Teresa Potocka: Working together with the Polish

Teresa Potocka explains the role of Conservative Friends of Poland.

The Conservative Friends of Poland group was founded recently by Daniel Kawczynski MP to establish an intra-cultural dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding between the Conservative Party, the Polish community in UK and Polish figureheads. It is supported by a Committee which currently consists of a number of professionals, a doctor with interests in promoting education, and two London Borough Councillors all of Polish background. The group is to act in an advisory fashion to establish links and forge partnerships from a political, cultural and social perspective to promote Conservative values within the Polish community in the UK.

Poland has made dramatic progress since the collapse of communism in moving from a centrally planned to a market oriented economy. Economic structures have improved significantly and the Polish economy continues to grow. Poland's accession to the European Union on 1st May 2004 has created opportunities that guarantee stability and dynamic development. Poland and the UK have historically been allies during war and in peace time. Due to the closeness between the two nations, and our cooperation on important issues, it is fitting to address the needs and perceptions of the Polish community at this time.