David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome, has been elected chair of two All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), it was announced today.
APPGs are cross-party groups of MPs and peers set up to investigate, study and support issues and initiatives. The groups cover many and diverse fields such as health, education, transport, defence, finance, media and sports. APPGs also allow campaign groups, charities and other non-governmental organisations to become involved in discussions and influence politicians.
David was elected chair of the British Council APPG at their AGM on Monday 29th June, taking over the role with immediate effect from the previous chair, Shadow Attorney General, Lord Bach.
On Wednesday 1st July David was elected chair of the Small Business APPG, with the Federation of Small Businesses forming the Secretariat, at their AGM. David replaces Anne Marie Morris MP, whose appointment as a Parliamentary Private Secretary prevents her from continuing to chair the group, under Parliamentary rules.
David commented, “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected chair of these two important APPGs. The British Council works in over 100 countries with a budget of £1 billion, creating international opportunities for people in the UK and abroad, plus building cultural relations across the globe. From education to cultural exchange, the British Council really has a global impact, and I look forward to supporting and maintaining their work.
“And small businesses are the true life-blood of the country, not least here in the south west. As someone who’s founded several small businesses, I know how it feels to ride the rollercoaster of managing a new and growing company, and I’ve already been contacted by numerous business-owners here in Somerset who are looking for the support that the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group can offer.
David continued, “To have been elected chair of these APPGs so soon after entering parliament really is a privilege, and I look forward to a packed programme over the next few years, exploring the best ways to help and support across these two divergent and vital areas.”
Lord Bach now becomes co-chair of the British Council APPG, and Lord Harrison was elected vice-chair of the Small Business APPG, along with Simon Danczuk MP and Lord Cotter.