 The Commission's consultation with civil society in the United Kingdom was structured around a public presentation of the Commission in April 2004, followed by a wide range of events leading up to national meetings (organised in collaboration with BOND) in August and December.
A particular priority was also given to consultation with civil society groups from the African diaspora. This included the Africans in Britain Conference in July 2004, and final diaspora consultation in January 2005. Diaspora groups also participated in a range of other events.
The national meetings were supported by a range of events around the UK, including events in Scotland, Wales (organised by Connections for Development) and a Midlands consultation. Several British Parliamentarians supported several of these initiatives and also consulted within their constituencies.
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The Chancellor Gordon Brown convened a Business Contact Group in the UK of companies with an interest in Africa. This group met three times during the consultation phase and produced a number of formal submissions, which also took into account the outcomes of the African regional business roundtable events
In addition the Commission, together with Chatham House, organised a major business consultation event on Thursday 21 October. The event was held at HM Treasury, and featured keynote speeches from Paul Boateng, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and Tidjane Thiam.
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The Commission worked with the University of Bradford to convene a major consultation event in London on 18 November looking specifically at how the international community can support sustainable peace and security in Africa.
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A complete record of events with a focus on the Commission that took place in the UK is available in the Timeline.
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