Westminster goes gardening

While waiting in the security queue to get into the Houses of Parliament last night (Joanne Milroy writes), I heard two men behind me discussing the state of the Westminster lawn - I was on my way to the All Party Horticulture Group annual cocktail party. Eloqui works with a number of clients in the horticulture sector and this is always an eclectic event – everyone from Alan Titchmarsh to the Secretary of State for the Environment. The speech from the current Secretary of State Hilary Benn was entertaining but also included an interesting reminder that ‘focus’ is probably the most vital feature of any lobbying campaign. He recalled that a delegation from the horticultural industry had visited him four or five weeks ago to outline the importance of the sector to the UK in terms of creating jobs, helping combat climate change, providing green spaces, promoting health and well being. The All Party Horticulture Group are a canny lot and each speaker last night reiterated exactly the same messaging. This did not escape the Minister’s notice and he commented on the Group’s ‘formidable and effective organisation’. Presumably when you hail from a formidable political and campaigning dynasty yourself you notice these things. He also offered up his own eco-dream to convert people in the UK to the idea of a ‘carbon eating machine on your street’ …..better known to you and I as ‘a tree’.

The horticulturalists – the original tree-huggers – applauded him soundly.