About Labour’s Policy Process

Labour is a democratic socialist party. Our policy development process is designed to involve members, local parties, trade unions, socialist societies, elected representatives as well as the wider community.

Policy is developed through the National Policy Forum (NPF). This is a body of around 200 representatives from all the major groups of the Labour Party, from constituency parties and regions to affiliated trade unions, socialist societies, MPs and councillors.  Its role is to shape the Party’s policy agenda, drawing up policy documents for agreement.

NPF representatives are placed onto one of six policy commissions that examine specific policy areas; each commission is co-convened by a Shadow Secretary of State and an NEC member.

These Commissions consider the policy submissions which come in from across the Labour Party, and develop detailed positions which are then discussed at Annual Conference. The current commissions are:

Policy making runs from general election to general election, with updated documents produced for every Annual Conference. Members, supporters and affiliate groups make submissions to the process detailing their views. What they tell the NPF shapes the documents produced. 

In 2020 Labour's National Policy Forum entered a new policy development cycle. We heard some great policy ideas on how the next Labour government can build a fairer, greener and more dynamic Britain. You can still get involved in policy development both online and in your area. Find out more about the six policy commissions and how to make your submission here.

We’ll also post the latest news and updates on policy discussions and events happening around the UK here.

Recent comments