Big Society... Big Questions...

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:30 in Discussion Forums

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Alok Sharma MP

Where: Reading Quaker Friends Meeting House, Main Meeting Room, 2 Church Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2SB
With: Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West

Summary

In the second of the Dialogue Society, Southampton Branch’s three “Big Society” seminars, Mr Alok Sharma gave a detailed examination of the idea of “Big Society” and asked, “Are we ready for the Big Society in Reading?” The seminar was well attended by guests including local councillors, academics, faith leaders and representatives from local community organisations. Participants put a range of questions to their local Conservative MP. There was heavy criticism of funding and grants policies at both the local and the national level.

Abstract

Are We Ready for the Big Society in Reading?

Biography of Alok Sharma MP

Alok Sharma is the Conservative MP for Reading West. He was elected in May 2010.

Alok is very much a local Reading man. He grew up in Earley and Whitley Wood and went to school in Reading. Alok is currently a governor of a local primary school in Reading and a keen supporter of local charities.

He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for the advancement of the Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce which, amongst its objectives, supports environmental initiatives which move us towards a zero-waste society. Previously he served as a chairman of the political think tank Bow Group's economic affairs committee. Alok, a qualified chartered accountant, has a range of work experience from working on a factory production line, being a company auditor, tutoring university students, running a business and advising companies. Alok is married and lives in Reading Borough with his wife and two young daughters.