ISBA’s Communications & Corporate Affairs group (CACA) met with Heidi Allen MP, interim leader of Change UK – The Independent Party, this week at the House of Commons.
The CACA group, led by James Barge, director of public policy, ISBA and Abi Slater, director of communications, ISBA, were joined by ISBA’s director general Phil Smith and discussed a range of topics with Heidi, the Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire.
“Change UK is at the centre of the debate about political change in the UK,” James said. “So it was a real opportunity to understand its vision for Brexit and beyond ahead of the potential EU Elections later this month.”
He added: “ISBA members took the chance to discuss a range of issues with Heidi on a Chatham House Rule basis, at a time when this new political force is developing its identity and policies."
James explained: “Business and brands needs to work more and more closely with politicians to ensure efficacy sits at the heart of policy making and to address shared issues of concern in our society. This is a key driver for Change UK and we look forward to continuing this week’s conversations with Heidi and her team over the coming months.”
ISBA’s CACA group, which provides a platform for ISBA members in these areas to share best practice, discuss and debate challenges and gain insights from the work ISBA is doing in the industry, is seeking to arrange a follow-up policy forum event with Change UK – The Independent Party in the summer.