APPG on Credit Unions Re-established with New Leadership

Thursday 18 September 2025

This first meeting of the re-formed group formalised All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Credit Unions took place on Tuesday 16 September. ABCUL was present at the meeting to support the formal re-establishment process and to provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the sector today.

The APPG’s re-establishment provides a vital forum for MPs to engage with the sector, deepen their understanding of the movement, and support its development through informed parliamentary advocacy.

The newly appointed Officers for the APPG are:
• Irene Campbell MP – Chair
• Lord Hunt – Vice Chair
• John Grady MP – Officer
• Gareth Snell MP – Officer

Irene Campbell MP said: “I am delighted to be the Chair of the newly formed APPG on Credit Unions. I have been a supporter of Credit Unions for many years which is why it was important to mention our local Credit Union in my maiden speech. Credit Unions can play a vital part in providing access to savings and affordable loans for many people on low incomes and are an incredibly valuable community asset.”

ABCUL Chief Executive Matt Bland added: “Everyone at ABCUL is delighted to see the APPG on Credit Unions re-established at Westminster under its new Chair, Irene Campbell MP. The re-establishment of this group is a key milestone for the sector, creating an important forum for raising awareness among parliamentarians of the role credit unions play in improving financially resilient communities and workplaces across the country.

“Now is a time of huge opportunity for credit unions with a Westminster Government seeking to double the size of the co-op and mutual sector and to create a new Financial Inclusion Strategy and we look forward to working closely with Irene the APPG to ensure our vision for a thriving, inclusive credit union sector is realised for communities nationwide.”