This list outlines our engagement with UK Parliamentarians, which includes meetings with government ministers, MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum. This work forms part of how we influence built environment policy that impacts architects. We regularly meet with individuals from Parliament to discuss issues including building safety, planning, net zero, and international trade.
RIBA hosts Creative Industries Council meeting
May 2024
At our 66 Portland Place, London, we hosted a meeting of the Creative Industries Council (CIC). The CIC brought together the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport, Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP; the Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade, Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP; and Julia Lopez, Minister for Media, Tourism, and Creative Industries.
At the meeting, Ministers, RIBA, and other key players in the creative sector discussed how industry and government can work together to overcome barriers to success for the creative industries, both at home and abroad.
Roundtable on the Future Homes Standard and Buildings Standards with Minister Swinburne
April 2024
RIBA attended a roundtable with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Minister, Baroness Swinburne, on Future Homes and Buildings Standards. Attended by other industry stakeholders including LETI and UKGBC, the discussion covered the importance of measuring operational energy for new homes, ensuring Post Occupancy Evaluation takes place for continuous improvement and the forthcoming consultation on measuring embodied carbon.
Workshop on future skills in the natural and built environment professions with Chief Planner, DLUHC, Joanna Averley
April 2024
Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees, Jack Pringle, attended a workshop led by Joanna Averley, Chief Planner at DLUHC, on future skills in the natural and built environment professions. Strategies for attracting the next generation and fostering knowledge sharing were discussed.
Minister for London and Trade Policy, Greg Hands, visits RIBA headquarters
March 2024
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Minister for London and Minister of State for Trade Policy at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) toured our Wide Angle View exhibition. His visit was followed by a meeting with RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, where they discussed the impact of immigration changes on the profession, mutual recognition agreements, and our work on global knowledge sharing.
Ministerial roundtable on resource efficiency in construction with Lord Callanan
March 2024
Phoebe MacDonald, RIBA Head of Policy & Public Affairs, joined a ministerial roundtable on resource efficiency in construction chaired by Lord Callanan, the Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The role of resource efficiency in achieving net zero emissions, including the importance of measuring and reducing embodied carbon was discussed.
Member roundtable with Sir Chris Bryant MP, Labour Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and Digital
March 2024
President, Muyiwa Oki, convened at RIBA North in Liverpool for a roundtable with Labour MP, Sir Chris Bryant, Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and Digital, with 20 RIBA Members to discuss how Labour can support the creative industries. The discussion covered creating a sustainable built environment and improving the planning process, as well as challenges in recruiting talent and the impact of Brexit on the architectural profession.
RIBA Senior Policy Advisor meets Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat MP
February 2024
RIBA met with the Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson and MP for Twickenham, Munira Wilson. Issued raised included the urgent need to remediate school buildings affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and measures needed to boost the number of new high-quality homes being built, including social homes.
RIBA meets Andrew Lewer MP, member of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee
February 2024
We met with Conservative MP Andrew Lewer, who sits on the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee. The vital role of SME housebuilders in addressing housing needs as well as associated challenges - such as material costs, access to finance and labour shortages were discussed. Other topics covered were the importance of planning reform, widening access to the architecture profession and accessible housing.
Ministerial roundtable on planning with Housing Minister, Lee Rowley
January 2024
RIBA joined a planning roundtable with Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, to discuss how we can deliver more homes through the planning system. The need for skilled expertise in local planning authorities for delivering quality, sustainable, and affordable new homes and the importance of community engagement were discussed.
Introductory call with Housing Minister, Lee Rowley
January 2024
President Muyiwa Oki spoke with Housing and Planning Minister at DLUHC, Lee Rowley about key priorities including sustainable development, building safety, and climate action. They discussed regulating embodied carbon, enhancing housing accessibility, and reforming the planning system for quality design and inclusive communities.
Stonehaven lunch with Sir Brandon Lewis MP on home delivery
January 2024
At a Stonehaven roundtable with Sir Brandon Lewis MP, President Muyiwa Oki discussed accelerating sustainable housebuilding for the upcoming general election campaign. With a focus on quality, affordability, and collaboration, discussions focused on the importance of boosting supply while creating vibrant, inclusive communities.
