Local MP to speak in opening conference debate

3.01.43pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 14th Sep 2007

Lib Dem party conference to begin on Sunday

Mark Hunter MP for Cheadle, is this week attending the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton, what could be the last party conference before the general election. His busy schedule begins with speaking in the opening debate of the conference, on a motion condemning the proposed academic boycott of Israel by the University and College Union. Mr Hunter will be speaking in support of the motion which calls for the Union to abandon the boycott in favour of encouraging greater dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian academic colleagues.

On Monday morning Mr Hunter is expected to be a major speaker in a debate on NHS dentistry following his question back in April to Tony Blair at Prime Minister's Questions. Following that Mr Hunter will speak at the Greater Manchester Passenger Authority (GMPTA) fringe meeting. The meeting has been called to discuss the new Liberal Democrats proposals to invest heavily in rail transport, including the introduction of a new high speed rail track extension from London to the North of England. In his speech Mr Hunter will be outlining the importance of investing in the rail network not only to meet passenger demands but also to help to tackle climate change.

As the Liberal Democrat deputy spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Mr Hunter is also hoping to speak during a debate on the wider problem of Israeli/Palestinian conflict and peace process for the Middle East, and, if the motion is called, on missile defence.

In addition to speaking engagements Mark's schedule includes meetings related to both constituency and national matters. He is meeting with the British Dental Association to discuss the lack of dental provision in the area, the Parkinson's Disease Society to discuss how he can help improve care for Parkinson's patients, as well as representatives from BAE systems who have a major site at Woodford in his constituency, and Manchester Airport.

Speaking in the run up to the conference, Mark said: "I am very excited to be representing my constituents at this year's Liberal Democrat party conference. I will be making sure that constituents' concerns are represented in our party policies, and that I work with interest groups such as the British Dental Association to ensure that these concerns are addressed by the Government.

The mood of Liberal Democrats as we gather at party conference is confident and up-beat, and our message to Gordon Brown is that whenever he wants to call a general election we will be ready."