All Party Parliamentary Groups
Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, Co-Chair
The Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery APPG raises awareness of the scale and effects of human trafficking into the UK and abroad, seeking solutions to reduce supply and demand and to improve welfare provisions for victims. As a Minister in the Home Office I helped pass a law to require companies to publish an annual statement on modern slavery and human trafficking in their supply chains, encouraging them to examine and address the issue in their supply chains. Recently the APPG responded to the Government’s Nationality and Border’s Bill and held a panel event to investigate the role of local government licensing in addressing the risks of human trafficking in sectors predisposed to exploitation such as hand car washes and nail bars.
Human Trafficking Foundation's Useful Links for Ukrainians
UK Guides
Information for Ukrainian Nationals Arriving in the UK (financial support, housing, immigration status & children) available in Ukrainian and English from the Red Cross
Travel Safe, Stay Safe - practical advice on how to seek sanctuary safely available in Ukrainian, Russian and English (lists organisations that can help in European countries) hotlines in each country and information on trafficking from STOP THE TRAFFIK. There is also this useful guide to Staying Stay in the UK, in Ukrainian and Russian.
Red Cross Guidance on Ukrainian Family Scheme, Humanitarian Sponsorship Pathway, extending permission to remain the UK, Accommodation advice and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme
Immigration Guidance Covering getting safely out of the Ukraine, Joining a family member settled in the UK, Ukrainians sponsored by someone in the UK, Ukrainians already in the UK on visas, immigration advice signposting and arriving in neighbouring countries from the Workers’ Rights Centre
UK Visa Support for Ukrainian Nationals Government information on Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) and other visas.
Home Office adviser finder tool for an immigration adviser
Finding Family in Ukraine
If you are unable to contact your family due to the recent conflict escalation in Ukraine email findyour_family@redcross.org.uk with your full name and telephone number. A team member from the Red Cross’s International Family Tracing service will contact you.
Legal Support
Ukrainian Legal aid is an international consortium of solicitors, and can be contacted online. You can also contact the Immigration Advice Service for free legal advice, using the contact form on their website.
Advice Ukraine focus on immigration in and to the UK, and can be contacted at ukraine@freemovement.org.uk
Information on Help-Desks set up to support legal representatives and those providing support to Ukrainian refugees in neighbouring countries from the Council of Europe
Solicitor Directory for England and Wales & Solicitor Directory for Scotland and Northern Ireland
Find a Legal Aid Advisor for England and Wales & Scotland and Northern Ireland if you need an immigration solicitor and are on low income. Legal aid is not "public funds" for the purpose of immigration rules, so you can apply even if you are on a visa that doesn't normally give you access to public funds (such as benefits).
Workers’ Rights in the UK
Workers’ Rights in the UK Leaflets in multiple languages from the GLA
Just Good Work App Provides job seekers and workers advice on recruitment, employment and life in a new destination
If you have any information about the mistreatment of workers call Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority on 0800 432 0804.
Health Resources
Translated Health Information for Patients Translated into Ukrainian addressing common questions including how to register with a GP and Vaccines from Doctors of the World
First Aid Guidance in Ukrainian and Russian from St John’s Ambulance
Challenger Banks and Building Societies, Chair
The APPG on Challenger Banks and Building Societies reviews the regulations of the banking and financial sector to promote fair competition and to look at removing entry barriers and to encourage diversity of service. Recently, the APPG has explored the digital banking transition accelerated by the pandemic, as well as how Challenger Banks and Building Societies can help the Government achieve its Levelling-up goals.
As Chair of the APPG on Challenger Banks and Building Societies, I welcomed the Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen MP, and Head of the PRA and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England Sam Woods to our annual reception in Parliament.
The reception, which was sponsored by Allica Bank, was attended by leading figures from a huge range of challenger institutions and building societies, financial regulators, trade associations, and more.
It was an opportunity to reflect on the challenges the past couple of years have caused. However, I was struck by the optimism that most people had for the opportunities there are for challenger banks to have a significant and positive impact in the economic recovery from COVID-19 and in the future.
Adult Social Care, Officer
The APPG for Adult Social Care is a forum for members of the House of Commons and Lords to engage with the wider adult social care sector, with the aim of influencing government policy on the reform of the adult social care system.
British Council, Vice Chair, Americas
The British Council APPG was set up to help Parliamentarians learn more about and better understand the British Council and its work. This includes at home and abroad to promote the English language alongside British education, culture and values; and to support the British Council, offering advice and encouragement in both its everyday and long-term work.
