Agm 2019 BIC

Note from the Chairman

Dear Members, Dear Friends,

After a highly anticipated and successful AGM, it is now time to reflect upon the Values of the British Italian Conservatives.

The main purpose of the BIC Group is to raise funds for the party, and for the local community to work closely with their local constituency. Additionally, the Group aims to set up a study group and to give expression to ideas and views on Conservative policy. For this reason, in the following document, you will be able to find details of a proposition I have in composing the BIC memberships, its Mission, Vision, and Value. I look forward to seeing you at many developing British Italian Conservatives Group events and initiatives in the future.

Best regards, Dr Maurizio Bragagni MBA Chairman

Mission

To be a bridge between the Italian and British Communities.

Vision

British Italian Conservatives, be proud to be yourself, be both British and Italian Conservatives.

Values

Conservative Values

Responsible – personal responsibility and self-reliance.Pro-enterprise – living within our means, support for responsible free market economy.Pro-freedom – freedom of choice, liberty, free speech.Pro-defence – strong national defence, security, safety.Pro-justice – rule of law, justice.Pro-community – diversity, tolerance, inclusive, openness, international.Pro-opportunity – equality of opportunity for all, aspiration, empowerment, education, social mobility.Compassionate – prioritising the vulnerable, social justice, civic-minded.Pro-democracy – patriotism, limited government, pro-family, sovereignty, localism.Principled – fairness, integrity, pragmatism, respect.Forward-looking – support gradual change, stewardship of heritage and environment, supportive of innovation and technology.

Chairman’s Speech

“I am so proud of what we have achieved together.”

Mr President, Rt Hon Members of the Parliament, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure for me to join you all today at our Annual General Meeting. It is thanks to you, our group has come a very long way in a short space of time. I am so proud of what we have achieved together.

The British Italian Conservatives Group is the result of an enormous collective effort and a commitment to work together which began in 2014. Today we have a national Group that is very relevant for the times we are living in. Without your commitment, enthusiasm and determination, we couldn’t have come this far.

Each and everyone of you are welcome to join BIC. If you have not already joined, the membership fee is a minimum of £25 a year.

Italian Ambassador to the UK- HE Raffaele Trombetta Unfortunately the Ambassador could not make it this evening due to a last minute change in events, but has kindly arranged for Minister Alessandro Motta to represent him. We would like to welcome Alessandro this evening and thank you for joining us.

Consulate General in London HE Marco Villani, and the Honorary Consul in Liverpool, Marco Boldini Thank you both for being here, the relationship with the Ambassador and Consulates is evidence of the strong unity of Italian relationships. Unity within the common heart. I am grateful to share the same passion and values, and interests in the same goals, to make sure that the Italian and British community can grow and remain in friendship together.

Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Principal Patron of BIC -The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP As the primary patron, BIC are thankful for all his support, appreciate the works and close relations he has formed with Italians and Europeans. Thank you for joining us this evening, we look forward to hearing what I’m sure will be a fantastic speech.

President of the British Italian Conservatives - The Rt Hon Alberto Costa MP Thank you Alberto for the important battle faced, fighting for the rights of all Europeans, and us all. We are thankful for his continued support, proud to have Alberto as our President, and thank him for hosting the AGM.

The Prime Minister- The Rt Hon Theresa MP The Prime Minister has always shown great encouragement and recognition for the British Italian Conservatives. We pass our heartfelt thanks and support in the great works she continues to do for our country.

Before we start with the meeting, there are a few names I would like to mention:

Thank you to The Rt Hon Mark Field MP, a great companion of the BIC. We really appreciate his strong support and friendship over the years, excited for his speech, and are delighted for him to be here with us on this special evening.

The Rt Hon Sir John Hayes MP John is a wonderful man, he has always supported us, we thank him for being here with us this evening.

Shaun Bailey MP It has been a pleasure to watch Shaun’s campaign, the BIC are behind him and offer our utmost support.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce Thanks to President Leonardo Simonelli, Alessandro Belluzzo and all at the Chamber of Commerce for their continued support and friendship.

To the BIC Patrons I would like to thank all of our Patrons, it is a remarkable honour to have you as patrons of the British Italian Conservatives. We cannot thank you enough for

Could you please give a round of applause to: The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP The Rt Hon Alberto Costa MP Robert Courts MP Zac Goldsmith MP Dominic Johnson Lord Leigh of Hurley Dr Tania Mathias Joe Ricotta Cllr Mario Creatura Kemi Badenoch MP The Rt Hon Mark Field MP And the newly announced Patrons: Lord Nicholas True CBE Vicky Ford MP

A special thanks go to Christian Vinante Giovannini, the ‘true north’ and guiding star of the Italian Conservatives. Christian has built the Group from the ground up, he’s been the power-house behind all the events of the group and one of the most active members of the Party. I am also pleased to announce that Christian has been selected for the Great London Assembly. We really appreciate his hard work for Italian & British community, and the great job he is doing as the Executive Director of BIC.

To the BIC Founders Thanks to the BIC founders, Mustafa Mohammed, Simon Blagden, Ronel Lehmann, Selva Pankaj, Christian Vinante, Domenic Melti, Stefania Signorelli and Marcio Borlenghi Fasano. It is thanks to you that we are all here today. Your commitment, enthusiasm and determination to make this work is to be commended.

To the Executive Committee Members The Rt Hon Alberto Costa, Simon Blagden, Sara Gezdari, Domenico Melti, Stefania Signorelli, Clare Ambrosino, Marcio Borlenghi Fasano, Massimo Segalla and James Cockram. Thank you for your hardwork and dedication to BIC. It is truly appreciated and recognised by everyone involved.

Finally I would like to give a special thanks to: Simon Blagden- Vice Chairman of BIC Ronel Lehmann Professor Nadey Hakim Helen Grant MP Myles Stacey James Cockram

Guests’ and Patrons’ Speeches