On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, six Members of Parliament visited Philadelphia. Our special guests were Government: Shaun Bailey and Nigel Mills, and Opposition: Sir Stephen Timms, Debbie Abrahams, David Linden, and Steve McCabe – all members of the Work and Pension Select Committee. Visit objectives were focused on policy and best practice sharing related to local government support for employment and skills training. Philadelphia was one stop on a three City tour that began in Boston and ended in Washington, D.C.
Jason Walker, BABCPHL Treasurer and incoming President and Jane H. Rosenberg, BABCPHL Executive Director were invited to meet with the MPs for an informal breakfast at the Downtown Marriott. Discussing comparisons and offering various perspectives about work life balance, corporate benefits, and early education programs for example, throughout the US and the UK helped set the stage for engagements the MPs had throughout the day. Activities included a tour of the Workforce Development Center at the Vaux Community Building by the Philadelphia Housing Authority and meetings with the Philadelphia Youth Network executive team to learn about the summer WorkReady program and E3 initiatives, among several other stops.
The BABCPHL was proud to welcome this important group to our region. The MPs commented on the many parallels between the UK and the US. Visits like this are one example of how our two nations can connect and support one another as we navigate the current social, economic, and political landscape to better support individuals and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
Special thanks to Paul Schipul from the British Consulate General for collaborating with the BABCPHL and inviting us to meet the Parliamentarians.
