Across the conference, discussions focused on employment rights, public services, economic growth, access to justice and the role of trade unions in driving positive change.

As a firm founded over 100 years ago with a vision to use the law to secure social justice, Thompsons was well placed to contribute to those conversations and engage with partners from across the labour and trade union movement.

We were delighted to sponsor the Labour Unions reception, where we joined hundreds of people, including trade unionists, Ministers and MPs to hear from the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, other Ministers including Louise Haigh MP, Bridget Phillipson MP and Lucy Powell MP, as well as Ian Lavery MP, Joanne Thomas the Chair of Labour Unions and General Secretary of Usdaw, and Clare Mellor Thompsons’ Chief Executive, who welcomed steps to strengthen employment rights while highlighting the importance of ensuring workers have meaningful access to justice when those rights are breached.

The conference also provided an opportunity to look to the future of the legal profession. Thompsons was proud to sponsor the Society of Labour Lawyers' Junior Lawyers Event, where Clare joined Attorney General Rt Hon Ellie Reeves KC MP, Law Society President Mark Evans, Bar Council Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC and Catherine Atkinson MP, Chair of the Justice Committee, to discuss the values that inspire people to pursue careers in law and the opportunities available to the next generation entering the profession.

Alongside discussions on domestic policy, our partner Philip Liptrot, spoke at fringe events focused on Cuba and Latin America, joining trade union leaders, MPs and campaigners to discuss the impact of political and economic pressures on communities across the region. The discussions reinforced the importance of international solidarity and reflected values that have long been central to Thompsons' work: standing alongside working people, supporting collective action and advocating for fairness and justice.

Reflecting on the conference, Clare Mellor said:

"I am incredibly proud of the strength of relationships we at Thompsons Solicitors have across the Labour and trade union movement, bringing together our shared values and a commitment to social justice.

"Thank you to everyone I met and heard from at conference for ensuring such a rewarding and inspiring time."

From employment rights and workplace protections to opportunities for future lawyers and international solidarity, Labour Party Conference 2026 demonstrated the importance of bringing together trade unions, policymakers, campaigners and legal professionals to help deliver meaningful change for working people.