IPPR at party conferences 2026

About IPPR at party conferences 2026

This year IPPR is expanding its presence and will be at five party conferences in 2026. We anticipate that just as in previous years, our events will prove to be the ‘must-attend’ events of the conference season.

This page will be updated regularly throughout the conference season with the most up-to-date information as/when speakers confirm their attendance.

For updates, subscribe to IPPR's newsletter here. For enquiries, please contact events@ippr.org.
 

Schedule

Lib Dems | 21 September 2026, Brighton

Monday 21 September

The state of a generation: Restoring promise for children and young people

Monday 21st September, 12.15 – 13.15, Room 1C, Brighton Centre
Hosted by IPPR

  • Munira Wilson MP, Education, Children and Families Spokesperson
  • Carlie Goldsmith, Head of Education Policy at Impetus and Co-Founder of Class Divide
  • Lottie Wilson, Chair of the English Young Liberals
  • Chair: Ellie Harris, Principal Research Fellow and Head of Children and Young People, IPPR

*this event is inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.

Britain's place in a changing world

Monday 21st September, 13.45 – 14.45, Room 1C, Brighton Centre
Hosted by IPPR

  • Calum Miller MP, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
  • Baroness Smith of Newnham, Lords Spokesperson on Defence
  • Mike Martin MP
  • Chair: Laura Chappell, Associate Director for International Policy, IPPR

*this event is inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.

The Liberal Democrats in an age of political fragmentation

Monday 21 September, 18.15 - 19.15, Consort Room, The Grand Hotel
Hosted by IPPR 

  • Lisa Smart MP, Cabinet Office Spokesperson
  • Luke Tryl, Executive Director, More in Common
  • Miranda Green, Deputy Opinion Editor, Financial Times
  • Prof Alan Renwick, Professor of Democratic Politics and Director of the UCL Constitution Unit
  • Chair: Laura Chappell, Associate Director for International Policy, IPPR

Labour | 27 September - 30 September 2026, Liverpool

Sunday 28 September

In conversation: Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP and the Hon Julia Gillard AC

Sunday 27 September, 16.30 - 17.30
Hosted by IPPR and Wellcome

  • Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP, First Secretary of State
  • Julia Gillard, 27th Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Wellcome Trust
  • Chair: Harry Quilter-Pinner, Executive Director, IPPR

*this event is by invitation only.

IPPR Big Ideas Debate: Launching Progressive Review

Sunday 27 September, 18.00 - 19.15 | Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool
Hosted by IPPR 

This event will mark the launch of IPPR's journal of ideas and analysis, exploring the ideas that will shape the future of progressive politics and policy.

  • Torsten Bell MP, Minister for Pensions
  • Abby Jitendra, Policy Director, ThinkLabour
  • Zoë Grünewald, The Lead
  • Dr David Klemperer, University of Bath
  • Tazu Walden, Researcher, IPPR
  • Dr Nick O’Donovan, Keele University
  • Harry Quilter-Pinner, Executive Director, IPPR 

*this event is outside the secure zone but a conference pass will be required to attend.

The Future of the North Drinks Reception

Sunday 27th September, 17.30 – 19.30
Hosted by IPPR North, Northern Influence, Labour Progressive Policy Network

This year, IPPR North, Northern Influence and the Labour Progressive Policy Network are joining forces to host a reception at the Labour Party Conference to reflect on the successes of the North and lessons that can be learnt across the country. This is kindly sponsored by Riverside Sunderland.

*this event is by invitation only

IPPR and Think Labour Drinks Reception

Sunday 27 September, 20.00 - 22.00
Hosted by IPPR and Think Labour

For the third year running, IPPR and ThinkLabour are once again joining forces to kick off Labour conference with a private reception, kindly sponsored by Waymo. We will bring together senior stakeholders to explore what the future holds for progressives.

*This event is by invitation-only.

Monday 28 September

An age of un-order: Reassessing the UK’s foreign policy agenda

Monday 28 September, 09.00 - 10.15 | Arena Room Tees, LEX
Hosted by IPPR and Save the Children

  • Rt Hon Emily Thornberry MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee
  • Ed Owen, Interim CEO, ThinkLabour
  • George Graham, Executive Director of Global Impact, Save the Children UK
  • Chair: Laura Chappell, Associate Director for International Policy, IPPR

*this event is inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.

