All-Party Parliamentary Groups to watch

What is an APPG?
All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal groups in the UK Parliament made up of Members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords from different political parties. They come together around a shared interest in a specific policy issue, region, or country. Although not official parliamentary bodies, they can have influence due to their cross-party collaboration across both Chambers.

Why are APPGs important?
APPGs provide a unique platform for MPs and Lords to engage with external stakeholders, shaping policy discussions on pressing national and global issues. While informal, these groups offer an essential space for diverse perspectives to influence decision-making and promote change.

For businesses they offer a self-identified group of interested stakeholders that are usually the initial base from which to build support. They may be subject experts in the chosen topic and can offer insights into how best to influence relevant government policy.

Transport: Bus and Coach, Rail, Electric Vehicle
Transport is a key focus of the current Labour Government, with nationalisation of the railways and franchising of the bus sector as core priorities of the legislative agenda. Balance that with the need to make personal transport options more sustainable, the transport sector APPGs are definitely ones to watch.

The Rail APPG claims to be one of “the best attended” which is to be expected given the long-awaited reform of the industry and the sheer number of MPs that campaign locally on train services. But for the bus and coach sector, key advocates within this group use their position to emphasise the importance of the “everyday” modes of transport which help to decarbonise travel and reduce the number of cars on the road.

Meanwhile, the Electric Vehicles APPG has a key role to play in the decarbonisation of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles. With global advancements in EV technology and the UK’s commitment to phasing out diesel and petrol cars by 2040, this APPG is a critical voice in shaping the future of sustainable transport in the UK.

Energy: Energy Studies, Floating Offshore Wind, Hydrogen, Net Zero, Nuclear Energy, Renewable and Sustainable Energy
With the government focused on energy security and creating clean power sources, including by establishing Great British Energy (GBE), it's no surprise that there’s a number of APPGs operating in the energy space.

With APPGs for different types of energy source, members are given the opportunity to advocate for their favourites – and many do have strong preferences. But from the government’s perspective, having parliamentarians across the political spectrum with an understanding of a mix of energy sources is invaluable, especially as they look to secure a future that’s less reliant on unpredictable international energy sources.

Health
As one of the key political issues for last year’s general election and a consistent point-scoring topic among all parties, health is one of the most divisive and bridging policy spaces.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Health brings together parliamentarians and senior health leaders to explore the most pressing issues facing the NHS — from reform and innovation to long-term resilience.

Chaired by Lord Bethell, former Minister at the Department of Health and Social Care, the group plays a vital role in shaping cross-party dialogue on the future of UK healthcare at a time of rising demand, workforce pressures and rapid technological change.

Artificial Intelligence
The APPG on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was established in 2017 and there’s no doubt its importance has seen continued growth since. With the rise of open AI and both personal and professional use of generative AI, the APPG has a key role to play in establishing the UK’s position as a leader in AI regulation, while still fostering growth and innovation.

Led by Allison Gardner MP, who has a background in advising on AI for the NHS, there is a hope that the APPG can be a constructive partner to the government and explore opportunities for using AI to contribute to wider growth plans.

However, with the rise of deepfakes and AI generated content, it is unsurprising that parliamentarians are also invested in how to regulate AI in the protection of democratic processes which are under threat.

Defence Technology
With geopolitical tensions heightened around the globe, and war in Europe, defence continues to be in the spotlight. As the government has just unveiled its strategic defence review, this group is poised to be a contributing player providing solutions to the biggest threats facing the UK and its allies.

The Defence Technology APPG is new to parliament following the most recent general election, with partners in some of the industry's biggest names in defence. Their self-proclaimed aim is to explore technological advancements and how they can support national security, suggesting they will be providing a forum to facilitate such discussions between industry and parliamentarians.

Food: Farming / UK Food Security
With newly announced trade deals with the USA and the EU, food is a topic facing scrutiny and policy challenges. The government must balance food security with the interests of British farmers and food producers, all while promoting sustainable and resilient supply chains.

With recent concerns around ‘Mad Cow’ disease from the continent and 'chlorinated chicken' from the US, there are actors on all sides of the political spectrum involved in these groups, undoubtedly due to the important role the issues play with constituents. The majority of the players in this arena are MPs representing rural constituencies, and with the recent farmers' protests in Westminster they clearly have a vested interest in fighting for the rights of farmers in their constituencies.

Financial services: Financial Technology / Future of Financial Services
With the government's Financial Growth and Competitiveness Strategy due to be published soon, MPs interested in the financial sector will be looking to see how the government plans to revitalise the City of London and once again establish the UK's place as a leader in financial services.

With more companies entering the UK market to set up challenger banks, this is an area that's heavily regulated but crying out for innovation. The Financial Technology APPG and Future of Financial Services APPG aim to present solutions to the government's growth agenda by bringing together innovative businesses and interested parliamentarians, encouraging competition while protecting the UK's position as a respected financial regulator.