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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Andrew Smart

Everything you need know about this weekend's SNP conference

With the SNP's party conference taking place this weekend, members up and down the country are set to arrive in Aberdeen for its 88th Annual Conference.

This will be the SNP's first in-person conference since 2019 and will be an opportunity for the discussion of party policy, to hear key-note speeches from the likes of Nicola Sturgeon and an opportunity to meet with party organisers.

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With lots taking place, we have pulled together some commonly asked questions about this year's conference.

When is the SNP's 88th Annual Conference?

The SNP's 88th Annual Conference will begin on Saturday, October 8, and run until Monday, October 10.

Each day will host events from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Where is the SNP conference?

The SNP conference will take place in Scotland's third largest city, Aberdeen at The Events Centre Aberdeen (TECA) in the city's Dyce area.

%image('15075454', type="article-full", alt="House of Commons/PA Where is the SNP conference being held?")

How to attend the SNPs conference

To attend the SNP's annual conference, interested parties must either obtain media accreditation, be selected as a delegate, or be a member visitor.

More information can be found on the SNP website.

Who is speaking at the SNP's 88th Annual Conference and when is Nicola Sturgeon speaking?

%image('16014090', type="article-full", alt="Andrew Milligan/PA Who is speaking at the SNP conference?")

The SNP has announced a 'jam-packed' conference and will see the following turn up to speak:

Saturday, October 8

  • Welcome address by Keith Brown, Depute Leader and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans at 10:30 am.
  • Address by Lesia Vasylenko, People's Deputy of Ukraine at 12 pm.
  • Address by Ian Blackford, SNP Westminster Leader at 3:15 pm.

Sunday, October 9

  • Scotland's Future: Independence with Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture as well as Michael Russell, SNP President and Political Director of the SNP Independence Unit at 10:30 am.
  • Fraternal Address by Plaid Cymru at 12 pm.
  • Address by John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery at 2 pm.

Monday, October 10

  • Delivering in Government Panel Session: Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care at 10:30 am.
  • Address by FM Nicola Sturgeon at 3:15 pm.

SNP autumn conference 2022 agenda

Debates will be had over issues ranging from a commitment to enacting buffer zones around abortion clinics, consultations over the reopening of the Rosyth and Zeebrugge Ferry Link, and the creation of a 'real living pension' after independence.

How to watch the SNP conference online?

Previous SNP conference sessions have been live streamed on the party's YouTube Channel.

BBC News and other channels may also cover key moments from the conference over the course of the weekend.

Will rail strikes affect transport to the SNP conference?

RMT and TSSA rail strikes will affect ScotRail services on Saturday, October 8, and Monday, October 10.

The days preceding and following each strike date will also run on a reduced timetable.

Only 11 services across the Central Belt, Fife, and the Scottish Borders will be in operation, meaning trains will not be available for those traveling to the conference on Saturday, Sunday, and those leaving on Monday.

Those coming to Aberdeen will have to drive or rely on coach and bus services while those taking a bus from Aberdeen's city centre to Dyce can use the X27 and 727 bus routes.

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