We report on a symposium held in London, UK, on 16 February 2015 to discuss the association between surgical treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and subsequent preterm birth, and to consider appropriate recommendations for the treatment of CIN and management of treated women during pregnancy. The meeting focused on CIN grades 2 and 3 that have been managed surgically. Clinical practice varies internationally: in some countries knife excision is common; in others, laser ablation is the treatment of choice; and in others, treatment predominantly involves outpatient large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ), also called loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). The meeting was part of the dissemination strategy of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)‐funded PaCT study (preterm delivery after treatment of the cervical transformation zone). Around 50 people attended, including gynaecologic oncologists, (nurse and medical) colposcopists, obstetricians, and epidemiologists. The authors of this executive summary include the speakers at the symposium, who are also authors of important papers in the subject area, and the symposium chairs, to provide an independent opinion on the views expressed by the audience. Further details on the expertise of the authors can be found in the contribution to authorship.