This week, I attended my first Labour Party Conference as the Member of Parliament for the City of Chester.

Annually in September and October, Parliament takes a recess to allow the party conferences to take place.

Filled with speeches, policy announcements, fringe events, roundtables, and receptions Labour Party Conference continued over five days in Liverpool.

I have attended many sessions of Conference over the years, as a delegate, a volunteer, a councillor, as the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council but this was my first as a Member of Parliament.

In the weeks leading up to conference, many constituents contacted me to ask me to visit various events, exhibition stands and to speak to charities and organisations important to them. These including, Shelter, The British Heart foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, Diabetes UK and many more. I was also pleased to see a special part of Chester being represented by Chester Zoo. I was delighted they received the award for “Best Stand” at conference.

During conference, I spoke at a panel discussion on the importance of rail connectivity between England and North Wales hosted by GrowthTrack360. Following announcements made about transport development in the North last week, it is essential that Government is held to account and delivers on their promises.

Joining another organisation from our area, I took part in a roundtable discussion with Grosvenor Hart Homes. Their fantastic initiative is a ground-breaking commitment to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

I was also pleased to join a panel to speak about the importance of our biodiversity and nature. The climate emergency we are facing is real and tackling it is urgent. Similarly, we must recognise the catastrophic impact of the decline in nature. Climate and biodiversity emergencies are intrinsically linked and should be tackled together.

For many, the highlights of conference are the key speeches from Labour’s Shadow Cabinet politicians. Throughout conference, Keir and his Shadow Cabinet made it clear that with economic growth, safer streets, cheaper homegrown British power, better opportunities, and a rejuvenated NHS will get Britain its future back.

It was a significant conference. More than 18,000 people attended. All the party conferences this year have set out each political party’s position as we head towards the next general election. I would welcome your views about the conference season. Drop me a line at samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk.