The All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group (APPG) held its inaugural meeting under the new government today, electing co-chairs Valerie Vaz MP and Baroness Fookes. 

Other officers included Lord Taylor, Sarah Dyke, and 15 other accepted MPs.  

The meeting provided an opportunity to welcome new members and meet the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) representatives, who included Jennifer Pheasey, director of public affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association. 

Pheasey says: “As a sector spread across the four nations of the UK, with 30 million gardeners, invaluable green spaces, and a driver of green economic growth, we know the success of the sector is in the interest of parliamentarians from all parties and both houses. 

“The EHG is looking forward to continuing its support for the APPG in the coming months and years.  

“Given the sector’s environmental and economic benefits, it seeks a stronger voice and more champions for environmental horticulture, landscaping, and arboriculture to the heart of Westminster.” 

The group works with the EHG and other industry representatives to advocate for policy change in areas such as planning reform to ensure there are enough green urban spaces. 

It also focuses on trade and export strategy, green jobs and skills definition, and working with the government to ensure that environmental horticulture is part of its economic growth strategy. 

It also provided a valuable opportunity for the industry to engage with interested parliamentarians.  

Over the last year, this has included parliamentary receptions, briefings on the House of Lords Horticulture Inquiry, and visits to the Chelsea Flower Show. 

“I am honoured to be re-elected as co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group, and I look forward to working with the officers and members of the group,” says Valerie Vaz, co-chair of APPG and MP. 

“I shall be looking to see how seriously the government takes this sector’s vital role in improving the environment and the health and wellbeing of people.  

“In doing so, I shall call on the expertise of the excellent Environmental Horticulture Group, representing several key players in the industry and charity.”