Wokingham Lib Dems attend party Conference in Harrogate

A number of Wokingham Town and Borough councillors attended and contributed to the Lib Dem spring party conference in Harrogate at the weekend (21-23 March). Our councillors spoke on Wokingham’s successes in opening new units in mainstream schools for children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities, the importance of getting more girls into IT and engineering, and one came away with a Party Award.

Speaking on the motion to end the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) crisis, Executive Member for Children’s Services, Prue Bray said:

“Inclusion is so important for children with SEND. It is better for them to receive their education in mainstream school with the right support. I am proud that in Lib Dem run Wokingham, our schools and Academy Trusts are demonstrating their commitment to inclusion. Last September we opened two new support units in mainstream schools and we have more in the pipeline for 2026. 

“Indeed, our focus on inclusion has been noticed by His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools in a speech he made recently. 

“However, we also need special schools for some children. Children only get one chance for education. The government’s delay in the delivery of our two new special schools is costing money and harming our children’s education. The government is letting our children with SEND down.” 

Leader of Wokingham Town Council, Maria Gee agrees:

“Children with special educational needs and disabilities have been failed in recent years by successive governments. The considered and thoughtful debate at the Lib Dem conference shows how much our members care about children’s education and support, especially those with SEND. It is a tragedy that hard pressed teachers and schools are being forced to act as the ‘fourth emergency service’ due to a country wide lack of provision and access to children’s mental health and social care. This has to change.”

Speaking on the policy paper for Science, Innovation and Technology, Executive Member for Finance, Imogen Shepherd-DuBey said: 

“We do not have enough women in IT and engineering, or other scientific industries. The problem begins with the choices young girls make at school. A conscious and deliberate effort is needed to bring women into these industries. Women make up 50% of society and their input into these industries is crucial.”

Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, Katrin Harding, was attending her first Lib Dem conference and said: 

“It was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas for tackling the climate emergency. I particularly enjoyed a session on retrofitting with Max Wilkinson MP, Vikki Slade MP, the MCS Foundation and the National Trust, and discussing community energy at Green Lib Dem sessions.”

Councillor Louise Timlin (Evendons) who joined the Liberal Democrats in 2023, was presented with a Party award from Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper, MP:  The Bertha Bowness Fischer Award is awarded to those who have shown outstanding energy or ingenuity in supporting their new-found political home.

In the final speech of the conference, leader Ed Davey issued a rallying cry to take on the forces of populism in the UK, warning that Nigel Farage wants to turn “our great country into little more than a Trump tribute act”. He praised the 72 Lib Dem MPs elected in 2024, and emphasised that “our trademark community politics is the only way to defeat the cynical populism of Trump and Farage”.