The predominantly Labour-pro media were always going to exaggerate the apparent 'horrors' of this Spending Review but undoubtedly the loss of 490,000 jobs over 4 years will have a damaging, catastrophic, social and economic impact. However, we have to think about the long term.

Would it really be fair to leave the growing debt, we are responsible for, for future generations to solve?
I am sure the majority would agree that no, it is not. The cuts need to happen. It is the speed and the extent of these cuts which is to be debated.

A 19% average cut (which was considerably lower than the 25% cut expected) will be made across the 4 year length of the budget. He has also sensibly decided to exclude certain departments from the 'brutal' cuts; most noticeably Education, Health and International Development.

The Education Department has been allocated an annual budget of £57.6bn, this is the second largest budget. The Review will see a 3.4% real term fall over 4 years and the abolition of 5 Quangos but direct funding to schools will be protected with budgets rising from £35bn to £39bn.

As a Lib Dem, it was particularly pleasing to see that a Pupil Premium of £2.5bn will be implemented for teaching disadvantaged pupils; a key Lib Dem manifesto pledge. Osborne also announced that 15hrs of free early education and care for 2 year olds, would also be offered to those from poorer households.
Clearly, education on the whole has thrived from this Spending Review.
 However, I still fail to understand why we are wasting £1.3bn on the Academies Scheme which simply makes the elite schools the uber elite... But I have ranted sufficiently over this on a previous post...

Health care will also be protected from cuts and has been allocated a budget of £106.4bn - the largest budget of all the departments. The NHS will receive a 1.3% real term rise in funding by 2015 and an extra £2bn will be provided for social care by 2014-2015. A new cancer drug fund will be provided and the budget will rise above inflation each year from £104bn this year to £114bn over the next 4 years.

This year's International Development budget has been set at £7.7bn, this is due to rise to £11.5bn over the next 4 years to meet UN aid commitments. All overseas aid budgets have been protected from cuts except for aid to China and Russia which has been stopped entirely.

However, other departments haven't been so lucky...

The Business, Innovation and Skills department has been allocated a budget of £21.2bn with an annual cut of 7.1%. For me, this is perhaps one of the cuts I find most worrying, partly through personal interest but also in terms of the public interest. The department is key in providing the facilities, skills and research which help boost our economy through employment and education.

However, Osborne has promised that there will be funding for 75,000 adult apprenticeships and thankfully the Science Budget has been frozen; instead of cut as feared.

There is of course The Browne report taking place into reforming tuition fees.
Much of this report I can agree with e.g. making students pay according to their income following University. If you go on to a high income job as a result of University, of course you should contribute more to the cost than someone who received a low income job. The calamity is of course taking the cap off tuition fees. It would be completely unfair to remove the cap as naturally the more prestigious Universities e.g. Oxford or Cambridge will take advantage of their excellent reputation by making students pay higher fees to attend the University meaning students from relatively poorer backgrounds would be disadvantaged.

The Cabinet Office faces a £55m cut in budget.
The Queen will also be practicing her patriotic duty; the Civil List funding will be frozen next year and the total Royal Household Spending will fall by 14% from 2012-2013. This would suggest we really are all in this together! However, she is temporarily taking £1m to fund her Diamond Jubilee - is this really necessary, would a trip to the cinema to celebrate not suffice?

Within my household, the big worry has been the Communities and Local Government Budget.
The Budget has been set at £33.6bn with a fall per annum of 7.1% which may naturally lead to the unemployment of council staff. However, changed rental agreements and the aim to build 150,000 new affordable homes add a brighter tone to this budget.

The Army will lose 7000 jobs.
The RAF and Navy will lose 5000 jobs each.
And the MOD will lose 25,000 civilian staff.
Yet still we seem to be fighting a seemingly 'checkmate' war in Afghanistan which is costing us billions to run each year...
The Defence Department will face cuts of 8% over the next 4 years and has been allocated a budget of £46.1bn. The Harrier Jump Jets and Ark Royal Aircraft are to be axed alongside the planned Nimrod spy planes, whilst the spending decision on Trident is to be delayed until 2016.

In amongst the 'doom and gloom' there is some good news, especially for fellow Lib Dems...
£1bn in funding has been set aside to start a Green Investment Bank; this is a key idea straight from the manifesto of the Lib Dems. Also, within the Energy and Climate Change Department, £200m in funding has been set aside for Wind Power development. However, the 5% annual budget cut means that the Tidal Barrage on the Severn Estuary has been scrapped.

During this year's election, do you remember the vital word?
FRONTLINE SERVICES.
So, we've had the health care and education, now time to look at policing...
The Home Office budget has been set at £10.2bn with a cut of 6% per annum. This has resulted in a 4% cut to the Police Budget however, it has been stressed that these cuts are focused on the bureaucracy rather than front line services - let's hope they are right...

And the criminals?
The plan for a new 1500 place prison to be built has been scrapped and it has been estimated that 3000 fewer prison places are to be expected by 2015.
However, there will be a £1.3bn capital investment in prison estate helping ensure we have a more efficient juridical system with fewer re-offenders.

The Transport Budget is due to fall by 21% over 4 years, which is perhaps amongst the highest cuts in budgets. However, the department will receive £30bn for capital spending, including £500m for Tyne Wear Metro and Tees Valley bus network. The cross rail project is to go ahead in London and £14bn is to be spent on improving railways.

The Treasury has the highest budget cut, aiming to cut its budget by 33% over the next 4 years.
The Banking Levy will be made permanent, £900m will be put towards targeting tax evasion and £1.5bn will be given in compensation to the Equitable Life Policyholders who were hit by near collapse. There will also be a 15% cut in funding for revenue and customs.

The streets today were filled with middle aged grumbles, as it was announced the state pension age would reach 66 by 2020 and that there would be a reform of public pensions to save £1.8bn by 2015, with employees likely to contribute more. However, for the lucky few already there; the Winter fuel allowance, free bus passes and TV licenses for the 75+ will all be kept.
Cuts will be made to child benefits for higher rate tax payers to generate £2.5bn (hooray!) and couples on working tax credits must work 24hrs between them. It was also announced that a further £7bn in welfare savings have been planned, on top of the £11bn already announced.
And finally, a 12 month time limit has been implemented for the one million people on employment and support allowance; find work... or face a benefit cut.

Nick Clegg has described the review as being "thoroughly a coalition product" whilst the IFS have described its as being "more regressive than progressive". Clearly, there is some debate as to the success of the Spending Review. Only one thing can be for sure; only time will tell...

P.S. I would briefly like to apologise that this post is rather factual.
I personally don't feel informed enough to fully understand the impact of the Spending Review and so have refrained from voicing my opinion as much as possible, as I would not want to base it on inadequate or false reason. I would appreciate any comments or debate as to whether the Spending Review has been a success or not and am always willing to listen and analyse other people's viewpoints.

Pretty Good for a Tory...

As one conference closes, another opens...

David Cameron strode into the Conservative Conference in his usual, striking, arrogant confidence; the pure arrogance, when you can almost see "born to rule" self inscribed across his forehead...

This was of course his first appearance at Conference as Prime Minister but little did he know that several days later he would be facing the fury of his own supporters...

By Wednesday, he would be mauled by his own party;
Time to feel the aggressive wrath of the rich, stay-at-home mothers...

It would appear the slashing of child benefits to those within the top 15% of families on highest income (a.k.a the filthy rich) has caused quite a fuss...
I wonder why?
Oh yes, because half of the Tories are the filthy rich, whilst the other 50% at least like to think they are...

For once, the Tory plans protect the poor over the rich; a rare and unusual occurance.
My advice is; make the most of it.
I had to read the article in the Guardian twice, for the concept of such an occasion to actually sink in...
It has to be said Osborne; pretty good for a Tory.
But for the Tories, the policy has provoked controversy and division...

The slashing of child benefits, in this way, will successfully raise £1bn towards George Osborne's plans to cut Britain's £149bn deficit within the five year lifespan of the coalition.

But by Wednesday, as Mr. Cameron left what should have been a celebratory rally, he had been effectively hung, drawn and quartered by his own party members and his reputation for being 'cool under fire' had been ruined...

