Day: December 21, 2012

LGBTory, the Conservative Party’s affiliated LGBT group, have this month written to every Conservative MP to urge their support for the government’s proposals for equalizing marriage laws in England and Wales.

In the letter, LGBTory Chairman, Matthew Sephton, points out that their group represents many LGBT Conservatives from every part of the country and says that the proposed legislation to equalise marriage is right for many reasons, including “religious freedom, the future of the Conservative Party and for 21st Century Britain”. 

The letter to Parliamentarians goes on to quote recent polling evidence, which consistently shows a majority of the British public in favour of equal marriage.

Tackling the question of whether any party has a mandate from a General Election manifesto, LGBTory informs Tory MPs that the Conservatives had a Contract for Equalities in 2010 which was a specific set of pledges on equalities issues, with two pages dedicated to LGBT issues, one of which was to review Civil Partnerships and same-sex marriage laws.

Matthew Sephton, said:

“This is the first stage in our campaign to educate Parliamentarians on equal marriage since the government announcement last week.  Opinion polls consistently show majority support for same-sex marriage and we passionately believe that it is the right thing to do.”

For more information about LGBTory’s campaign and details about how you can lobby your MP (regardless of party) using an easy to use online tool, view:

LGBTory

VisitBrighton Convention Bureau, the city’s official business tourism arm, is relaunching its Ambassador Programme, which looks to local business people to champion their city as a conference and meetings destination. The aim is to tap into the wealth of expertise and enthusiasm among local professionals and decision makers and encourage them to think of venues in Brighton & Hove when planning their own meetings and conferences, plus spreading the word to colleagues at networking events.

The VisitBrighton Convention Bureau offers support to Ambassadors in all aspects of bidding for a conference, from sourcing venues, preparing bid documentation and hosting site inspections to booking hotel accommodation.

As a conference destination Brighton & Hove has a portfolio of versatile venues from small meeting rooms in boutique hotels, to grand historic rooms at the Royal Pavilion, through to the Brighton Centre – the largest purpose built event venue on the south coast.

Conferences bring important business to Brighton & Hove and each year contribute around £50 million directly into the local economy.

Geoffrey Bowden, Chair of the City Council’s Economic Development & Culture Committee, said:

“Brighton & Hove has a lot to offer but we’re in competition with top destinations across the world and a great deal of hard work goes into attracting conventions to the city.

“The Ambassador programme is about raising the profile of Brighton & Hove as a serious destination for conferences and meetings of all sizes. Conference delegates bring vital trade for local shops, hotels and restaurants all year round and research has shown around 75% of conferences, even if they are national or international, have a local connection.

“There are not many cities where you can hold a seminar overlooking the sea, or a conference in an historic country house, exhibit at a racecourse, and hold a gala dinner in a royal palace and we want to remind local people of what’s on their doorstep. It’s an extension of the buy local ethos and all about working together for the benefit of the city.”

For further information about becoming an Ambassador telephone: 01273 291614

Or view: VISIT BRIGHTON