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The NFU in Westminster - what we do

What we do

Day to day, the work of the London Office varies as policy priorities change and issues develop. While the team often has to react to events, it has a number of objectives that guide its work.

The NFU's London Office is in Westminster near to Parliament. It houses the NFU's Parliamentary lobbying operation as well as a small policy team which assists with policy development and the two way flow of information between government and the NFU. The office also acts as a base for members and staff who are visiting London on NFU business; hotdesks and meeting rooms are available for their use although booking in advance is essential. Our role is:

To act as the NFU's ambassadors in London, representing and promoting the views of the NFU in London to a wide range of stakeholders
To assess and report developments in all areas to NFU members and staff and the effects on NFU policy
To lobby Parliament in line with the NFU's Communications Strategy. To also support and report on lobbying activities of UK Officeholders, Board Chairmen and staff and to co-ordinate appropriate follow-up action
To plan and co-ordinate group visits of NFU members to London and to explain the role of the NFU to visiting external groups
To provide first class meeting facilities and support to NFU Officeholders, Sector Boards, staff and partner organisations
To assist the media relations team in dealing with the London media

Policy

The London policy team assists in the delivery of the objectives above in a number of ways. It can be more efficient for the London team to attend meetings in London on behalf of Stoneleigh-based policy advisers which they do as appropriate.

The team therefore reports back to NFU HQ and regions on policy developments in the capital whilst at the same time making sure that those making policy in Whitehall understand the industry and its needs. The team's broad knowledge of policy issues means that it can deal with the national broadcast media based in London who will often require NFU spokespeople at very short notice.

In the event of officeholders or national spokespeople being not available to comment, the team are ideally placed to represent the NFU's views to the major TV and radio networks who have bases at Millbank just two minutes walk away.

Parliamentary

The proximity of the new office to Parliament has helped to foster closer links between the NFU and politicians of all parties, and their staff. For instance, it is now easier attend a relevant committee session or debate than in the past when it took 25 minutes just to get there.

There really is no substitute for face to face contact, and the frequent meetings, both formal and informal, that take place between NFU members and staff with politicians is an invaluable strength of the organisation. We continue with our role of monitoring political developments and daily events which affect the industry as well as seeking to create strong relationships with our political clients, ensuring that the NFU retains its well deserved reputation as one of the foremost lobbying organisations in Westminster.

This hard work is rewarded by excellent access to ministers, opposition parties' spokesmen, backbench MPs and peers when domestic legislation is being developed or new regulations from the European Union are being enacted into UK law.

We facilitate the NFU's response to consultations on forthcoming legislation, and sponsor amendments to the draft laws when they are before Parliament.

The NFU also provides evidence to a wide range of Select Committee inquiries and is frequently invited to take part in oral evidence sessions. In addition, in association with our policy colleagues, we supply briefings on subjects of interest to politicians, regular updates on specific policy areas and give MPs suggestions for questions for Ministers.