A word from the chief executive
20th year starts on a high
Two weeks on from our annual conference and AGM at the Celtic Manor, I am still receiving wonderful feedback from those who attended, many saying it was the 'best
ever'.
Thank you for your support and for your comments and views about our work.
You will find accounts of many of the conference sessions in this issue, and the minutes of our formal business meeting will follow in the next edition of PI Focus.
During the two days we had debate and discussion on many access to justice issues, including third party capture, ELIB, and, of course, the Jackson review.
I am writing my column on a critical day for our country - Friday 7 May. Whatever the final outcome of our General Election, APIL’s focus will remain unchanged. As I said at our AGM, "you will see more hard, focussed campaigning with key themes running through all that we do". Those themes are:
- Freedom of choice for injured people
- Access to justice for all
- Protection of the rights of injured people
- Maintaining the right to independent legal advice
Once all votes are counted and a Government is in place (whatever colour or form) APIL will be back on its lobbying trail, targeting key ministers and other MPs, MSPs, MLAs and AMs. We will update you on our meetings and conversations over the coming months. An advance copy of APIL’s manifesto and current legal campaigns was given to all conference delegates and is now available to all members via our website.
There is much more for us to report on and discuss with you, including our investigations into a new public information campaign, and our work responding to Jackson’s recommendations. Currently our attention in this area is on gaining evidence, data and comments on the economic impact of Jackson's recommendations, as well as the views of your clients and the general public. As always we will need your help and support.
I was fortified by the support, determination and passion shown by our members in Newport. Whatever lies ahead politically, APIL will plan its responses carefully and approaches, with the aim of making sure our views are heard at every possible opportunity.
Thank you
.
Denise Kitchener
Chief Executive
|
 |