(APG0028)
Written evidence submitted by Baroness Hodgson
I welcome an Inquiry into the APPGs.
I would particularly like to request that the APPGs are again able to be Chaired by Member of the House of Lords. I declare an interest, as Co-Chair of the APPG on Women, Peace and Security. As you know we have to have a MP as Chair. However, all the work is carried out by myself as Co-Chair. I understand that this is the case with many of the other APPGs and I cannot understand why we, as members of the House of Lords, cannot just Chair APPGs?
You ask for comments about Parliamentary passes for staff supporting APPGs – it definitely makes things easier but needs to be carefully policed.
Re the APPGs being used for access by lobbyists, other organisations or foreign governments, this is a somewhat ‘grey’ area, as APPGs are established to draw attention to their topic. However, perhaps the fact that they are cross party can somewhat mitigate? Also in drawing up clear terms of reference for what the APPGs should be used for might help.
It would be beneficial to have some guidance on procedure – I have come across a recent situation where an APPG was established – there had been one already in existence on the subject but a new group of people got in first and established another one without any reference to those already involved. This type of behaviour does not seem very desirable.
27 November 2020