Personally, as a Lib Dem and so supporting fairness, I completely support the cuts to those families where one parent earns over £44,000 - why should rich mothers be paid to stay at home whilst the social services struggle to cater for those who are mentally ill or disabled? Why should they be paid to lounge around when Britain has one of the largest deficits in Europe, that needs to be cut?

What a shame...
Some filthy rich Tory family won't be able to afford the brand new BMW they've always wanted...
Ever heard of a Peugeot?

So these cuts...
For once, excluding all other policies and values; I could almost be a Tory, and be proud to be a Tory...

...And believe me; that's saying something.

Another day in 'Libdemdom'...

By Sunday, I had just about got used to finding myself stood just metres away from Nick Clegg, Simon Hughes, Vince Cable or someone of equal epicness from the party...

As a result of a delayed breakfast and the added distraction of the Andrew Marr show on in the hotel lobby, I sadly missed most of the speech by Tavish Scott which I had aimed to see that morning.

Therefore, my first full session was the Consultative Session on Strategy from 10.40am-12.10pm.
Don't be fooled by the name - this was actually really interesting...
It was a discussion as to how the Lib Dems should alter their strategy to recruit support and new members following the coalition. Key points explored included:

1. We MUST separate ourselves from the Tories and reiterate that this is a coalition NOT a merge.
We can still keep our deal through passing Tory policies but show we don't necessarily agree with them. It was suggested that as Mr.Cable has done, more coalition key players need to reassure members that just because we've agreed to help pass them; we don't solidly agree with them.
There was also the idea that we need to 'shout from the rooftops' our successes in government, so the public knows who has done what. One person raised the idea of including Lib Dem achievements in editions of local focus papers; I thought this would be a particularly successful way of raising and keeping support.

2. Liberal Youth needs to be acknowledged as a vital, precious resource; the future of the party.
Liberal Youth wasn't mentioned at all within the first half of the session, I was rather concerned about this, so much so; I was considering making an intervention at half time. However, luckily I wasn't confident enough to do so as it was then focused on within the second half.

3. Activists need to be valued more.
Instead of just being handed a stack of leaflets to deliver.
Luckily, I have not experienced this as my local party have been extremely welcoming and appreciative but I can understand that this could be a problem elsewhere.

There were many other points made, but sadly I didn't take notes during this discussion - too busy listening!

After the Consultative Session, conference filled up rapidly with party members and much to my annoyance, the all consuming sprawl and chaos of the media...

Because Danny Alexander was due to make his first conference speech.
His speech centered around the cuts and he explained why they are being carried out; "Not because it is easy but because it is right."

With regards to the coalition, he described how; "One party at war with itself has been replaced by 2 united parties."And impressively pointed out how the Lib Dems have achieved key policies e.g. Increasing Capital Gains Tax and taking 900,000 low earners out of tax; all in 13 weeks. Labour had 13 years; and they failed to achieve this. He also pointed out how Labour shamefully promised money to communities when they knew there was "no money left" and how last year they spent £150 billion more than was payed by tax.

He reinforced the idea that efficiency savings alone will not solve the deficit, hence why cuts have to be made. He then proceeded to the tackling of tax avoidance and described how it was unacceptable at the best of times but now more so than ever. He therefore promised a fivefold increase in prosecutions, which would gather £7billion to help conquer the deficit.

After a truly inspiring, impressive, cleverly linked and worded speech...
He ended promising fairness was in his mind every step of the way; an outright promise to remain close to the values held as a Liberal Democrat within this coalition.

Next followed the Welsh Liberal Democrats presentation...
Much to my embarassment now; rather foolishly and in a typically English way, it had never occurred to me that Welsh Liberal Democrats even existed!
Therefore, I found this presentation particuarly interesting and informative...

Similarly to Danny Alexander, the Welsh Liberal Democrats talked about the betrayal of Labour and also Plaid Cymru through their current coalition. The coalition had promised the establishment of a daily Welsh newspaper, 6.5 thousand new homes, the recognition of Welsh as a language and to halve child poverty.
All of this hasn't yet been achieved.

Kirsty Williams, as a fairly new Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has been making a huge impact already; it was explained how she condemned the coalition for waste; over £1 billion in health.

Liberal Democrat achievements in Wales include:
1. A complete review of overseas investment.
2. The separation of infertility and maternity patients in hospitals.
3. Guaranteed healthy eating in schools across Wales.
4. 40% CO2 reduction target.
5. Regeneration of Swansea; including the building of a huge leisure complex.
6. Passing of the "green dragon" law, a law which promotes eco-friendly behaviour.
7. Success in education; Wrexham has been Lib Dem territory for 6 years and 47% of grades are now between A-C at GCSE as a result of education strategy.
8. The regeneration of Cardiff.

Although perhaps slightly biased, the Welsh Lib Dems described how they were bringing new hope to the people of Wales.
From their extensive list of achievements, it really does seem that way.
In many ways, their presentation was just as inspiring to that of Danny Alexander's; it was brilliant to see such dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit.

Those who spoke at the conference were:
1. Kirsty Williams (Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats)
2.Councillor Aled Roberts (Leader of Wrexham Council)
3. Veronica German (Assembly Member for South East Wales)
4. Wyn Williams (Welsh Assembly Candidate for Montgomeryshire)

Next followed my final conference session but it was certainly a good way to end the whole experience;
Nick Clegg's Questions and Answers.
Managed to 'bagsy' some front seats, although this did have the disadvantage of media attention...
A lot of notes taken... 3.5 A4 sides to be precise!
Ideas explored included...

1. Could Nick still be trusted with the party?
Clegg replied yes and outlined some of the key Liberal Democrat policies that were being passed in government. For instance, taking 900,000 low earners out of tax, implementing a banking levy and a pupil premium. He acknowledged that the cuts weren't easy but pointed out it was unfair to leave our debt for future generations to deal with.

2. Many FE colleges are not fit for purpose, how will this be sorted?
Clegg promised the millions of pounds were to be injected into the FE budget and unlike Labour, this promise of funding would be kept. He also stressed the importance of more promotion of FE colleges as more often than not University is made to appear as the only option.

3. Pakistan Floods: Although 1.5million people have been covered by aid, this is not enough - how are the government helping?
Clegg talked of his own personal visit to the country and described how shocking it was, explaining how you cannot capture the unimaginable vastness on the small TV screens we have at home. He acknowledged that over 20million people had been displaced by the floods, a total which is equivalent to 1/3 of the UK. In response he declared that that very day the government had increased upon the £60million already issued to Pakistan to help provide temporary education and financial support for farmers.

4. When will the detention of children end?
It will end; Clegg reiterated this several times. He described how detention was only used prior to deportation, but that the government were looking for an alternate solution, describing the current system as a "barbaric" part of our asylum system.

5. Why are the Lib Dems being blamed for cuts but the Tories praised for our policies?
He pointed out that it was only 5months into a 5year parliament and therefore it was early days and that the mark is clear to see, we just need to explain. He agreed that ministers should express some dislike towards Tory policy, but obviously being in coalition can often be a very fragile situation. He then explained that we cannot cross the 't's and dot the 'i's of the Lib Dem Manifesto because we didn't win the election.

6. How can we maintain our independence within the coalition?
Clegg instantly replied with "we are left, they are right; we stand firm in our ideological views" and that you can share power but still keep your values. He described how we need to keep internal democratic debate alive and how we are currently being "beaten up by Labour pro media who are indulging themselves in the betrayal myth", whilst it is they who have betrayed the public; they didn't even have the decency to announce their planned cuts.

Regrettably, the Question and Answer session marked the 'beginning of the end' of my conference experience...

After buying a Liberal Democrat mug, one very reluctant Emma departed from conference...
The rest of Sunday and most of Monday was spent in a solitary, silent, reflective, blissful world of yellow...

Regrets?
... Perhaps not taking enough notes and not attending enough fringe events.

But it has to be said, conference was an absolute... SUCCESS.
Great experience; Great debate; Great people.

It was an honour to be surrounded by people who have the same passion for politics as me and also who share some of the same political values as fellow Liberal Democrats.
 So...
             Bring on the Spring Conference!

And when you pass security for what feels like the 100th time; it finally hits you. You're at the Liberal Democrat Conference. And we're in Government.

