Irish Voice in Parliament

The Federation of Irish Societies campaigns for the Irish to have an effective voice in Parliament. 
 

We work with MPs from across the party political spectrum to raise awareness of the Irish in Britain; to articulate the interests of the community and to influence public policy. While encouraging wider recognition of the Irish in Britain, we also raise awareness of needs of the poor and vulnerable within our community.

When stimulating political dialogue and co-operation on Irish affairs, we also celebrate our own Irish culture and sports. We are a generation looking to the future without fear of our own identity or of our place in 21^st Century Britain.

FIS builds upon its reputation as a representative voice of the community, highlighting the Irish dimension of issues before Parliament. We track developments in legislation and help hold the Government to account through the select committee system. We encourage Parliament and public bodies to consult with the wider community.

The Irish in Britain are a part of a global community - reaching out across these islands and around the world. FIS believes in developing awareness of the international Irish Diaspora, strengthening links and learning from other experiences.
 

FIS has been a strong persuader for the Irish peace process, welcoming the Good Friday Agreement and the institutions created by it. Building on sound foundations, the political process continues today and FIS supports its further development  by backing consolidation of the peace in the North, strengthening the all-Ireland dimension, promoting reconciliation, supporting victims and dealing with the past.

The Federation also works in co-operation with the Irish government and British Irish Parliamentary Assembly to strengthening so-called “East-West” relations by advancing common interests on these shared islands and we welcomed the debate in Parliament in April 2011 on the Irish in Britain.