The Federal Conference Committee (FCC) understands that the UK's relationship with Europe is a critical issue which many party members are passionately concerned about. The development of Liberal Democrat policy on this is the subject of widespread debate and reflection within the party, and will clearly be a major aspect of the party's debates during our forthcoming leadership election. The FCC has therefore decided to reserve this slot for a topical issue discussion about Europe as part of this process of reflection, which will allow views to be expressed while not yet making any firm decisions. It is the FCC's intention to hold a policy-making debate on Britain's relationship with the EU at the Autumn conference.
As explained in conference standing orders, a topical issue discussion is a discussion on a policy issue of significant and topical relevance, conducted without a vote. Any party member can propose a title for the topical issue discussion (maximum ten words); the deadline for suggested titles is 13.00, Monday 2 March. The title selected will be in Conference Extra and Saturday's Conference Daily.
Introducer of issue and spokesperson's response: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes.
In addition to speeches from the platform, voting members will be able to make concise (maximum one-minute) interventions from the floor during the discussion. For eligibility and procedures for speaking see page 11 of the Conference Agenda and Directory.