'The Polish Presidency: 6 months on'

Poland leading the way

Amongst the speakers, there was a consensus that Poland had used the opportunity, associated with the EU Presidency, to pursue a number of exciting agendas. Syed Kamall MEP paid reference to the new EU-Ukrainian partnerships that have been struck, as well as the progress made to integrate the countries of the West Balkans into the European Union. Syed also attributed positive political developments in Minsk as being connected with Poland’s work through the EU presidency. All the speakers commented upon Poland’s bridge like status between East and West, as being a key component of its usefulness to the European project.
The narrative concerning Poland’s decisive and forward thinking leadership was extended upon by Charles Crawford CMG, who paid attention to the work of Polish Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski in providing the new Transitional Council in Libya with a reservoir of knowledge regarding what is needed to evolve away from an authoritarian past towards a brighter future, a democratic future. All of these examples demonstrate how Poland, due to the many of the experiences that have shaped it as a nation, plays an invaluable role within the European project.

Poland moving closer to “Western civilization”

Syed Kamall MEP and Charles Crawford CMG painted an optimistic picture of Poland moving decisively, with little apprehension or regret, towards closer relations with its West European partners. Charles Crawford CMG paid reference to meetings he had had with the Kaczynski twins who construed their period behind the Iron curtain as blocking, what would have been their inevitable post-war integration with the West, and the resulting anger that many Poles feel towards the West as a result of Yalta. Both speakers suggested that there was a sense of optimism and determination in Poland to get on with it, and embrace the West, and more specifically the European project.

Syed Kamall MEP argued that liberalism was crucial for Poland’s development, and that it was composed of two phases, economic, and social. Though he felt that Poland has been successful in adopting economic liberalism, there remained work to do with regards to social liberalism. However, he pointed out that it takes time, and that twenty, thirty years ago; Britain was far less socially liberal than it is now.

A note of caution

In contrast to Syed Kamall MEP and Charles Crawford CMG, Professor Anita Prazmowska provided from a historical perspective, a far more cautious take on Poland’s relationship with the EU.  Professor Prazmowska argued that there was a certain degree of cautiousness within Poland in regards to her country’s relationship with the EU, with the question, “Are we about to lose something we have just gained”, on many people’s minds. Professor Prazmowska expanded on this by alerting the audience to a determination within Poland not to lose its Catholic ethos, and the resulting values that have for centuries underpinned it as a Nation.

Professor Prazmowska went on defend the actions of the allied powers at Yalta, arguing that there was little else they could have done. Before providing detailed analysis on Poland being a complex concoction of East and West, and that it shouldn’t downplay, or seek to hastily free itself from its Eastern influences, for these influences are a key part of what makes Poles who they are.

Professor Prazmowska suggested that the history of Poland, and the dynamics of Polish society, made the two-stage liberalization process outlined by Syed Kamall MEP extremely hard to achieve. She commented, “Whereas in the UK, it’s your business what your sexuality is, in Poland, it’s everyone’s business”.

CONCLUSION

It’s particularly interesting how in Britain today, much of the conversation emanating from the British Conservative Party seems to be concerned with how we, as a society, can ascertain, more shared, common values with one another, and how the strengthening of local neighbourhoods is seen as critical for “Civic resilience”, whilst in Poland, many seem to be driven by a desire to move away from what we’re striving towards. I think in many senses, there is an awful lot both countries can learn from one another in their attempt to strike the right balance between a socially liberal society, which at its best represents freedom, diversity and tolerance, and a more socially conservative society, which at its best provides a firm grounding of shared values and societal cohesiveness.

by Cllr Tom Hunt

Three years on

“He may have been a Labour Prime Minister but Harold Wilson was certainly right about one thing - a week IS a long time in politics, particularly when talking about the party conference season. With the sheer amount of activity, it often feels like you’ve been at Conference for longer than the reality.

It has been a week since the party faithful gathered in Manchester and I have finally managed to reflect on the CFoP’s most recent experience.  During my time as Secretary of the organisation, it is probably one of the highlights for me both from a personal point of view but also in terms of the opportunities that come with exhibiting and being actively involved rather than staying on the periphery.

With Poland at the helm of the EU, it was particularly important for us to have a presence this year; however, I continue to be surprised at the level of support and interest the organisation has generated in its relatively short life.  

Following last year’s successful partnership with the Polish Bakery, the CFoP were again delighted to be able to provide sustenance to conference go-ers with the ever increasingly popular Polish doughnuts. We are also grateful to the Polish Tourist Office for supplying us with various literature on Poland as a tourist destination which literally ‘flew off the shelves.’

As for the politics, boundary changes were of course a hot topic at Conference and engaging the growing Polish community across the UK was a key issue for councillors and respective Conservative Associations.

It is an exciting time for the CFoP, as we grow, it will be important to ensure that there is a continuing dialogue between Conservative politicians and the Polish community in the UK to ensure that as ’we Poles’ become an increasingly powerful voice in the political landscape, we vote with our feet and vote Conservative.”




by Ania Swirski

My first year at Conference

"This was my first year on the Conservative Friends of Poland stand, and it was really interesting to hear people’s views on Poland and the future of the country. The feedback from people was also very positive. 

It was also good to hear from a wide range of different people: from business leaders, Members of Parliament and party members who wanted to know more about Poland. I found the Conservative Friends of Poland is also now starting to be known around the UK. Several visitors wanted to find out about the work of the Conservative Friends of Poland, and their engagement with the Polish communities in their local areas. 

For me personally, it was good to talk to people about the history between Poland and Britain (as my grandfather was Polish and came over during the Second World War). As someone who is very interested in international affairs, it was good to talk about the Polish elections which have just been held. It was encouraging to see the Conservative Friends of Poland playing an important role within the Conservative Party and in the Polish community. 

