1. What is the big conversation all about?

The big conversation is a dialogue between the British people about Labour's political priorities and the challenges facing us in the future.
It will allow us to build on the great achievements of the last six years - sustained economic stability, major constitutional reform, investment and reform of our public services - by identifying, debating and ultimately tackling head on the challenges of the future.
It gives Labour representatives, local parties and affiliates an opportunity to lead the conversation in your community as well as begin campaigning for next June's and subsequent elections.
All of this work will lead to the renewal of our party's programme and produce a fresh and exciting policy platform for the future.

2. When does the big conversation start and finish?

The big conversation was launched at the National Policy Forum in Newport on 28 November. Between December 2003 and March 2004, there will be a number of national and regional ministerial and other events, online discussions and delivery of surveys nationwide. In addition, there will be hundreds of community events organised by local Labour representatives, affiliates and parties.
Feedback from the big conversation will be presented to Labour's Spring Conference and to the National Policy Forum (NPF) both in March 2004.

3. How does the big conversation fit in with Partnership in Power?

The big conversation is a way of enriching the party's policy making process by listening to the British people about their priorities for the future.
The big conversation policy document and process are both intergrated within Partnership in Power.
The policy document for the big conversation is based on discussions at the NPF in July around the Forethought report 'Britain in 2020'.
The document has been agreed by the Joint Policy Committee and launched at the National Policy Forum. All the feedback from the big conversation will be fed into the NPF and through their discussions it will help shape the party's manifesto at the next election.

4. Who can take part in the big conversation and how?

Everyone can take part in the big conversation as individual citizens, party members, trade union members and/or as representatives of community groups and professional organisations.
All you need to do is visit the website www.bigconversation.org.uk

5. What can I do to help with the big conversation?

The success of the big conversation will depend on the leadership of Labour representatives, local parties and affiliates to drive the discussion amongst your key stakeholders and communities.
We are asking everyone to organise at least three big conversation activities between December and March. This could be delivering the survey forms in your area, holding a community forum on crime with local neighbourhood watch coordinators and a coffee morning with key groups on voters in your area such as young people, women and pensioner groups.

6. How do I make a submission?

You can make submissions through the website www.bigconversation.org.uk, or by email at bigconversation@labour.org.uk If you do not have access to the internet, you can send your submission to Freepost Big Conversation.

7. What will happen to all the submissions?

All the submissions will receive an acknowledgement. They will be forwarded to the appropriate NPF Policy Commission and will be considered at the March spring conference and NPF.
In addition, Labour representatives will be able to have meetings with relevant ministers to discuss the issues raised in the meetings in their local areas. Labour representatives will also be responsible for giving feedback to the people who attended events organised by them.

8. Where can I find out more about the big conversation?

The best place for the latest and the most up-to-date information on the big conversation is on the website http://www.bigconversation.org.uk then click on 'Our Conversation Starter' and you will have the opportunity to download the main document: 'A Future Fair for All' either in its entirety or by chapter. This document covers all areas in the Parntership in Power programme with significant questions posted at the end of each topic section. Alternatively you can go to the party website at www.labour.org.uk.