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

Polish Prime Minister Visits London, 18 April

The visit to London on 18 April by the Polish Prime Minster, Donald Tusk, points to a further step in engagement prior to the Polish presidency of the EU Council which starts on 1 July.

This follows the support for EU’s growth strategy “Europe 2020” by the UK and Poland. Addressing economic growth in Europe is one of the main priorities of the forthcoming presidency. In March, both countries were among the nine EU signatories of a letter to the EU Council President and the EU Commission setting out four priorities for the post-crisis economic growth plan: opening-up the single market for services, opening-up global trade, helping start-up companies and promoting innovation.

The UK and Poland recognise their common attitudes and interests in terms of EU’s economic policy. There are good conditions for cooperation between both countries to address the economic and financial crisis in the EU through supporting growth, employment and financial stability. Both governments consider the discussion about the next EU budget for 2014-2020 as an opportunity to unlock potential and sustainable reform in Europe.

At the Press Conference after the meeting both prime ministers explained that they share similar perspectives towards the situation in North Africa and talked about the aspirations of Arab Spring. Poland’s membership in NATO and contribution in Afghanistan have been subjects of common forward thinking.

The meeting also reveals that British Polish relations have real significance for both countries and in the future of Europe. The UK and Poland strive to maintain good spirit in the debate about further investment in the EU’s Eastern partnership.

The British PM noted the huge contribution made by Poles living here. The Polish PM confirmed the friendship between the two countries.

Written by Milena Borden

Designed and Edited by Teresa Potocka