A delegation from BLS, lead by President Mary Kaye supported by other Officers, Board and Council members, travelled to Westminster on 23rd January to meet with local Members of Parliament to renew old acquaintances and forge some new ones whilst discussing issues of mutual interest and concern.
The event was formally hosted and made possible by city MP Gisela Stuart. She was joined by Parliamentary colleagues from both sides of the House in welcoming the BLS team to a drinks reception in House of Commons Dining Room B followed by dinner.
Pressures of Parliamentary business meant that not every MP who had planned to attend was able to do so. However once clear of the division lobby Members for Edgbaston, Halesowen & Rowley Regis, Northfield and Selly Oak joined the eleven strong BLS group where discussions ranged from the economic challenges facing the Eurozone to concerns over access to justice for accident victims post 1st April when the Jackson LJ reforms take effect.
For many years BLS representatives met with local MPs and members of The House of Lords to candidly share views on a range of topics from law reform to recurrent legal issues in constituency surgeries.
The visits were ended as part of an economy drive to help rebalance the Society’s books. On this occasion the members of the BLS delegation contributed to the costs. Travel was kindly provided free of charge by Society sponsors Chiltern Railways allowing the BLS party to enjoy Business Zone comfort on their way to town.
It is hoped to reestablish good working links with Birmingham and Midlands Parliamentarians as part of the Society’s lobbying and representational roles.
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