Fringe events at Scottish Labour Party Conference 2024

Finding a UK-wide solution to the DRS roll-out 
Friday 16 Feb, 08.30-09.30, Room: Alsh 1

In partnership with: Coca Cola Europacific Partners   

Chair: Mandy Rhodes, Managing Director, Holyrood Communications and Editor, Holyrood Magazine 

Description:
In June 2023, the Scottish Government confirmed that its deposit return scheme (DRS) - originally due to be launched in the August - would be delayed until at least October 2025. This decision followed apprehension from the UK Government about the impact of the scheme on the UK internal market, alongside practical concerns from industry about both the scheme’s rollout and its potential to increase costs.

It is, however, widely acknowledged that the deposit return scheme will come with many environmental benefits for Scotland, including increased recycling and a reduction in littering and carbon emissions.

Join our panel session as we consider how Scotland can deliver a successful DRS scheme as soon as possible, which addresses environmental and business concerns, and works productively alongside equivalent UK schemes.

Confirmed Speakers: 
Sarah Boyack MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy, and Just Transition
Daniel Johnson MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business and Fair Work
Jim fox, Head of Public Affairs GB, Coca Cola Europacific Partners

Food and refreshments available.

Unleash our potential. Power our future. Choose a homegrown energy transition
Friday 16 Feb, 17:30-18:30, Room: Alsh 1

In Partnership with: OEUK   

Chair: Mandy Rhodes, Managing Director, Holyrood Communications and Editor, Holyrood Magazine 

Description:
With the right support, UK offshore energy companies could invest £200 billion in homegrown energy. This would help realise up to 50 gigawatts of wind and 10 gigawatts of hydrogen. With time running out to meet the UK government’s 2050 climate targets, this session will ask how Scotland can unleash its potential as a leader in a homegrown just transition, and prepare the existing workforce for changes in the energy sector. Join us to explore what practical steps are needed to deliver a sustainable future, and ask how communities, industry, and the public can help power Scotland’s journey to Net Zero.

Confirmed Speakers: 
Sarah Boyack MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy, and Just Transition, Scottish Labour
Michael Marra MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Scottish Labour
Jenny Stanning, External Relations Director, OEUK

Food and refreshments available.

Editor’s Club: In Conversation with Anas Sarwar
Saturday 17 February, 17:30-18:30, Room: Alsh 1

In partnership with: Scotch Whisky Association
 
Chair: Mandy Rhodes, Managing Director, Holyrood Communications and Editor of Holyrood Magazine 

Confirmed Speaker: Anas Sarwar MSP, leader of the Scottish Labour Party. 

Description: 
Join Holyrood magazine editor, Mandy Rhodes, for a wee dram and a convivial ‘in conversation’ with Anas Sarwar MSP, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, to find out what makes him tick.

Food and refreshments (alcohol and soft drinks) available.