Join us online for the WEA Connect and Learn 2026

10:00 – 10:25am 
Welcome and opening remarks - WEA General Secretary and CEO Simon Parkinson

12-12:30pm
Grahame Morris MP Keynote Speech
Grahame Morris MP, Member of Parliament for Easington and Chair of Coalfield Labour MPs, will share his perspective on the vital role lifelong learning plays in promoting social justice. Drawing on the experiences of former mining communities in his constituency and across the North East, he will highlight how community-based learning can help individuals and communities thrive.

1:30 – 2:15pm
Adults Deserve Better - Lifelong learning powers our skills, our confidence, our communities, our future. During periods of rebuilding and reinvention, governments treated adult learning as the catalyst for renewal. But somewhere along the way, learning stopped being a priority. Our keynote speakers will make the case for lifelong learning to be at the heart of policy making.

3:30-4:30pm 
Pitman's Parliament keynote speech and closing remarks – WEA General Secretary Simon Parkinson & WEA President Matt Pointon reflect on the events of the day.