Following the outcome of the 2015 General Election, a new All Party Parliamentary Group for Brass Bands has been re-established in the Houses of Parliament.

Newly elected

At the Annual General Meeting held on 30th June, officers were elected, with Chairman, Jason McCartney (Conservative — Colne Valley) at its helm.

The Vice Chairmen is Sir Kevin Barron (Labour — Rother Valley) along Andrew Rosindell (Conservative — Romford) and Andrew Gwynne (Labour — Denton & Reddish).

The Secretary is Ian Lavery (Labour — Wansbeck) and the Treasurer, Sir Gerald Howarth (Conservative — Aldershot).

Nationwide

Brass Bands England Chairman Mike Kilroy told 4BR that BBE will continue to provide the secretariat for the group, but that it was important to emphasise that membership is not restricted to English MPs.

"The group exists to support the work of brass bands throughout the United Kingdom." he said.

"We have an excellent national representation and cross party support, so we will be making every effort to formalise good working relationships with other representative bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."

We have an excellent national representation and cross party support, so we will be making every effort to formalise good working relationships with other representative bodies in Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandMike Kilroy

Highly encouraged

He added: "We have been highly encouraged by the support we have gained in Parliament and will be working hard to ensure that it brings lasting benefit to bands at all levels throughout the United Kingdom."

Any enquiries about the group should be made to: Roy Terry, Parliamnetary Liaison Officer, Brass Bands England: royterrymusic@gmail.com