Anne arranged a Business Breakfast for Oxfam which was hosted by Nationwide this morning (12th April)

Anne said:

“Oxfam are one of the most innovative NGOs working on poverty relief in the world, this morning they were engaging with Swindon businesses in a very constructive way.  I support the idea of businesses working with Oxfam to reduce poverty and becoming involved in the poverty debate.” 

Anne did the introductory talk and welcome with a short explanation of why she wanted to help organise meeting with Oxfam. Then Barbara Stocking (Oxfam) gave an introduction to how they work. Then Nicola Day (Oxfam) gave an Introduction to the private sector strategy describing why Oxfam is engaging with the private sector. Then Robert Bailey (Oxfam) ran a plenary session - again informal with a good discussion for 30 mins. The Closing message was that Oxfam are keen to have further discussions with the companies about how they can work together. 

Hazel Blears MP represented the Government at the meeting on Anne’s invitation.   

 UPDATE:

 Anne asked a relevant Oral Parliamentary Question on the 18th April:

Anne Snelgrove (South Swindon) (Lab): Last week I was pleased to organise for Oxfam a breakfast meeting in my constituency with leading Swindon companies such as Nationwide, Zurich, npower and Barclays, all of whom have worked hard on payroll giving. Does the Minister agree that payroll giving will increase giving to charities and would he encourage MPs to join in?

Edward Miliband: I agree with my hon. Friend. I have recently taken advantage of being able to give through the payroll giving scheme and I have written to all Members of the House to encourage them and their employees to do so too. It is still the case that too few employees take advantage of payroll giving. We want to do all that we can to promote the scheme. As I say, I encourage Members of the House both to take up the scheme themselves and to promote it in their constituencies.