Vikki Slade MP and Edward Morello MP celebrate a successful “Dorset Day” in Parliament
Vikki Slade MP and Edward Morello MP celebrate a successful “Dorset Day” in Parliament
Dorset was firmly put on the map in Westminster this week as Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole and Edward Morello, Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset co hosted a successful “Dorset Day” in Parliament, showcasing the very best of the county’s food, drink, heritage and community spirit.
The event took place in Parliament’s Jubilee Room and brought together Dorset producers, local representatives and parliamentarians to celebrate the county’s thriving culture and produce.
Guests had the opportunity to meet Dorset food, drink and coffee producers, sample their products and hear directly about the opportunities and challenges facing local businesses. The Mayor of Wimborne and the Wimborne Militia — a 17th-century military re-enactment group — also travelled to Westminster, highlighting Dorset’s rich history alongside its modern food enterprises.
The event attracted strong interest from MPs and peers across Parliament, helping to raise the profile of Dorset’s businesses and ensure the county’s voice is heard at a national level.
Attendees included Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport Spokesperson Anna Sabine, Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes MP and Lord Knight of Weymouth.
Vikki Slade MP said:
“Today Dorset truly shone in Westminster. It was fantastic to see so many colleagues engaging with our producers and learning more about what makes our county so special.
From outstanding local food and drink to our unique heritage, Dorset has so much to offer. I am determined to make sure our businesses, our communities and our rural economy are firmly on the national agenda. Dorset Day was a brilliant step forward in doing just that.
When we champion Dorset in Parliament, we champion local jobs, sustainability and the future of our high streets and rural communities.”
Edward Morello MP said:
"What a fantastic day. It was absolutely brilliant to welcome so many amazing Dorset producers to Parliament, sharing local products, stories and culture with lawmakers to show them what makes Dorset such a wonderful place to live and visit.
I am so grateful that so many of our amazing producers travelled all the way to London to promote buying British, buying local and buying Dorset. We must support all of our hospitality and local businesses to keep our high streets alive. I could not be more proud of all of the businesses who attended, they are the best ambassadors for Dorset and rural communities we could have hoped for."
Dorset Day forms part of the work of both MPs, and the wider Liberal Democrat party, to support local enterprise and ensure policymakers understand the importance of backing all counties in the South West and across the country.