2023 British American Parliamentary Group Luncheon

On July 19, 2023, the Meridian Corporate Council partnered with Upwork to host five members of parliament from the United Kingdom, for a discussion on U.S-UK economic and security relations with members of the Meridian Corporate Council. The conversation was moderated by Ambassador Stuart Holliday, Chief Executive Officer, Meridian International Center.

The British American Parliamentary Group (BAPG) International Visitor Leadership Program, a high profile exchange that takes place annually and has been administered by Meridian International Center consistently over the past 10 years. In partnership with the Department of State, British parliamentarians (MP) are welcomed to the U.S. to take part in an intensive ten day exchange that includes Congressional appointments in Washington, several days of shadowing a Member of Congress in their home district, and a closing session in Boston that ties all of their experiences together while learning about the functions of the local and state government. These exchanges seek primarily to strengthen U.S.-U.K. relations and educate parliamentarians on the U.S. federalist system of government; in addition, the program offers the opportunity for participants to examine the role of non-governmental players in the formation of domestic and foreign policy.

The U.S. and UK have demonstrated unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression, providing aid and assistance to bolster Ukraine's security and sovereignty. The partnership between the two nations also extends to compete against China, aiming to maintain stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond while engaging with China constructively. Collaboration on Artificial Intelligence is emphasized as a crucial aspect of their joint economies' transformation. Post-Brexit, the UK aims to position itself as an independent and influential global player, forging new trade deals and playing a role as an intermediary between the U.S. and the EU. Cultural exchange programs further strengthen the deep historical ties and shared values between the two countries.

Mesay Lulsegged (AT&T) and MP Afzal Khan in conversation ahead of the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Patrick Hedren (Upwork) engages with some of the British MPs ahead of the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Majida Mourad, Member of the Corporate Council Executive Committee (Tellurian) posits a question during the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Bijan Mehryar (Block Inc.) asks a question to the British MPs during the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Ambassador Holliday (Meridian) exchanges a laugh with MP Nick Smith during the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

British MP James Murray answers a question during the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

British MP Matt Vickers participates in the discussion during the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Michaela Chen, Member of the Corporate Council Strategic Advisory Committee (BD) puts forward a question to the 5 British MPs. Photo by Jess Latos.

British MP Aaron Bell responds to a question from Patrick Hedren (Upwork) during the BAPG luncheon on July 19, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.