Anna Turley, shadow minister for civil society, has used her first engagement in the role to promise “to build a very positive and constructive relationship” with Rob Wilson.
Turley (pictured), who was speaking alongside Rob Wilson civil society minister at the Charities Aid Foundation’s #GivingTuesday Parliamentary Reception in London yesterday, said that the sector deserved a positive, cross-party relationship on civil society issues.
“I know it can be very easy as politicians to argue across the chamber which is deliberately constructed to make us hostile,” she said “but I certainly intend to build a very constructive and positive relationship and I think that we owe it to the sector and to the wider British public. I look forward to working with Rob”.
Turley also said that the charity sector provides a “voice for the voiceless” and said it was important that all parliamentarians remember this.
“Charities can often catch people who have fallen through the net, those who have been let down perhaps by the state. You provide a fundamental role on the front line in supporting people and it is important that we as parliamentarians remember this and work to support you.”
Rob Wilson, minister for civil society said that the government had invested “£36m through the Centre for Social Action” in the last parliament, something the government wishes to continue as it works towards its “vision for a bigger, stronger society”.
“And already this Parliament we’ve launched the Small Charities Fundraising Training Programme, supported Remember A Charity in Your Will Week, and backed the ‘Grow Your Tenner’ fundraising campaign to encourage donations to smaller charities and community groups across England.”
Wilson also said that he “looks forward” to speaking with sector representatives in the lead up to the Spending Review on 25 November.
It was also announced that Manchester has signed up to be the first city to take part in #GivingTuesday with the Manchester Gives More initiative, which will take place on 1 December.
The initiative is backed by Manchester City Council, Manchester Community Central, the University of Manchester, Manchester Chambers of Commerce and the Royal Exchange and will encourage residents to support local causes.
