All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal groups of parliamentarians who share particular interests, knowledge and expertise.  Each group must be open to all members of both the Commons and the Lords, regardless of party affiliation, and must satisfy the rules agreed by the House.

Many groups involve outside organisations in their administration and activities, which can include hosting events and carrying out inquiries. The reports and recommendations that groups publish following these investigations can often influence government policy.

The Register of All-Party Parliamentary Groups is the definitive list of such groups, and is updated regularly.

I was previously the chair or officer for some APPGs, which means I had a say in how they’re run. I stood down from these roles when I was appointed to be the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing in April 2020. I remain a member of these and others.

Previous roles:

Chair

Refugeesto provide a forum for the discussion of issues relating to refugees, both in the UK and abroad, and to promote the welfare of refugees.

You can read more about the launch in July 2016 of the group’s ‘Refugees Welcome? Experiences of New Refugees in the UK’ inquiry; the publication of the report in April 2017; and how the government acted on one of the recommendations of the report to ensure refugees have a right to a bank account.

Breast Cancer – to raise the profile of breast cancer issues within parliament. The group provides a forum for MPs and Peers to discuss important issues affecting patients with breast cancer. It encourages dialogue between parliamentarians, government, the NHS and those living with or affected by the disease.

In March 2018, Thangam launched the group’s report ‘A Mixed Picture: An Inquiry into Geographical Inequalities and Breast Cancer’, which uncovered the true extent of a ‘postcode lottery’ in breast cancer diagnosis and care across England.

Children, Teenagers, and Young Adults with Cancer – to raise awareness of the issues affecting children, teenagers, and young adults with cancer and their families in Parliament.

In February 2018, the group launched an inquiry into the patient experiences of young people with cancer.

Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse – to ensure MPs and Peers have access to information about a) perpetrators of domestic violence, and b) what makes an effective and safe perpetrator programme. The group also links MPs and Peers with local programmes, in order to increase their understanding of the above.

Eritrea – To raise awareness of the human rights abuses that are taking place in Eritrea; to examine and debate how the human rights situation in the country might be improved; and to raise matters of concern with, and make representations to, government and other policy makers.

Vice-Chair

Somalilandto promote understanding of, and support for: Somaliland’s achievements in building peace, democratic governance and a sovereign state in the Horn of Africa; its important role in combating terrorism and piracy in the region and beyond; and the need for continued UK assistance for Somaliland’s development.

Food Waste – to bring together parliamentarians with an interest in this issue; to facilitate informed discussion with policy-makers, the food industry and environmental and food redistribution organisations; to promote policies which will reduce food waste.

Performers’ Alliance – to work alongside the unions of the Performers’ Alliance – Equity, the Musicians’ Union and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain; to raise issues affecting performers and writers across the arts community; and to provide a forum for issues relating to arts and culture policy.

Prostitution and the Global Sex Trade – to raise awareness of the impact of the sale of sexual services on those involved and develop proposals for government action; to tackle individuals who create demand for sexual services and those who control prostitution; to protect prostituted women, helping them to exit prostitution; and to prevent girls entering prostitution.

Officer

Autismto raise awareness of issues affecting people with autism and Asperger syndrome, their families and carers; to raise parliamentary awareness of autism; to campaign for changes to government policy to benefit people with autism and Asperger syndrome; and improve diagnosis or support for people with autism and Asperger syndrome.

Domestic Violence – to work towards the elimination of domestic violence and abuse; to highlight issues arising for survivors and specialist support services; and to contribute to the development of policy and legislation in this area.

Member

I am also a member of the APPGs on:

  • Antisemitism
  • Ancient Woodland and Veteran Trees
  • Antibiotics
  • Arts, Health and Wellbeing
  • Cancer
  • Choice at the End of Life
  • Classical Music
  • Complex Needs
  • Disability
  • Drug Reform
  • Drugs, Alcohol and Justice
  • Ending Homelessness
  • Equitable Life
  • Indo-British
  • Loan Charge
  • Marine Energy and Tidal Lagoons
  • Music
  • Surgical Mesh Implants
  • Off-patent Drugs
  • Opera
  • Parkfun
  • Performers Alliance
  • Palestine
  • Running
  • Taxis
  • Universities
  • White Ribbon Campaign
  • Women’s Health
  • Yemen

You can find out more information about each of these groups in the Register of All-Party Parliamentary Groups.

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