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On Tuesday 22nd October, the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Europe was officially established, marking a pivotal step in strengthening parliamentary engagement on Europe and enhancing the UK's dialogue with its continental neighbours.
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP (Labour) and Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Conservative) were elected as Co-Chairs, with Wera Hobhouse MP (Liberal Democrat) and Ellie Chowns MP (Green) serving as Vice Chairs. European Movement UK is proud to support the APPG's work and will provide the secretariat.
The APPG is set to become a vital cross-party platform, bringing together MPs and Peers to foster informed debate on the UK's relationship with Europe, including the EU and its Member States.
Through constructive dialogue and expert input, the APPG will develop pragmatic recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, ensuring these are heard and considered within Parliament.
At a time when the UK Government has signalled a ‘reset’ in its relations with the EU and with the dissolution of the European Scrutiny Committee, the APPG can serve as a crucial forum for evaluating policies as they evolve. Its role will be to advocate for a forward-looking, practical approach to the UK's partnership with Europe, promoting positive and solution-oriented discussions.
Meeting approximately six times a year, the APPG will focus on a wide range of themes central to UK-EU cooperation, such as foreign and defence policy, security, youth mobility, the creative industries and trade. Each session will feature expert witnesses, with short reports produced afterward to inform parliamentary discussions.
One of the group’s key objectives is to strengthen connections between UK parliamentarians and their European counterparts, including embassies and political representatives, fostering deeper dialogue and mutual understanding. By building these relationships, the APPG aims to create a robust foundation for long-term collaboration.
During this Parliament, the review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement will be a significant focus, alongside crucial decisions on data adequacy, energy cooperation, and fisheries. The APPG can support ensuring these agreements are effectively negotiated and maintained, which will be essential for fostering a smooth and mutually beneficial partnership moving forward.
Working closely with European Movement UK, the APPG is committed to engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including business leaders, industry representatives, civil society groups, NGOs and others. By amplifying these voices in Parliament, the group aims to strengthen the UK-EU relationship in ways that better serve the interests of citizens on both sides of the Channel.
