ARMED FORCES’ PENSION GROUP LOBBY - 17^th April 2007

A large contingent of members of the Armed Forces Pension Action Group, together with members of The Combined Armed Forces Federation UK convened at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London at 1230hrs.

The AFPAG had spent a great deal of time and effort in organising coaches from six major cities in the UK (some starting out at 0430hrs!), and some members had even flown down from Scotland for the day.

The gathering was estimated to number some 300+ and was joined by Colin Challen MP who has been campaigning on our behalf. Colin Challen and Mike Steel, laid the Wreath and prayers were led by Revd Colin Noyce (CAFF UK Member).

The contingent then walked to Westminster Hall where we were held for what appeared to be an unnecessarily long time, while we were checked through Security. However, it gave us plenty of time to get to know people around us, and even to make acquaintance with those who had served on the same ship or station. There was also some sharing of history and information which will enable the two organisations to build a stronger case. Please do let us have copies of any Discharge Papers which refer to your (supposed) Pension Entitlement.

Within Westminster Hall, we completed our individual Lobby Cards, which the Sergeant at Arms then distributed to MPs, once they entered the House at 1430hrs. MPs were then required to respond and to come and meet their constituents in the Hall, where each individual emphasised his case.

Fortunately, refreshments and facilities were available, because this process went on, throughout the afternoon. Eventually, we estimated that 50 MPs had come to the Hall and there were many others who were not in the House, that day but, who nevertheless, would have been made aware of our Lobby presence, subsequently. Apparently, this is an important part of the Lobbying process.

This was very worthwhile event and the AFPAG (particularly, Mike Steel) must be congratulated for their organisation.

Mike Steel and I had a short meeting during the Lobby, and he stold me that both he and Colin Challen would be convening a meeting to discuss their next moves. Colin Challen asked me to stay in touch with him, and we agreed that we must try and move forward with one accord, following this event.

Our next event is the AGM on Wednesday 9th May at the Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, Waterloo, where much of the discussion will surround the publication of our Report. This will go to all MPs. I am trying to get a start at 10.30am, but please keep your eye on this website, where the Agenda will be published, shortly.

At the moment, and subject to the outcome of discussions at the AGM, your Committee intends to meet with Colin Challen MP, together with members of the AFPAG Committee, once our Report has been finalised, in order to discuss appropriate ways forward, together.

CHRIS WATKIN

Chairman: The Combined Armed Forces Federation UK

Location	Date and Time	Meeting Point	Schedule
WESTMINSTER HALL, HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, LONDON	TUESDAY 17TH APRIL 2007 12:15 hrs	VICTORIA EMBANKMENT (nearest Tube is Westminster	Departing from THE CENOTAPH, WHITEHALL: Walking to: WESTMINSTER HALL: ARRIVE 1300hrs (likely duration 2 hrs, then depart)