CGS at Parliament to support UK glass industry

A view of the Elizabeth Tower, that houses Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament in London.

News | 10-11-2025

CGS at Parliament to support UK glass industry

On Tuesday 28 October 2025, the Contemporary Glass Society’s (CGS) Administrator Helen Slater Stokes was invited to the Houses of Parliament in London for a reception highlighting the importance of the UK glass industry, hosted by David Baines MP, who represents the St Helens North constituency – a region with a long glass heritage.

Close-up of CGS administrator Helen Slater Stokes at the Houses of Parliament. — Helen Slater Stokes with her visitor pass for the Houses of Parliament.

The event, held in the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons, was the UK Glass & Glazing Collective Parliamentary Reception, titled ‘Bringing Glass and Glazing into Focus’. It brought together members of the Collective, namely the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation, Glass Futures, Glass & Glazing Federation, and the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London to highlight the importance of the industrial glass sector’s £7 billion contribution to the UK economy as the government develops its Industrial Strategy.

About the UK Glass & Glazing Collective

The UK Glass & Glazing Collective unites the UK’s leading glass and glazing organisations, including manufacturers, processors, installers, recyclers, and innovators, to champion a sector vital to Britain’s industrial strength and net-zero ambitions.

Key Speakers and Policy Priorities

David Baines MP presenting to the audience at the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons. — David Baines MP speaking at the Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons.

Speakers outlined the challenges and opportunities facing the UK glass industry. They highlighted the need for partnership between government and industry, championing the following key policy actions:

Enable a competitive transition to Net Zero;
Reform recycling legislation to maximise glass recovery;
Level the playing field in producer responsibility and deposit return schemes;
Incentivise high-efficiency glazing and UK-made glass;
Provide policy stability and strategic engagement.

Presentations were made by: Chris McDonald, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Industry; David Baines MP, Member for St Helens; Sarah Champion MP, Member for Rotherham; Mike Butterick, Chair of the Flat Glass Manufacturers Association (FGMA); Dean Butler, President of British Glass; Adrian Curry, Chair of Glass Futures; and Steven Heath, Technical Director at Knauf (Glass Mineral Wool Insulation).

An image of the War Memorial Window, Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament, London, which was designed in 1952 by Sir John Ninian Comper. This large stained-glass window at the south end of St Stephen’s Porch contains coats-of-arms or initials of members and staff of both Houses who died during the Second World War. Below there is a memorial to those killed during the First World War. — The ‘War Memorial Window’ in Westminster Hall, was designed in 1952 by Sir John Ninian Comper. This large, stained-glass window at the south end of St Stephen’s Porch contains coats-of-arms or initials of members and staff of both Houses who died during the Second World War. Below is a memorial to those killed during the First World War. Further details on Sir John Ninian Comper are available from the Norwood Society website: Sir Ninian Comper.

The CGS Perspective

Speaking after the event, Helen Slater Stokes said, “CGS hopes that the Collective’s collaborative strength will help amplify the voices of smaller glass businesses, as well as those within the educational and creative sectors. It’s vital that key glass skills – many of which are at risk of being lost – are recognised, supported, and protected.”

Helen continued, “The visit to Parliament was a memorable and inspiring experience. Passing through airport-style security and walking into such historic spaces – majestic architecture filled with beautiful stained glass, intricate stone and woodwork – was thrilling.

“The afternoon combined this sense of occasion with meaningful discussion. Hearing about the challenges facing the industrial glass sector and engaging in lively conversations with both familiar and new contacts made the day incredibly worthwhile.

“We look forward to building on these connections and ensuring that contemporary creative glass continues to have a voice alongside industry in shaping the future of glass in the UK. We’ll keep you posted.”

The 'New Dawn' window (2016) was designed by Mary Branson, Parliamentary Artist in Residence, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage movement. It is the first permanent contemporary artwork in the Palace of Westminster. It is located in St Stephen’s Porch, directly above the entrance to St Stephen’s Hall. It comprises many coloured glass roundels to represent the scrolls of parliament. — The ‘New Dawn’ window (2016) was designed by Mary Branson, Parliamentary Artist in Residence, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage movement. It is the first permanent contemporary artwork in the Palace of Westminster. It is located in St Stephen’s Porch, directly above the entrance to St Stephen’s Hall and comprises many blown glass roundels to represent the scrolls of parliament that gave women the vote, as well as the many people involved in the campaign. Find out more here.

For more information about the Collective, visit: UK Glass & Glazing Collective | British Glass

Main image: The Houses of Parliament in London, which hosted the glass meeting. All photos by Helen Slater Stokes.

10-11-2025