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Published in Opinia – Polish Cultural Magazine
20th November 2008
Historic Anglo - Polish Summit Success
An historic event, aiming to nurture British-Polish relationships took place in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 12 November 2008. The seminar hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Poland with co-operation of the British Polish Chamber of Commerce was the first event of its kind to be attended by representatives of the Polish government and Poles in the UK.
Following a roadshow on new business prospects in Poland that took place in 2006 in London and the increasing number of Poles choosing to work in the UK there was clearly a need for an event of this type.
The conference was opened by Dr Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, Chairman of the APPG Poland and Her Excellency Ms Barbara Tuge-Erecińska, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in the UK. The afternoon at the House of Commons covered the current state of British-Polish relations, exchange of ideas how to develop and strengthen the bonds, discussion on challenges facing Poles in the UK and presentations of success stories.
Speakers from diverse backgrounds presented their views till the late afternoon hours in Portcullis House. Organisers managed to bring together Members of British and Polish Parliament, Polish Consuls, the Minister-Counsellor, Head of the Economic Section in Polish Embassy, Members of the Strategic Advisers Group in the Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister, Rector of the Polish University Abroad, heads of Polish associations and clubs, MPs and Members of the House of Lords together with Polish Media in the UK.
Speakers from diverse backgrounds presented their views till the late afternoon hours in Portcullis House. Organisers managed to bring together Members of British and Polish Parliament, Polish Consuls, the Minister-Counsellor, Head of the Economic Section in Polish Embassy, Members of the Strategic Advisers Group in the Chancellery of the Polish Prime Minister, Rector of the Polish University Abroad, heads of Polish associations and clubs, MPs and Members of the House of Lords together with Polish Media in the UK.
Experts from the UK and Poland presented data which dispelled some of the myths about migration and brought new information into the public domain. Interestingly it was stated that 30-40% of Poles arriving in the UK had degrees, a far higher percentage than the indigenous UK population. Yet those highly qualified people were often in jobs well below their capabilities. Underuse of skills being cited as one of the top reasons given for leaving the UK.
Critically the most important issue is not whether people choose to live in the UK or Poland. It is more a question of recognising the potential time bomb of large numbers of skilled and intelligent workers who would simply move to other parts of the world should they not be better utilised, and the opportunity waiting to be seized.
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The passionate presentations and number of attendees at the meeting showed there is a real desire to ensure the long standing bonds between the two countries continues.
Dr Whitehead, who presided over the event, remarked upon the success of the seminar: “I and my fellow members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Poland felt that the event was a major success. I was extremely pleased with both the interest in the event and the quality of the speakers. I believe that with this seminar we have laid a very solid foundation for the continued exchange of ideas between the different sections of the UK Polish Community and members of Parliament.”
The Southampton Test MP added: “The longstanding Polish community in the UK deserves greater recognition for its contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the country. With a new wave of Polish migration since 2004 there are new opportunities and challenges to be met. However, having heard representatives of first and second generation Poles of all walks of life at the seminar yesterday, as well as representatives of the Polish Embassy and Government I feel extremely optimistic about the future of British-Polish relations.”
Following the conference, a reception was held in the Institute of Directors. The keynote presentations were delivered by Martin Oxley – the CEO of the British Polish Chamber of Commerce and Marcin Herra – CEO of the PL.2012 – the holding company responsible for delivering the European Football Championship in Poland. Both presentations clearly showed the potential and opportunities for trade between the two countries. Martin Oxley highlighted the economic stability of the country and its currency in the turbulent times of present global turndown, emphasising attractiveness to potential investors. Marcin Herra showcased his modern approach to managing complex projects presenting transparency of progress and confirming Euro 2012 is on schedule for delivery.
The success of the event owes much to Liz Walker, UK Manager of the British Polish Chamber of Commerce who conceived and organised the event. Well organised, very informative with attendance exceeding the organisers’ expectations. Poles have many qualities to be proud of, which can at the same time attract other countries to create partnership alliances.
Liz Walker said: "I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback that I have received from those who attended the seminar on "Developing the British-Polish Relationship". I am sure that the Polish Community in the UK would appreciate further opportunities like this again in the future. I am very proud to have co-ordinated this event and I am very grateful to Dr. Alan Whitehead MP, the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for agreeing to host and Chair this historical seminar, the first time that the Poles in the UK have had an opportunity to express themselves in the House of Commons. The Polish Community deserves a platform to be heard from and on their behalf I would like to express thanks for the opportunity." |
