On Tuesday 14 April, on the invitation of BBE, a group of MPs gathered in Westminster to show their support for brass banding in the UK.

Drawn from constituencies across England, Scotland, and Wales, the politicians met in Portcullis House with the united aim of raising the profile of brass bands and banding in Parliament.

Attending on behalf of BBE were trustees Mike Kilroy and Reuben Tendler, and staff members Sarah Baumann and Neil Roberts.

On the importance of the meeting, Chair Mike Kilroy said: “It was clear that there is real enthusiasm across Parliament for brass banding. From elite-level to community banding, MPs are keenly aware of the unmistakable impact that bands are delivering in their constituencies and proud to be their voice at a national level. We look forward to developing the group further in the coming months.”

Seven MPs attended, with two sending their apologies and a further 12 giving their support via email.

In attendance:

• Johanna Baxter (Paisley and Renfrewshire South)
• Pippa Heylings (South Cambridgeshire)
• Ruth Jones (Newport West and Islwyn)
• Alex McIntyre (Gloucester)
• Navendu Mishra (Stockport)
• Kirsteen Sullivan (Bathgate and Linlithgow)
• Paul Waugh (Rochdale)

Apologies:

• Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington)
• Adam Thompson (Erewash)

Support via email:

• Bambos Charalambous (Southgate and Wood Green)
• Jonathan Davies (Mid Derbyshire)
• Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall)
• James MacCleary (Lewes)
• Andy MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen)
• Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills)
• Samantha Niblett (South Derbyshire)
• Andrew Rosindell (Romford)
• Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland)
• Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent)
• Peter Swallow (Bracknell)
• Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett)