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The Liberal Democrats are holding their annual conference in Bournemouth – and yes, there have been a lot of stunts and flag-waving.

But they have also made a series of policy announcements that deserve closer attention.

Let’s analyse:

Asylum and policing

Home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart said the party – if elected into government – would use emergency “wartime powers” under the Civil Contingencies Act to clear the asylum backlog.

The plan would create “Nightingale processing centres” and double the number of caseworkers from 2,000 to 4,000.

The Lib Dems also want to end the ban on asylum seekers working and move them out of hotels into proper accommodation.

By contrast, the Labour government has said it will stop using asylum hotels by 2029 – four years away – while the Conservatives presided over the record backlog in the first place.

On policing, the Lib Dems would re-open police counters in supermarkets, libraries and community centres, one in every local council area.

They would fund this by abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners.

Labour is moving PCC powers to elected mayors instead, while Conservatives have closed front desks to cut costs.

“Reclaiming” patriotism

Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron draped himself in a flag and declared that the party must “reclaim patriotism” from the far right.

Members were urged to “wave the flag with pride” as the Lib Dems branded Nigel Farage a “plastic patriot”.

This was a striking move for a party that usually avoids flag-waving.

Labour has been cautious about patriotic imagery, while the Conservatives have long wrapped themselves in it.

Elon Musk and online safety

Leader Sir Ed Davey used the conference to call on Ofcom to prosecute Elon Musk for alleged crimes committed on his social media platform X, including allowing grooming and child abuse material.

He accused Musk of “meddling in UK democracy” after the billionaire appeared at a far-right rally.

The Online Safety Act was passed under the Conservatives and brought into force by Labour. Both main parties defend it.

But the Lib Dems are making the debate personal – singling out Musk and even seeking to summon him before MPs.

Trans rights

An attempt by activists to exclude trans women from Lib Dem diversity quotas was thrown out before it could even be debated.

Party members voted two-to-one to block it, with leadership figures insisting they remain committed to LGBT+ inclusion.

Labour has tried to balance both sides after a Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of women.

Conservatives have openly weaponised the issue.

Here the Lib Dems stand firmly on the pro-trans side.

Taxing banks for green loans

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper called for a windfall tax on banks’ “unexpected profits” from high interest rates, estimated at £7 billion a year.

The money would fund a new Energy Security Bank offering loans of up to £20,000 to households for solar panels, heat pumps and insulation – and up to £50,000 for small businesses.

Labour has proposed investment in decarbonisation but not a bank tax.

Conservatives oppose new taxes altogether.

Digital ID cards

For decades the Lib Dems opposed ID cards – blocking them in coalition with the Conservatives in 2010.

Now Sir Ed Davey says “times have changed” and the party should reconsider, citing Estonia’s digital system as empowering for citizens.

Grassroots members remain sceptical, warning of “Big Brother” databases and risks to civil liberties.

Labour is expected to push digital ID at its own conference, claiming it will combat illegal immigration. Conservatives may follow.

The Lib Dems are no longer saying “never”.

Wales

Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds said Wales needs a “better deal from Westminster” – including devolution of the Crown Estate, investment in tidal lagoons and offshore wind, and 5,000 extra care beds to ease NHS pressures.

She promised a manifesto centred on health, education and tackling child poverty.

Labour dominates Welsh politics but faces pressure from Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.

The Lib Dems hope to be heard again by stressing green jobs and social care.

Are the Lib Dems still on the way back up?

The Bournemouth conference so far has shown a party trying to be noticed: stunts with flags and marching bands alongside pledges on asylum, policing, climate finance and online safety.

Labour often hedges its bets. Conservatives chase the hard right.

The Lib Dems want to pitch themselves as the party of competence, liberal values and community politics – but whether voters will see them that way, on the basis of these policies, is another matter.

The conference continues and This Site will report on day three after business concludes.

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