Conference... Conference... Conference...

"Initially daunting, then it becomes interesting...
        ...and surprisingly right wing."
 Art Malik (Actor and supporter of the Liberal Democrats) on his first experience of conference.

Daunting? Yes.
Interesting? Definitely.
Right wing? Not so sure.

This blog will differ from the usual style.
Unlike usual, I'd like to talk about my own experience; my experience as a first-timer at the Lib Dem Conference last weekend.

Saturday morning; I wasn't really sure what to expect.
Having registered in my trade mark style (on the last minute), I had only been sent a brief letter and my conference pass by post. The rest had to be collected on site.
Therefore, I really had no idea what I was letting myself in for.

As I disembarked the bus in Liverpool city centre and headed vaguely in the direction of the ACC; I started to notice strange splashes of yellow amongst the typically urban grey surroundings...
Serious looking suited persons passing by; and that glimpse of yellow again, again, again...

I am of course referring to the yellow lanyards worn by conference members. With each passing lanyard, I found myself walking faster and faster as the excitement kicked in. Eventually, having dodged people, cars, buses and protesters I found myself standing outside the ACC. After a brief salute to the Lib Dem flags outside I stepped into the chaos of the security tent.

After receiving my own precious lanyard and having got through security without any bomb scares, I then proceeded to pick up my brick sorry conference papers from the designated desk.

Bewildered, and with an hour or so to pass until Conference was formally opened, I explored the maze of stalls on the ground floor, fighting off the woman at the Womens Liberal Democrats' stall who had a worrying obsession with Eleanor Rathburn...

Eventually, it reached 2.30pm and I excitedly entered the Conference Hall. Baroness Walmsley formally opened the conference by making a short speech with as much boasting of "we're in Government now" as possible which of course, was all good stuff.

From 2.35-4.15 I intermittently sat through three different reports; The Federal Conference Committee report , The Federal Policy Committee report and finally the membership subscriptions report. To be brutally honest, these weren't exactly enthralling but perhaps this was because I was too overwhelmed by the whole concept of conference it was hard to concentrate.

Then followed a debate on 'Transactions Transparency and conflicts of interest in Government' which was interesting although hard to follow.
However, having looked back at the Agenda when at home and having studied the topic in more detail it made much more sense.

The debate looked at imposing a Civil Service Law which prevents public servants from being appointed when they are involved in (e.g. through shares) or even outright own the companies and services they are dealing with.
Another key area of concern was public servants leaving their posts to take up highly rewarded roles with suppliers or government organisations, as a result of these organisations benefiting from the decisions made by such public servants.

The debate, was fast moving and raised a number of issues for instance what exactly counts for ownership? It was pointed out that many people invested their pensions in a company, therefore, most people would be excluded.
Eventually, the idea of passing a Civil Service Law was favoured by conference and it was pointed out that it was strange that we didn't already have one as so many of our European neighbours did.

Later followed my first and most regrettably my only fringe event; The AV Rally...
The place was heaving.
This was to be expected though as of course the AV referendum is crucial to the Lib Dems as a party.
There was also the small matter that a certain Nick Clegg would be making an appearance...
Other speakers included;
Art Malik (Actor and Supporter of the Lib Dems)
Jo Swinson (Lib Dem MP)
Tim Farron (Lib Dem MP and always a good laugh!)
Martin Bell (Former Independent MP)
Pam Giddy (Leader of the Yes to AV campaign)

AV Balloons filled the air and it was rather ironic to see serious looking politicians batting them about like 5 year olds at a Mc Donald's party...
There was a good atmosphere; the rally was exciting, passionate and unifying but with a serious undertone as Nick Clegg warned coalition doubters;
"Don't let the best be the enemy of the good."
No, this isn't Proportional Representation but it's better than first past the post.
Although, personally I think anything, even a  'put your heads down and hands up' school style voting system would be more democratic that first past the post...

And that was Saturday.
I have decided to split my conference write-up into two days as I feel each day was a separate experience on a variety of different levels. For instance; Sunday was much more settled and therefore I paid more attention to the content instead of the atmosphere of the conference.