Annual ConferenceCo-operative Party Northern Ireland
In 2021, due to the restrictions imposed following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Co-operative Party is holding a series of virtual online-only Conferences across all areas of the UK. Members and supporters from across Northern Ireland are invited to take part in the online Annual Conference of the Co-operative Party Northern Ireland which takes place on Zoom on Saturday 22nd May 2021 , 9.30am – 13.00pm
This a serious time for politics in Northern Ireland when it’s citizens are looking for politicians across the sectarian divide to reach out & plan for a better future for all its people. The Co-operative Party in Northern Ireland want to play it’s role in that endeavour. There will be a range of exciting speakers on really pertinent issues to Co-operators & fellow progressives from Northern Ireland.
This event is open to Co-operative Party members as well as non-members. Please pass on this information to anyone you feel you like to join us.
Programme
9.30am Welcome and introduction with Tony McMullan, chair Co-operative Party Northern Ireland.
9.35am Keynote address and Q&A with:
Preet Gill MP – Chair of the Labour & Co-operative Parliament Group, Shadow Secretary of State for International Development and MP for Birmingham Edgbaston
Ruth Hall – update on the work of the Co-op Party’s with NEC representative for Scotland and Northern Ireland
Followed by a series of chaired Panel debates, with invited guest speakers talking on the 3 topics and then taking questions, as follows:
10am The Future of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive: discussing the recent proposal by the current Minister for Communities that the Regional Housing Body, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive ( NIHE ) should be spilt with one part of it’s current function being turned into a Mutual. Speaking panelists include:
Justin Cartwright – National Director, Northern Ireland Chartered Institute of Housing
Agnes Crawford – General Manager, Grove Community Housing Association’
Paul Gosling – Financial Journalist
Chair – Anna McAleavy, Vice-Chair
10.45am BREAK
11am Co-operative Development in Ireland, Scotland & Wales with speaking panelists:
Richard McCready, Political Officer Scottish Co-operative Party.
Karen Wilkie, Deputy General Secretary & Wales Co-operative Party
Dr Noreen Byrne, The Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College , Cork
Chair – Sandra Wilson, Secretary Women’s Network
11.45 Impact of Brexit & the Northern Ireland protocol on goods transferring to Northern Ireland & also the political implications with speaking panelists:
Sinead McLaughlin MLA – SDLP Spokesperson for the Economy and Energy
Stephen Kelly – CEO Manufacturing Northern Ireland
Aodhan Connolly – Director, Northern Ireland Retail Consortium
Chair – Olivia Fletcher, joint chair Co-operative Party Youth Committee
12.30 Final reflections, with
Tony McMullan, chair Co-operative Party Northern Ireland
1.00pm – END –
