Tuesday 23 February 2010

4th March: Michael Foster MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities


'Equality: What it Means for You.'


Canterbury Christ Church University's series of political debates continues with Mr Michael Foster MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities.

Mr Foster's talk on Thursday 4th March is the fourth in a series of
public debates which have featured the PPCs and the current MP for Canterbury and Whitstable. It is part of the 'Making Politics Matter' campaign, in which well known local and national politicians discuss key issues and encourage public debate.

Mr Foster's talk is entitled 'Equality: What it means for you'. Dr David Bates, Programme Director of Politics and International Relations stated: 'The issue of equality is going to be central to the upcoming General Election. We look forward to hearing what Michael Foster has to say about what is a highly contested topic.'
James Dee, President of the 'Making Politics Matter' Initiative, said: 'We are very fortunate to have such a well regarded politician to come to Canterbury Christ Church and give a talk on a topic that has such importance to people from all walks of life. It is going to be an informative, lively and stimulating evening for all'.

The debate will begin at 7pm, at the University's Old Sessions House lecture theatre, North Holmes Rd, Canterbury, and is open to all.

About Michael Foster
Michael Foster was first elected as Member of Parliament for Hastings and Rye on the 1st of May 1997. He was appointed Government Minister for Equalities in June 2009.
Born and educated in Hastings he married his wife, Rosemary, in 1969. They have two sons, five grandchildren, and live in Wishing Tree Road, St Leonards on Sea. A lifetime member of the Labour Party, he joined whilst still at school, and has been active in Local Government for over 30 years. Michael Foster was Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for the Hastings Constituency in the 1970s but did not stand again for Parliament until his successful bid in 1997. He retained the seat of Hastings and Rye in the General Election of June 2001 (with an increased majority) and again in 2005.
He is a Solicitor by profession and an Employment Law Specialist holding a Master of Laws Degree in Employment Law. He is a member of the Society of Labour Lawyers, the Christian Socialist Movement, the Fabian Society and Park Road Methodist Church in
St Leonards.
In terms of a Parliamentary career Michael Foster was Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Attorney General from 1997 to 2003 when he resigned as a result of the Iraq conflict. He also served on the Select Committee for Standards and Privileges from 1997 to 2003 and was appointed in 2005 to the Select Committee on Works and Pensions. In the June 2009 reshuffle he was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities.
He takes a special interest in Poverty issues, Equality issues, Animal Welfare and Climate Change. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant of the County in 1993, one of the
youngest appointed at that time.

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