The British Marine Federation (BMF) and the RYA were delighted to be among the first organisations to host a reception in the House of Commons early in the new Parliament yesterday (23 June 2010). It was an opportunity to meet some of the newly elected MPs as well as to thank re-elected parliamentarians for their support throughout the year. The recent election saw a large increase of new MPs entering Parliament and the reception allowed the BMF and RYA to educate and inform many of them on the £3 billion marine industry; highlighting its considerable contribution to the economy.
Sponsored by Peter Bottomley MP on the Terrace at the Houses of Parliament, the reception was an opportunity to show how important the industry is to the wider economy and how crucial it is that the Government creates a regulatory environment that allows it to flourish. Topics discussed focused on both the BMF and RYA belief that support for SMEs should be at the top of the Government’s agenda. MPs were also briefed on the organisations’ influence on the Marine and Coastal Access Act, outlook on Third Sector status for Inland Waterways and issues surrounding the Government’s promotion of renewable energy.
Parliamentary Reception Geoff Holt MBE and Peter Bottomley MP
Guest speaker and quadriplegic sailor, Geoff Holt MBE demonstrated the accessibility of sailing and other water-based activities, and the ease at which you can get involved whatever your ability, location, age or financial standing. This helped to give guests a real flavour of the diversity of boating as a leisure activity.
Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the British Marine Federation, said:
“We are constantly engaging with Government departments on various issues to ensure that our member’s voices are at the heart of the decision making process. It is therefore important that we maintain and expand our profile in the new Parliament through such events.”
“We were delighted to be able to meet MPs and Peers from all political parties, including relevant Government Ministers and senior officials. It was also a pleasure to welcome the new members of the Parliament and introduce them to our industry. We look forward to engaging with them on key issues in the future.”
Transport Minister Mike Penning MP and Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the British Marine Federation
Sarah Treseder, Chief Executive of the RYA, said:
“The reception was a great success and we were pleased to welcome several of the MPs and senior officials who will be crucial to our ongoing work in seeking to influence government. In particular we had a long and constructive conversation with the new Shipping Minister, Mike Penning MP and were able to discuss with him our interest in a number of his department’s ongoing projects and possible future policies”.
About the BMF
The British Marine Federation has almost 1,500 members representing an industry employing more than 35,000 people in the UK. Members are drawn from both the seagoing and inland sectors of the marine industry covering the leisure boat, hire fleet, commercial workboat and superyacht categories and supporting services.
About the RYA
• The RYA is the national body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft.
• The RYA is recognised by all government offices as being the negotiating body for the activities it represents. It continually fights for the rights and freedoms of its 102,000 personal members, the majority of whom choose to go afloat for purely recreational non-competitive pleasure on coastal and inland waters. There are an estimated further 500,000 boat owners nationally who are members of RYA affiliated clubs and class associations.
• The RYA also sets and maintains a recognised standard for recreational boat training through a network of 2,340 RYA Recognised Training Centres in over 43 countries. On average 155,000 people per year complete RYA training courses.
• The RYA is committed to promoting all forms of boating and making them accessible to everyone. • RYA Sailability is the leading UK charity for disabled sailing and is the official charity of the RYA. Registered Charity Number: 1084351
• You can find the RYA at RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA
