What is the Labour Party Annual Conference 2008?

The Labour Party Annual Conference 2008 will take place in Manchester from September 20 to 24.

For that week, the seat of governance will be effectively moving from Whitehall to Manchester.

Held every autumn, annual conference is the main event in Labour's political calendar and a crucial point in the party's policy-making process. During the week, delegates will be debating the main policy issues the country is facing, outlining new policies and campaigns and listening to key speakers.

Up to 17,000 delegates, including high-profile MPs, global leaders and speakers from across the world, are likely to attend, along with hundreds of members of the international press.

The event will also attract protestors from domestic extremist groups and single-issue groups such as fuel protests, Fathers4Justice and human rights activists.

The Labour Party were due to hold its 2008 conference in Brighton, but following the success of the 2006 Manchester conference, decided to hold its 2008 conference in Manchester again. Manchester is renowned for its friendliness and unique vibe and with an extensive range of museums and galleries, fabulous shopping and an unrivalled choice of bars, restaurants and clubs to suit all budgets and tastes.

Centrally located with excellent road, air and rail links, the city enjoys a year-round calendar of festivals and events covering everything from arts and culture to music and sport.

It is therefore one of Europe's biggest cities and it is huge coup for the city, and for GMP, for Labour to hold its conference here. It will play a crucial role in the continued physical, economic and social regeneration of Manchester, but will also bring regional economic benefits and provide a boost to national claims to host future events.

Why is the Labour Party Annual Conference so important to GMP and the city of Manchester?

GMP has been key to Manchester negotiating a unique four-year deal to host political party conferences.

The Labour Party Annual Conference was held in Manchester in 2006 – the first time in half a century it had not been held at a seaside resort.

And it was such a success, notably in terms of security, that Labour reviewed an earlier decision to take its 2008 conference to Brighton and replaced it with a return to Manchester.

But the city's much vaunted ability to create a single, ultra-secure 'island' site comprised of the Manchester Central and two hotels, has led to the four year plan, with Labour here this year and 2010 and the Conservatives in 2009 and 2011.

The September Labour event is Europe's largest political conference and can attract more than 17,000 delegates, together with global leaders and the world's press, and its two conferences are expected to generate more than £35m of economic benefit for the city and region.

This will further increase the city’s international perception as a conference destination, highlighting the solid infrastructure and skills necessary to support an event of this scale.

Manchester is now widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading destinations, attracting international business tourism and investment. The 2008 and 2010 Annual Conferences will lead to further recognition of the City’s existing facilities and evidence of future investments.

Who runs the conference?

Manchester City Council underwrites the conference and is responsible for providing venues and facilities.

Marketing Manchester and CityCo are also responsible for organising facilities for delegates.

GMP will police the conference. This is paid for through a special grant from the Home Office.

What sort of planning has gone into policing the conference?

GMP has been planning for the 2008 conference, under the banner of Operation Protector, for more than a year. The planning team is working full-time at Bootle Street Police Station.

GMP undertook a very detailed force and multi-agency debrief process at the end of the 2006 conference and are using these findings to make this year's even better.

What areas will be affected?

The map below indicates the secure Island Site in red and the vehicle control zones in blue. You will need an authorised pass to enter these areas and persons and vehicles without passes will be refused entry.

The Island Site will be staffed by uniformed Police Officers throughout the conference period

Further Information

For further information please contact the Operation Protector Planning team on 0161 856 2414