British Group
Inter-Parliamentary Union
I like Mr Gorbachev. We can do business together.” Margaret Thatcher 1984.
The BGIPU has a proud track record in contributing to advancing Britain’s foreign relations. One of the most prominent examples involves pivotal events leading up to the end of the Cold War.
It was as a result of a BGIPU inward delegation to the UK headed by an up-and-coming member of the Soviet parliament in late 1984, that Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said, “I like Mr Gorbachev. We can do business together.” History shows this assessment was highly influential in encouraging a re-think of Western perceptions of the Soviet leadership, particularly within the Reagan Administration, shifting crucial dynamics in a process which eventually contributed to the end of the Cold War. This truly historic visit had been at the direct initiative of then BGIPU Chair, Peter Temple-Morris MP.
The former UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon Margaret Thatcher MP, wrote to thank BGIPU for hosting Mr Gorbachev shortly after the visit but subsequently, reflecting on the state of UK-Soviet relations in 1987, told the the House of Commons that this visit was very significant in establishing a basis for the UK to have an open dialogue with the future leader of the Soviet Union.
Any member of either House is deemed to be a full Member of the BGIPU. To register your interest in participating in BGIPU activities please click here.
Any former Member of Parliament who has been a member of the Group for more than three years as well as any servant of Parliament who has given distinguished service to the Group, may become an Associate Member of the Group. To become an associate Member of the Group please contact the Secretariat
The BGIPU Secretariat advertise the activities of the Group in the All Party Notice and the Parliamentary Intranet. If you have any queries about membership or involvement, please contact the Secretariat