Commonwealth MPs Visit Ealing and Acton

Parliamentary Women's Caucus shown around by Rupa Huq

A group of five Pakistani MPs from the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus have been visiting the Ealing Central and Acton constituency to spend a day shadowing Rupa Huq.

The delegation were visiting with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) to learn how things are done in the UK and were shown around a local school and two factories.

First up was Grange Primary school in Ealing W5 where the women were treated to an assembly delivered by Rupa to years 4 – 6. The session included a lively question and answer session where questions raised included “Are they strict?” and what Rupa’s position was on policy matters including free school meals and homelessness.

The group which including a member of staff from CPA UK, a British Council representative as well as the assistant to the Pakistani MPs visited Savior Beds in North Acton.

The company was first established in 1905 and supplies handmade beds for the Savoy hotel with mattresses made from 100% natural fibres such as horsehair. Fans include Oprah Winfrey, Elton John and Madonna. The firm, who claim to have cured Emma Thompson’s insomnia has an average price of £25,000 for their products which are all made to measure for individual spines.

Finally Pai Skincare of South Acton, who were recently honoured by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, hosted the group. Their products aimed at sensitive skins export worldwide. Managing Director Sarah Brown who was at school with Konnie Huq, Rupa’s sister at Notting Hill and Ealing girl’s school originally started 8 years ago in a garage in Ealing Broadway but has gone on to win awards for international export.

Rupa said “This was a packed morning to see different sides of the seat from the designers at their drawing boards at Savoir to industrial scientific stuff at Pai whp seem to have a very “girlpower” workforce from the top downward, although all are paid the London living wage.”

Chief Executive of CPA UK, Andrew Tuggey CBE, said: “Constituency work, including public outreach and engagement, is a key element of the work of an MP in countries across the Commonwealth.

“I thank Rupa Huq MP for showing the visiting parliamentarians from the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa round her constituency, engaging with schools and local businesses. The experience gained will be of great value as the women MPs return to Pakistan to serve their constituents.”

5th October 2016