05/10/2026
Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 7
The Future of the BBC
Luke Tryl (More in Common, Executive Director)
Dylan Sparks (Reset Tech, UK Director)
Polly Curtis (Demos, Chief Executive (Invited))
The Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Wright MP KC (., MP for Kenilworth and Southam, former Culture Secretary and former Attorney General (Invited))
Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE MP (., Member of Parliament for Gosport, Chair of the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Former Minister of State for Digital and Culture (Invited))
The BBC has long been part of the national fabric but its place in people's lives is changing. As audiences fragment and trust in institutions comes under pressure, the broadcaster is facing growing challenges around funding, independence and relevance. This panel will explore what Britons want from the BBC, what its future means for our democracy and the stakes for the Conservatives in the debate ahead.
Birmingham ICC : Executive Room 9
Small state, big charities? The role of civil society in representing and supporting the vulnerable
Patrick Spencer MP (The Conservative Party, Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich)
Akiko Hart (Liberty, Director)
Nick Cook (People's Postcode Lottery, Head of UK Public Affairs )
Chaired by Ryan Shorthouse (Bright Blue, Executive Chair)
This panel event will explore the right relationship between government and charities, especially with fears that charities have become too left-wing and too reliant on state funding. But since charities can provide effective local services, it is essential that they have diversified and stable funding. We will examine the proper role and funding for the civic sector in the UK.
Birmingham ICC : Youth Zone & Skills Hub - Boardroom
Building Stronger Communities Through Great Youth Work - INVITE ONLY
Join the National Youth Agency for a private roundtable on strengthening and expanding high-quality youth provision nationally. Bringing together policymakers, sector leaders and young people, we’ll explore emerging evidence and insights from the Local Youth Transformation pilots, highlighting youth work’s role in building resilience, confidence, skills, and identifying practical steps to deliver inclusive, sustainable services in every community
Birmingham ICC : Disraeli Theatre
Generation Swipe: Social Media, Algorithms, and the Rise of Youth Antisemitism
Since 7 October, antisemitism has surged online, with social media algorithms exposing young people to anti-Jewish hate, conspiracy theories and extremist narratives disguised as memes, banter and gaming culture. Our panel explores how algorithms amplify youth antisemitism, evade parental controls, and the regulatory reforms needed to protect the next generation.
Birmingham ICC : Youth Zone & Skills Hub - Theatre
Opportunity, Stronger Communities and Safer Futures: The Role of Sport in Supporting Young People
Nigel Huddleston MP (Conservative Party, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Invited))
The Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly MP (MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Invited))
Andy Cook (The Centre for Social Justice, Chief Executive (Invited))
Mark Lawrie (Street Games, Chief Executive)
How can sport help create stronger communities and better opportunities for disadvantaged young people? This session will explore how investment in sport can support social mobility, improve wellbeing, prevent anti-social behaviour and strengthen community cohesion. Panellists will discuss how joined-up policy, early intervention and local delivery can maximise sport’s contribution to safer communities and long-term social and economic outcomes.