From resilience to renewal: Investing in Britain’s communities

Monday 28 September, 9.00 - 10.15 | Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool
Hosted by IPPR and Local Trust

  • Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester
  • Rachel Blake MP
  • Andrew O'Brien, Head of the Secretariat for the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods
  • Rachel Rowney, Chief Executive, Local Trust
  • Chair: Zoë Billingham, Director, IPPR North

*this event is outside the secure zone but a conference pass will be required to attend.

How can the UK develop politicians fit for the future?

Monday 28 September, 9.00 - 10.00 | Arena Room Sherwood, Convention Centre, Liverpool Experience Campus 
Hosted by IPPR and the Institute for Government 

  • Chris Murray MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • Sam Carling MP, Member of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
  • Joel Spreadborough, Head of Policy and Impact, Chartered Management Institute
  • Dr Sofia Ropek-Hewson, Senior Research Fellow, IPPR
  • Chair: Vicky Elliott, Director, IfG Academy at the Institute for Government

*this event is inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.

AI and the labour market: What can policy do today to prepare for its impact?

Monday 28 September, 10.30 - 11.45 | Arena Room Tees, LEX
Hosted by IPPR, Prospect Union and Google

  • Rt Hon Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister for AI
  • Mike Clancy, General Secretary, Prospect Union
  • Katie O'Donovan, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google
  • Carsten Jung, Associate Director for Economic Policy, IPPR
  • Chair: Roa Powell, Senior Research Fellow, IPPR

*this event is inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.

Rebalancing the nation: The role of devolution in boosting regional prosperity

Monday 28 September, 10.30 - 11.45 | Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool
Hosted by IPPR and KPMG

  • Tim Roca MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions
  • Cllr Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Resources and Transformation
  • Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Labour candidate for Cheshire and Warrington mayoral election
  • Michelle Allen, Co-Lead, KPMG Powered Enterprise for Government and Public Sector, KPMG
  • Chair: Mirte Boot, Principal Research Fellow, IPPR North

*this event is outside the secure zone but a conference pass will be required to attend.

Private Roundtable: Stronger for longer: Building a health and care system for an ageing Britain

Monday 28 September, 10.30 - 11.45 
Hosted by IPPR and Alzheimer's Society

  • Jim Dickinson MP, Member of the Treasury Select Committee
  • Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer's Society
  • Chair: Sebastian Rees, Principal Research Fellow and Head of Health, IPPR 

*this event is by invitation only

Private Roundtable: Offshore wind as an engine for growth

Monday 28 September, 14.00 - 15.30
Hosted by IPPR, EDF Energy and RenewableUK

  • Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy (invited)
  • Mirte Boot, Principal Research Fellow and Head of Regional Growth, IPPR North
  • Chair: Sam Alvis, Associate Director for Environment, Energy Security, and Nature, IPPR

*this event is by invitation only

Welfare under fire: Understanding British Social Attitudes

Monday 28 September, 14.30 - 15.45 | Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool
Hosted by IPPR and the National Centre for Social Research

  • Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Equalities
  • Polly Toynbee, Columnist, The Guardian
  • Sir John Curtice, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Social Research
  • Chair: Henry Parkes, Head of Work, Social Security and Living Standards, IPPR

*this event is outside the secure zone but a conference pass will be required to attend.

The road to a healthier Britain: Can Labour deliver on its healthcare agenda?

Monday 28 September, 14.30 - 15.45 | Arena Room Tees, LEX
Hosted by IPPR and Impact on Urban Health

  • Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
  • Mark Heffernan, Interim Director of Policy, Influencing & Change, Impact on Urban Health
  • Chair: Harry Quilter-Pinner, Executive Director, IPPR

*this event is inside the secure zone and a conference pass will be required to attend.

Private Roundtable: The future of asylum and refugee protection in the UK

Monday 28 September, 16.00 - 17.30
Hosted by IPPR and the International Rescue Committee

  • Chris Murray MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • Lord Alf Dubs
  • Flora Alexander, Executive Director, International Rescue Committee UK
  • Chair: Marley Morris, Associate Director for Migration, Trade and Communities

*this event is by invitation only

A NEET solution?: Supporting young people into employment, education or training

Monday 28 September, 16.15 - 17.15
Hosted by IPPR 

  • Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
  • Rt Hon Alan Milburn, Lead Non-Executive Director, Department for Health and Social Care
  • Chair: Avnee Morjaria, Associate Director for Public Services, IPPR 

*this event is by invitation only.

Tuesday 29 September

Unlocking potential: Driving good growth with our cities

Tuesday 29 September, 9.30 - 11.00 | Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool
Hosted by IPPR, Onward, and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  • Dr Jeevun Sandher MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department of Business and Trade
  • Chris Curtis MP, Member of the Select Committee for Housing, Communities and Local Government
  • Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor of London, Business and Growth
  • Karim Fatehi OBE, Chief Executive Officer, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Caroline Elsom, Head of Government Reform, Onward
  • Chair: Maurício Alencar, Politics & Economics Reporter, CITY AM

*this event is outside the secure zone but a conference pass will be required to attend.

Bringing bills down and living standards up: What are the priorities?

Tuesday 29 September, 11.15 - 12.15 | Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool
Hosted by IPPR, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Labour Progressive Policy Network

  • Rt Hon Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
  • Alfie Stirling, Director of Insight and Policy, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
  • Chair: Harry Quilter-Pinner, Executive Director, IPPR

*this event is outside the secure zone but a conference pass will be required to attend.

Private Roundtable: Good growth in every postcode: The role of financial services and investment

Tuesday 29 September, 12.00 - 13.30 
Hosted by North IPPR and City of London 

  • Rt Hon Lucy Rigby MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury
  • Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation
  • Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford City and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester
  • Chair: Zoë Billingham, Director, IPPR North

*this event is by invitation-only. 

Public service reform at scale: What’s it really going to take?

Tuesday 29 September, 12.30 - 13.30, Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool 
IPPR, Innovation Unit and Collaborate CIC 

  • Preet Kaur Gill MP
  • Rt Hon Jonathan Ashworth
  • Helen MacNamara, Chair of Shelter and the Future Governance Forum
  • Sarah Gillinson, Chief Executive of Innovation Unit
  • Dawn Plimmer, Chief Executive of Collaborate CIC
  • Alison McKenzie-Folan, Chief Executive of Wigan Council
  • Chair: Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of IPPR 
Laying the foundations: A longer-term look at the housing crisis

Tuesday 29 September, 16.00 - 17.00 | Education Area 3, Museum of Liverpool
Hosted by IPPR

  • Rt Hon Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister for Housing
  • Vicky Spratt, Author, i News
  • Chair: Maya Singer Hobbs, Senior Research Fellow, IPPR

*this event is outside the secure zone but a conference pass will be required to attend.

Greens | 2 - 4 October 2026, Brighton

The new “normal”: Adapting to the climate crisis

Friday 2 October, 12.15 - 13.15 | Buckingham Room, Hilton Brighton Metropole 
Hosted by IPPR and Verdant

  • Rachel Millward, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
  • James Meadway, Director, Verdant
  • Sofie Jenkinson, Founding Director, Round Our Way
  • Chair: Becca Massey Chase, Principal Research Fellow and Head of Citizen Engagement, IPPR
A fairer future: how to bring down energy bills and tackle fuel poverty

Friday 2 October, 14.30 - 15.30 | Hilton Brighton Metropole 
Hosted by IPPR and Nesta

  • Hannah Spencer MP, Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government (invited)
  • Madeleine Gabriel, Mission Director, A Sustainable Future, Nesta
  • Becca Massey Chase, Principal Research Fellow and Head of Citizen Engagement, IPPR
  • Chair: Jillian Ambrose, Energy Correspondent, The Guardian

Conservative |  4 - 7 October 2026, Birmingham

Tuesday 6 October

Powering London’s Growth: Unlocking the City’s Potential

Tuesday 6 October, 11.30- 12.30
Hosted by IPPR, Onward and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  • Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exechequer
  • Harry Quilter-Pinner, Executive Director, IPPR
  • Soumaya Keynes, FT (Invited)
  • Karim Fatehi OBE, Chief Executive Officer, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Chair: Sir Simon Clarke, Director, Onward

SNP |  15 - 17 October 2026, Aberdeen

Friday 16 October

Securing the benefits of offshore wind in Scotland

Friday 16 October, 09.15 - 10.15 |  Meeting Room 2, TECA 
Hosted by IPPR Scotland and Morven Wind

  • Stephen Gethins MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy
  • Kate Potter, Project Co-Director, Morven Winds
  • Angela Hepworth, CEO, Scottish Renewables
  • Chair: Stephen Boyd, Director, IPPR Scotland