The Liberal Democrats held their 2016 Autumn Party Conference in Brighton, from 17-20 September. A full agenda and fringe listing of the events that took place are available online.

Many of the debates focused on the future of the UK following the result of the EU referendum and the future of the Liberal Democrat party. Former Leader Nick Clegg suggested that the Lib Dems could be part of a cross-party “Government of unity” within a few years, after Brexit had “paralysed” Theresa May’s administration.

Meanwhile, Tim Farron used his main speech to call on voters to support the party as the pro-business, guardians of a Britain that is “open, tolerant and united”. He criticised Theresa May for the lack of clarity over what Brexit means for the country and said the party would ensure a new Health and Care Service was properly funded, raising taxes if necessary to support it.

While there were no policy motions passed relating specifically to charity tax, the Lib Dems published a policy paper on proposals regarding working-age social security, Mending the Safety Net. A events of potential interest also took place at the fringe, including a session hosted by the Charities Aid Foundation with Tom Brake MP (Lib Dem, Carshalton and Wallington): “Rebuilding Britain: How can charities help unite the country?”