Reconstituting the APPG for Semiconductors

Following the calling of a general election, all APPGs were dissolved, requiring the group to be reconstituted after the election. Unfortunately, Alun Cairns MP, our previous Chair and MP for Vale of Glamorgan, lost his seat. During Recess, and amid a wave of new MPs entering the House of Commons, the Secretariat, CalComms, worked tirelessly to re-establish the group in line with new parliamentary rules.

The inaugural meeting was well attended, with participation from several MPs representing constituencies with significant semiconductor activity. Recognising the industry's substantial economic footprint in the UK, the Advisory Board and Secretariat took a localised approach to reforming the group.

Following the IGM, former Vice-Chair Ruth Jones MP was elected as Chair, with Matt Western MP, Gurinder Josan MP, and Jack Rankin MP elected as officers. The group now comprises 23 MPs and Peers as members.

The Secretariat prioritised reconstituting the group last July, immediately after the election, recognising the semiconductor sector's crucial role in the UK economy. This industry is a key driver of long-term, high-skilled jobs nationwide, supports the defence sector, fuels innovation across cutting-edge technologies, and plays a pivotal role in the transition to net zero—making the group's work more important than ever.