Public Affairs Group meet Lobbying Minister

London, 29 March 2012 - On Monday over 30 PRCA members gathered at H+K Strategies’ head office to hear Cabinet Office Minister Mark Harper MP reaffirm the Government’s commitment to a statutory register of lobbyists.

Harper told the audience of lobbyists and communications specialists that the Government is still accepting responses to the consultation, and discussed the proposed definition of a lobbyist by the PR industry and the debate on who should be covered by a register of lobbyists. 

The audience questioned the Minister on who would be included on a register by the current definition of a lobbyist; why in-house teams are missing from the consultation’s proposed definition; and how a register would operate. The consultation is due to end on the 13 April, 2012.

Chief Executive of the PRCA, Francis Ingham, commented “The PRCA has been clear of its support for a statutory register. However, such a register must do exactly what it says on the tin; to capture all those who lobby in a professional capacity.

“This means charities, trade unions, lawyers, bankers, management consultants, and think tanks should all be included -as I made clear at the Select Committee hearing, and as seconded by our members tonight”.

                                                                                                 

                                                                                                      - ENDS -

Notes to editors

Tom Hawkins, Policy and Research Executive
T: 020 7233 6026 ¦ E: tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk

About the PRCA

Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, PR freelancers and individuals. The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.

 

 

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