Labour Party Conference 2026 focuses on devolution and pension reform

The 2026 Labour Party Conference in Liverpool was characterized by an upbeat atmosphere under the slogan ‘Hope Again’. Delegates noted a shift in mood compared to previous years, with polling suggesting the party is widening its lead over opposition parties.

Leader Burnham delivered a significant speech addressing several key policy areas. He emphasized devolution, proposing to grant councils and mayors increased authority over housing, health, and education. Regarding pensions, Burnham announced that from April 2030, the state pension would rise by the higher of inflation or 2.5 per cent, effectively decoupling it from earnings to redirect savings toward the NHS. He also pledged that low-income pensioners would not be brought into income tax during this Parliament.

Further proposals included the establishment of a National Care Service, designed to be a universal, NHS-style service that provides support in people's homes. In foreign policy discussions, Ed Miliband introduced Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and addressed pro-Palestine activists, reasserting support for a two-state solution.