Archived page: Simon at Autumn Conference 2008

As President of the party executive and a longstanding MP, Simon had an important role in the Liberal Democrat conference this Autumn. Here are some of Simon's key contributions to the programme.

Make It Happen

Simon concluded the Make It Happen debate with a summary of the party's aims and direction. Particular focus was given to the party's intentions to help struggling families and address stagnating consumer demand by cutting income tax for those on low and middle incomes. Simon urged party members to make clear the immediate benefit of these measures for ordinary families, as compared to those proposed by Labour and Conservatives.

Full text of Make It Happen summary

On the State Pension

This speech saw Simon celebrate the liberal tradition of supporting pensioners but also urge the party to honour this tradition by demanding an appropriate contribution from the super-rich. It was in 1889, just off Walworth Road, in Simon's constituency that the campaign for the state pension began. Lloyd George piloted the pension in 1908 with the gap between rich and poor narrowing for next 70 years. Recent Labour and Conservative governments have however presided over a reversal of this trend. Simon called for the Liberal Democrats to oppose the economic theories that see pensioners receive only crumbs from the tables of the super-rich and to ensure that everyone has a retirement free from the pains of poverty.

Full text of speech marking 100 years of the State Pension

On the Deportation of Homosexuals

In another key speech, Simon called for an end to the deportation of homosexuals to intolerant states. He explained how this practice has forced many to choose between their identity and their life, with some sadly choosing to forgo the latter. Simon made clear that forcing people into this position not only neglects Britain's legal obligations to the UN but also its moral obligations to the individual.

Full text of speech on the deportation of homosexuals

Presidential Speech

Simon used his speech as president of the executive to demand fairer representation of women and ethnic minorities in parliament. Simon called on the Liberal Democrats to act bravely in addressing this shameful situation. He advocated extra support and, if necessary, positive discrimination to ensure there is no delay in delivering fair representation within the party.

Simon also congratulated campaigners and local government leaders for their achievements with particular mention for Northumberland, Wales and the London councils. The speech concluded with a call for members to take the Liberal Democrat Party forward. The president expressed great hopes for the party given the end of Labour's natural claim to the progressive agenda and the hypocrisy of the Conservative claim to that mantle.