MAG recently gained access by invitation to attend meetings of the All Party Group (APG) on Motorcycling mainly achieved by the lobbying of Henry Marks.
But what is an APG?
As the title suggests an APG is made up of parliamentarians from the House of Commons, House of Lords or of both Houses and have a membership of backbenchers.
All party groups are unofficial, over the years, it has been argued, less and less influence has been exerted by backbench Members in the formulation of government policy, and there has
been insufficient consultation between backbenchers and Ministers.
All-party groups have a function to serve as a counterbalance to this. They have a liaison function and can, when
necessary, exert pressure on a Minister to modify policy or influence legislation and further action in particular areas. They thus can play a role in government consultation in sounding
out views both inside and outside Parliament and may act as pressure groups to promote some particular cause.
The statement of purpose of the motorcycling APG is to safeguard
motorcycling interests by monitoring legislation for matters affecting motorcycling and taking remedial action where necessary; to represent motor cycling issues to
fellow parliamentarians; and to foster the good image of motorcycling and, by example, encourage others to take up motorcycling
For awhile when reading the statement of purpose I
thought I was reading a section out of the MAG constitution the APG could have been formed as a MAG Group think of the influence if there was a Westminster MAG, Big Ben would make an
excellent group patch.
I have attended one meeting of the APG and rubbed shoulders at the recent Autumn Reception in the House of Commons organised by the secretariat of the group
Jenny and the team from the MCIA. Nich Brown yes that Nich Brown still with The Edge gave a slightly nervous but in-depth speech faced with so many great orators in the room.
A
great opportunity accompanied by Ian Mutch and Henry Marks to do some worth while lobbying and hear tails from some of the elderly members who are still motorcycling enthusiasts.
MAG has supported the fact that MPs from all the political parties can come together to discuss any proposed legislation of relevance to motorcyclists.
Chairman Lembit Opik, MP has
invited the riders groups to submit items to the APG's agenda on a regular basis, an opportunity that MAG shall enthusiastically employ.
