During this rapidly changing time, PICTFOR continues to operate as a forum for discussion between Parliamentarians, industry, academics and other stakeholders on strategic issues facing the tech sector and we are grateful for your continued interest and support.
As the largest and most active APPG, PICTFOR is finding innovative ways to continue providing a forum for the internet, communications and technology sectors and interested parliamentarians to communicate on pressing topics.
We will be keeping members updated on our activities in regular newsletters to further promote and engage with the tech sector during these unprecedented times.
February
PICTFOR had a busy start to 2020 hosting two hugely successful events, with more than 35 parliamentarians from both sides of both houses attending the meetings:
The Cyber Security breakfast was the first CEO Forum of the year and was very well attended by parliamentarian and industry leaders who gathered to discuss: How does the UK remain world leading in this sector?
We were delighted to be joined by a senior representative of NCSC as our keynote speaker, who engaged in a detailed and robust discussion with all those present about how industry and Westminster could further support the UK in terms of cyber security both nationally and personally. We heard an interesting and diverse range of insights from industry leaders such as BT, Ericsson, Revolut and Capita.
At the end of February, PICTFOR hosted our Parliamentary Welcome Reception in the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion. As one of our largest annual events, we brought together parliamentarians with senior industry representatives from our membership and additional stakeholders such as Revolut, Ericsson, TikTok, DevelopHER and Facebook. This was a chance for PICTFOR’s members to network with new intake MPs following the election in December 2019, whilst engaging in strategic discussion on tech policy.
We were delighted for the evening to be sponsored by PICTFOR members Google and Internet Association who each detailed work they have been doing across the UK. The event was headlined by an address from Minister for Digital Infrastructure, Matt Warman MP – a former PICTFOR Co-Chair – who discussed the ambition and dedication to technology that is at the core of the new Government.
- Matt Warman MP, Minister for Digital Infrastructure
- Darren Jones MP, PICTFOR Co-Chair
- Lord McNally, PICTFOR Treasurer
- Ronan Harris, Vice President & MD UK & Ireland at Google
- Polly Mackenzie, Chief Executive, Demos
- Daniel Dyball – Executive Director, Internet Association