The Horticultural Trades Association has wrapped up a busy season of engagement across the major political party conferences, attending the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth, the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, and the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

Throughout the events, the Policy and Public Affairs team met with senior political figures, spoke at panels and fringe sessions, and ensured that both the challenges facing HTA members and the solutions environmental horticulture can offer for green renewal were clearly heard.

Conversations centred on key economic pressures, such as rising employment costs, access to finance, the overall cost of doing business, and regulatory burdens, while also highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the economy, the environment, and public wellbeing.

Liberal Democrats — Bournemouth

At the Liberal Democrat conference, Katie Neenan – HTA Senior Public Affairs and Policy Executive - picked up on some of the key topics of the conference, including the rise of Reform, energy security, economic growth, and the benefits of a closer trading relationship with Europe. This year marked the first time a dedicated Climate & Nature Day was held at the Liberal Democrat Conference, featuring fringe events on green spaces, net zero, and a just transition. The HTA joined the Business Day, which began with a panel session featuring Deputy Leader and Treasury Spokesperson Daisy Cooper, followed by roundtables chaired by senior Liberal Democrat politicians on various issues, including planning and housing.  This allowed the HTA to bring direct issues from our members to the fore.

Labour Party — Liverpool

In Liverpool, Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Policy & Public Affairs, and Samantha Smith, HTA Public Affairs Manager, joined The Enterprise Forum’s small-business reception, where Chief Secretary to the Treasury James Murray MP and Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, Bill Esterson MP, addressed a mixed audience of industry and political delegates. As one of the reception partners, Jennifer addressed the attendees to deliver a clear message: do not use this Autumn Budget to impose additional tax or cost burdens on horticultural businesses. She also highlighted planning, skills, and green infrastructure as critical areas for reform. A highlight from the event came from HTA member J.Parker’s Yellow Submarine tomato seeds, which were given to attendees as a symbolic nod to local identity and environmental horticultural creativity.

Conservative Party — Manchester

From Manchester, Samantha and Jennifer also engaged with MPs and shadow ministers, raising issues from business costs and planning to water resilience and EU trade opportunities. At a Business with Europe event, Lord Heseltine spoke powerfully in favour of a closer UK–EU relationship, a message that resonated across sectors. The HTA also met with Shadow Environment Minister Robbie Moore MP and caught remarks from Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride on tax policy direction. At an Enterprise Forum lunch on Tuesday, Samantha asked Alex Burghart MP, Shadow Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster and Northern Ireland Secretary, about the importance of cross-departmental working and engagement with business, highlighting the role that an Office for Green Spaces could play.

Broader Political Context

Across all three conferences, the theme of shifting political currents was ever-present, particularly in relation to the rise of Reform UK. The Conservative conference, themed “Stronger Economy, Stronger Borders,” brought scrutiny to climate policy and the net-zero target. Meanwhile, the Labour conference was shaped by discussions on fiscal stability, public spending, and the government's readiness for change.

As delegates return to Westminster, the HTA is preparing for a busy autumn ahead and working to ensure recommendations from the sector are carefully considered as the government shapes its Autumn Budget and legislative priorities.

A short video summary capturing key moments and conversations from each of the conferences can be viewed here: