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Climate Clinic goes to Bournemouth
Posted by benet on 16 September 2008.
Benet (right) joins Climate Clinic's 'Coal vs Renewables' debate
One of the great traditions of British politics is the seaside conference. It is sad to think it might soon be a thing of the past. In 2007 all three political parties held their conferences in seaside resorts; this year the Climate Clinic only needs its bucket and spade once – for the Lib Dem Conference in Bournemouth.
Read more »Cameron's gamble with the green centre ground
Posted by benet on 2 October 2007.
Three conferences in three weeks is hard work! Although I am fond of Blackpool, the toll of endless meetings and snatched conversations takes it toll after a while. I am writing this from a web café with a much needed cup of tea before going to talk to the Social Market Foundation about transport policy.
Read more »Public rows and private chats
Posted by benet on 27 September 2007.

Greenpeace scientist Dr Doug Parr speaking at the aviation fringe event
Wow! This conference is busy. For the last two days I have been running between fringe events, private meetings with ministers and - well - some parties.
So, a quick catch up on the Greenpeace conference campaign. Firstly our fringe events. On Monday we ran a large event on decentralised energy, which included a screening of our film "A Convenient Solution". The London Mayor - Ken Livingstone - spoke, as did the Energy Minister Malcolm Wickes and our very own John Sauven. It was a packed meeting which still managed to get into some of the detail on decentralised energy. If we are going to solve the climate challenge we are going to need real ambition.
Read more »Brown's big day
Posted by benet on 24 September 2007.
Today Brown will deliver his first conference speech as Prime Minister, and you can't help but feel the excitement amongst Labour delegates. All the talk is about whether he will call a snap election.
Last night I was at the Social Market Foundation event and had a long chat to John Denham - the minister who notably resigned over the Iraq war in 2003. Now he is in the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills. He gave me some very good reasons why Brown might want to call an election sooner rather than later - mostly to do with the amount of money in the Conservative Party war chest.
Read more »An Environmental Challenge to Labour
Posted by benet on 23 September 2007.
As Labour start their 2007 Conference in Bournemouth today, all the talk is of a possible General Election. Every opinion poll gives Gordon Brown a big lead. A critical polling question is ‘Who would make the best Prime Minister?’ Brown wins hands down. He scores 54 per cent compared to David Cameron on 21 per cent.
Read more »Final reflections from the Lib Dem Conference
Posted by benet on 19 September 2007.
I am writing this on the fast train from Brighton to London, heading back home from the Lib Dem conference. A much quieter day generally today, although last night was as busy ever.
I have been looking out for an old friend of mine - Mark Webster - who used to be an ITN correspondent. He has just taken a job as Ming Campbell's official spokesman: the Lib Dem's answer to Tony Blair's infamous spin-doctor, Alistair Campbell. But while Campbell was an ultra-tough media manipulator, Mark couldn't be fairer or friendlier.
Read more »A great aviation debate
Posted by benet on 18 September 2007.

We've just had a great aviation debate. Michelle di Leo, from Flying Matters (the big pro-flying lobby group) was up against Simon Montague from Eurostar, Doug Parr from Greenpeace, and Lib Dem transport spokesman, Susan Kramer MP.
Talking before the event, Susan gave me her view of the Tory's Quality of Life report - which John wrote about on his blog. She thinks they haven't gone far enough on aviation, wind power or nuclear. To misquote Mandy Rice-Davies, she would say that wouldn't she. The Quality of Life report was co-authored by Zac Goldsmith - who is running as the Tory candidate in Richmond (Susan Kramer's constituency). If she welcomes it, it would be as good as endorsing her opponent. It is the one side of politics which really annoys me: the need to take opposite views on vital issues because of short-term tactical advantage.
Read more »Environment moves to the fringe
Posted by benet on 18 September 2007.

A beautiful day in Brighton this morning! There were blue skies and sunshine as I walked along the seafront for my first meetings. There is no better way to start the day.
Read more »The Lib Dem challenge
Posted by benet on 16 September 2007.

So conference season starts today with the Liberal Democrats in Brighton. I am just finishing up in Canonbury Villas before heading off to Victoria and a train trip to the seaside.
Three party conferences in three weeks will be hard work. But they are a great opportunity to meet key advisers and politicians away from the pressure of Westminster. I am an unashamed political obsessive, so I'm looking forward to spending 18 hours a day talking politics and the environment.
Read more »Brighton rocks with the Climate Clinic
Posted by jamie on 16 September 2007.
It's that time of year again. From this weekend, politicians, journalists and the party faithful will be congregating in seaside towns beginning with the letter B - Brighton, Bournemouth and Blackpool - as the three main parties hold their annual love-ins. And just like last year, the Climate Clinic will be there to make sure political action to prevent climate change will be at the top of everyone's agenda.

