Party Conferences are a key part of the political calendar, offering an opportunity to meet Ministers, Shadow Ministers and MPs.

This year, RIA is partnering with High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) and Rail Delivery Group (RDG) to hold fringe events at both Labour and Conservative Party Conferences.

We will be holding 'Rail Interviews' with the Transport Secretary / Shadow Transport Secretary on the Sunday afternoons, 'Rail Debates' on the Mondays at lunchtime and 'Rail Receptions' on the Mondays in the evening.

RIA Members are welcome to attend. No registration is required, but attendees will require Conference passes to attend the Rail Interview and Panel events.

Labour Party Conference

Labour Party Conference will take place from Saturday 25 to Wednesday 29 September 2021 at the Brighton Conference Centre.

The Rail Interview

The Rail Debate

The Rail Debate will explore 'A platform for change – How rail can support the UK’s green recovery' and will take place on Monday 27 September from 12.30 to 1.45pm. The event will be in the Buckingham Room of the Hilton Brighton Metropole. Speakers include:

• Tan Dhesi MP, Shadow Rail Minister
• Maria Machancoses, CEO, Midlands Connect
• Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, Railway Industry Association
• Andy Bagnall, Director General, Rail Delivery Group
  
   

The Rail Reception

The Rail Reception is an annual drinks reception where attendees can hear about the opportunities a truly national high speed rail network will bring. The reception will include a photographic exhibition of the progress that has been made on HS2 to date, bringing to life the economic, environmental and educational benefits that flow from the UK’s biggest infrastructure project. The Reception will take place on Monday 27 September from 4 to 6pm in the Regency Room of the Old Ship Hotel (outside the secure zone). Speakers include:

• Shadow Rail Minister Tan Dhesi MP;
• Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council. 
  
   

Conservative Party Conference

Conservative Party Conference will take place from Sunday 3 to Wednesday 6 October 2021 in Manchester. 

The Rail Interview

The Rail Interview with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP (invited) at Conservative Party Conference will take place from 5.30 to 6.45pm on Sunday 3 October in the Derby Suite of the Midland Hotel in Manchester (inside the secure zone).

Gwyn Topham, Transport Correspondent at the Guardian, will interview Shapps on the Government's key rail policies and their priorities for the sector.

Sponsors

The Rail Debate

A panel discussion will take place on Monday 4 October from 12.30 to 1.45pm in the Derby Suite of the Midland Hotel (inside the secure zone) on the topic of: "How Can The Value Of Rail And Industry Reform Deliver For Britain Post-Pandemic?". Speakers include:

• Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Minister of State for Transport 
• Andy Bagnall, Director General, RDG
• Andrea Green, Business Development Director, Costain
• Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director, BCC
• Daniel Bond, Head of Political Engagement, Dods Group (chair)

The Rail Reception 

The Rail Reception is an annual drinks reception where attendees can hear about the opportunities a truly national high speed rail network will bring. The reception will include a photographic exhibition of the progress that has been made on HS2 to date, bringing to life the economic, environmental and educational benefits that flow from the UK’s biggest infrastructure project. The Reception will take place on Monday 4 October from 5 to 7pm in The Edwardian (outside the secure zone). Invited speakers include:

• HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson MP;
• Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe and Nantwich.