Working with government

An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is a group of parliamentarians, from all parties and from both Houses, formed to discuss a subject in which members have a common interest and enthusiasm.

The Groups are not controlled by a party whip and only backbench members of both Houses (that is, those who do not hold a ministerial position) are eligible to join.

All-Party Groups provide a forum in which parliamentarians can discuss issues freely, often in the presence of interested parties. Each Group must have at least 20 members, consisting of 10 from the Government Party, a minimum of 6 from the main opposition party, and 4 from other parties or from the House of Lords.

All-Party Groups often attempt to draw attention to certain aspects of public affairs or act as pressure groups to promote some particular cause and can help to keep the Government informed of parliamentary opinion.

APPGs can do this in a variety of ways. They can:
•Meet with Government Ministers to discuss their concerns
•Put more pressure of the Government by tabling oral and written questions for Ministers to answer
•Initiate Adjournment Debates
•Hold functions within the Houses of Parliament to raise the profile of their cause with other parliamentarians attracting more support
•Organise meetings, share ideas and co-ordinate action with other APPGs

To find out more about BESA’s work with this group, see www.educationappg.org.uk/