British Museum, Vice Chair
The British Museum APPG was set up to establish a partnership between Parliament and the British Museum, including work with local and regional museums, and an understanding of its role as a leading world museum.
Business Travel, Officer
The Business Travel APPG champions the UK business travel sector, aiming to raise awareness of its contribution to the UK economy and its role as a driver of international trade.
Data Poverty, Officer
The APPG on Data Poverty brings Parliamentarians together with regulators and internet providers to build support for social tariff broadband products, and explore long-term solutions to data poverty in Britain.
Football, Vice Chair
The APPG for Football holds meetings for Parliamentarians about football issues and raise matters of importance with the football authorities.
Football Club, Vice Chair
The Football Club APPG was set up to play football and raise money for charity.
Formula One, Treasurer
The Formula One APPG supports the sport and industry of Formula One.
Hospitality and Tourism, Vice Chair
The Hospitality and Tourism APPG examines key issues, opportunities and challenges facing the hospitality sector across the UK. As the daughter of a publican and with all the great pubs and restaurants across the Moorlands, this is a sector I follow closely.
Missing Children and Adults, Vice Chair
The Missing Children and Adults APPG raises awareness about the issues faced by those who go missing from home or care and the families they leave behind.
Northern Ireland Economy, Vice Chair
The APPG on the Northern Ireland Economy supports and encourages the growth of business in Northern Ireland. As a former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, this is an issue I follow closely.
Peak District, Vice Chair
The Peak District APPG was set up to bring together parliamentarians and conservationists to discuss and raise awareness of the Peak District National Park and seek ways to improve the area. As the Moorlands is just on the doorstep of this beautiful National Park, it is important to promote the Peak District and raise awareness of its conservation.
Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities, Officer
The Tackling Loneliness and Connected Communities APPG drives forward cross-party work among parliamentarians to influence legislation and policy making in order to reduce loneliness, an issue that we must address in the Moorlands. As part of tackling Loneliness, I have previously hosted Senior Tea Dances, launched a Loneliness & Isolation Directory which is full of useful information about local organisations and charities and held a Conference entitled ‘Beyond the front Door’. During the pandemic, I spoke on local radio, organising a virtual coffee morning where I encouraged everyone across the constituency to say hello to their neighbours and look out for one another and more recently I organised a Pensioners’ and Carers’ Advice Fair.
Taxation, Vice Chair
The APPG on Taxation looks at and understands tax policy and taxation on all levels. This includes examining issues such as simplification and digitalisation, Brexit and its impact on the UK’s taxation system, and international taxation. The APPG works in partnership with HM Treasury to create a 'safe space' for Parliamentarians and interested stakeholders to meet, discuss and develop innovative proposals to reform, simplify and make the UK’s taxation system fairer.
Union, Vice Chair
The Union APPG promotes the economic, social, cultural and constitutional benefits of the union of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with an aim of fostering good relations between the four countries of the UK and their devolved administrations.
Karen is also a member of the following APPGs:
Heritage Rail
The Heritage Rail APPG briefs Parliamentarians on heritage railways, the contribution they make to their local and regional economies and the skills training opportunities involved.
Equitable Life Policyholders
The Equitable Life Policyholders APPG campaigns for justice for the victims of the Equitable Life scandal.
Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion
The Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion APPG brings together experts and change-makers to explore ways in which government can support building a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry, both within the UK and globally.
National parks
The APPG on National Parks informs Parliamentarians of key issues relating to England's national parks, discussing issues of common concern with a focus on conservation and enhancement, opportunities for public learning and enjoyment, and the well-being of National Park communities.
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man APPG promotes and fosters good relations and co-operation between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom.
Food and Drink
The Food and Drink APPG serves to raise the profile of the food and drink industry, allowing MPs and Peers to explore issues affecting the industry through a programme of events, topical discussions, and site visits.
Commercial Radio
The Commercial Radio APPG seeks a better understanding between broadcasters and Parliamentarians regarding the vital role that radio plays in our communities and our economy.
Rural Services
The Rural Services APPG brings together MPs to promote debate on the provision of rural services, producing periodic reports on key issues.
Women’s Health
The APPG on Women’s Health aims to empower women to ensure that they can make an informed choice about the best treatment for them and that they are treated with dignity and respect. As well as providing a forum for MPs and Peers, the Group aims to bring clinicians, patients, and other relevant stakeholders to Westminster to discuss women’s health and related issues.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnia and Herzegovina APPG works to enhance relations and mutual co-operation between the UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