I felt that the conference was an excellent place to promote many of their ideas."

by Gregory Taylor

My experience at Conference

"Bizarrely, despite being such a staunch Conservative, this was my first Party Conference, an occasion that was doubly special for me due to my status as one of the youngest Conservative Councillor’s in the country and my role in promoting the Conservative Friends of Poland.  As well as thoroughly enjoying my time at the Conservative Friends of Poland stand, I also had a productive time at a number of fringe events, in particular the Respublica tent, where I heard a number of interesting speeches associated with Civic engagement and “Red Toryism” more generally. However, despite always being around a number of engaging and intellectually stimulating delegates, I also felt quite alone in one sense, I have a feeling that I was the sole delegate from my Constituency of South East Cambridgeshire in Manchester. Though perhaps a break from the Fenland ways of East Cambridgeshire was just what the doctor ordered.

With regards to my role working for the Conservative Friends of Poland, I was kept busy. I would like to think that the mixture of the eye catching doughnuts, our engaging styles of conversation and varied knowledge kept the visitors flowing.

There was a broad consensus amongst those I spoke to regarding the unique historical foundations on which our strong relationship with Poland has been built, as well as the concrete benefits that come from nurturing such a relationship both now and in the future. Moreover, many of those with whom I spoke could see a strong connection between the values which we Conservatives hold dear and those of the Polish people, promoting a strong ideological compatibility between our Polish communities and the Conservative Party.

I came away from the Conference with one key thought in my mind, at a time when we seek to understand the forces that connect people from seemingly divergent backgrounds and persuasions in pursuit of the Big Society, it seems to be a logical step to invest a sufficient amount of time in trying to understand what makes the culture and communities that engendered Solidarity tick. Therefore, the benefits of seeking a political rapprochement with our vibrant Polish communities aren’t just electoral, but also ideological."

by Councillor Tom Hunt  

CFoP Conference round-up: our views

This week we will be posting our views following the Conference in Manchester.

"This was my first Conservative Party Conference in Manchester and I am already very much looking forward to returning next year.

I was primarily interested in finding out first hand about the Conservative policies for stimulating growth of the UK economy, and as such the conference stood up to my expectations. Hearing George Osborne's speech live and asking questions in a debate with such contemporary economic gurus as Allister Heath of City AM were particular highlights. 

It is reassuring that we have a strong leadership in these testing times, especially as the economic growth has ground to a halt recently. I am very much looking forward to seeing the benefits of such conservative policies as reduction of corporation tax and tax breaks for entrepreneurs - especially given the large numbers of Poles living in the UK run or are employed by SMEs.

Certainly, the Conservative Friends of Poland's conference stand, which I had the pleasure of spending a lot of my time on, proved to be very popular. The constant flow of guests, ranging from Ministers and Lords to councillors and businessmen, allowed us to do our bit as ambassadors for the British 'Polonia' (Polish diaspora), as well as for Poland itself.

The migration of Poles out of the initial hub of London into other areas of the United Kingdom means that we are becoming a political force to be reckoned with nationally; no longer just locally in the established 'diverse-community' areas of the capital. As such, a lot of enquiries and interest in the Conservative Friends of Poland came from councillors interested in how to best engage their Polish residents.

Due to the above, coupled with the potential we already have within the Conservative Friends of Poland, I am confident that we have great times ahead of us, as our importance as a platform for Polish-British cooperation is certain to grow rapidly within the next years."

          by Przemek Skwirczynski

Poland in Europe

Anyone who has spent even a little time following the news this last month would know that Poland’s presence on the global stage was recently marked in large measure by the US President Barack Obama’s visit to Poland. Today’s view of Poland’s role – whether it is connected to the old idea of Christendom, or the 21^st century North Atlantic alliance, there can be little doubt that Poland is positioned at the heart of the new Central Europe. President Obama’s visit underlined Poland’s experience of transitioning towards a free market democracy.

Last month Poland celebrated 220 years since the Constitution of the 3^rd of May (Konstytucja Trzeciego Maja). It marked the anniversary of the adoption of the first written constitution in Europe and the second in the world, after the Constitution of the United States. It is a reminder of Poland’s long history generating healthy pride among its people.

Earlier in the month Poland’s oldest institution, the Polish Church, celebrated the beatification of the late Pope John Paul II on 1 May. Cardinal Karol Wojtyła was born near Kraków in 1920 and was elected as Pope in 1978. During the communist era Poles looked to the Roman Catholic Church for moral and spiritual guidance. Millions were drawn to the ceremony at the Vatican in Rome. Guests from more than 80 countries were present including royal families, national leaders, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek.

On the 18th May at the Southbank Centre, HRH the Duke of Gloucester, who was also at the Vatican ceremony, unveiled a statue of the Polish born pianist Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the UK, Her Excellency Ms Barbara Tuge-Erecińska; Greg Hands MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Hon George Osborne MP; the Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes AM; the Mayor of Lambeth, Cllr Tina Valcarcel. The statue was a gift to the British people in recognition of the common struggle against Nazi Germany. It was originally unveiled outside the Southbank Centre in 1975 by the Duke’s mother, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. Greg Hands MP representing the British government and the Conservative Friends of Poland highlighted the deep bond between the two countries and spoke about his recent visit to Poland prior to Poland’s presidency of the Council of the EU beginning on 1^st July.  

Poland recently launched its logo for the presidency designed by Jerzy Janiszewski from Gdańsk, who also created the legendary Solidarność logo. Conservatives Friends of Poland in partnership with the Conservative Europe Group are hosting a Summer Reception “30 years on since Solidarity” on Monday 27 June, 6-8pm. For further information please contact us at cfofp@cfofp.co.uk

Written by Milena Borden

Designed by Teresa Potocka