APPG on Play: Working in Parliament to Champion Children’s Right to Play

Play England is proud to have co-founded the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play, working in Parliament to champion children’s right to play. Play England also provides the Secretariat for the APPG.

The APPG on Play brings together MPs, Peers, and experts to ensure that play is recognised, protected, and embedded in policy, planning, and public life.

What is an APPG?

All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are informal, cross-party groups in Parliament. They bring together MPs, Peers, organisations, and experts to focus on specific issues, influence policy, and build parliamentary momentum. While APPGs do not have formal legislative powers, they play a vital role in shaping national conversations, sharing evidence, and driving political action.

The APPG on Play provides a dedicated space in Westminster to focus on the importance of play — promoting time, space, opportunity, and freedom to play.

Inaugural Meeting

The inaugural meeting (AGM) of the APPG on Play will take place on:

Date: Tuesday 22 July 2025 | Time: 17:00-18:00| Location: Portcullis House | Attendance: Strictly by invitation only

At the meeting, members will:

• Elect officers to lead the APPG

• Hear an overview of the history and impact of the first APPG on Play (which ran between c.2005–2010), including its contribution to securing the 2008 National Play Strategy

• Hear an overview of Play England’s new 10-year strategy, It All Starts with Play! (2025–2035), launched at the House of Commons in May

• Shape priorities for future APPG meetings and activity

Tom Hayes MP, Chair-elect of the APPG, said:
“Play is essential for every child’s development, health, and wellbeing. But it is too often ignored in policy decisions. The APPG on Play will change that — working in Parliament to champion all children’s right to play and to ensure play is prioritised in communities and national decision-making.”

Find Out More

The APPG on Play has a dedicated page on the Play England website, where we will publish details of forthcoming meetings, agendas, minutes, and key updates.

Follow the APPG on Play: LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Bluesky | #APPGonPlay. Sign Up here to receive regular updates.