- Greg Hands MP, alongside ministers, carried out a constituency visit to the Chelsea Flower Show this week.
- Greg was seen engaging with the various exhibits, greeting constituents, and catching up with some of the local Chelsea Pensioners.
- Greg met with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and to discuss the importance of the event.
Greg Hands MP was honoured to join such a large group of fellow government Ministers for the commencement of the much anticipated 2024 Chelsea Flower Show. Ministers were greeted with blazing sunshine on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Monday for the yearly show, hosted by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Whilst at the show, Greg took particular interest in the ‘RHS No Adults Allowed’ Garden, designed by the pupils of Sulivan Primary School. The exhibit was first time a garden at the show had been designed by children, for children. Greg’s heightened interest comes after a recent uptick in local school visits by Greg in recent weeks, as well as Greg’s long-term advocacy for local youth engagement in the constituency.
It was brilliant for Greg to welcome the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP to the show. The two discussed the innovation and sustainability that the show exhibited, with Steve citing the £28 million the sector brings into the UK economy. Ministers’ presence at the show also drew attention to the importance of sustainable practices in horticulture. Greg and other Ministers commended exhibitors for their eco-friendly cultivation methods and the use of natural fertilisers.
Greg took particular interest in the interactive Asian Hornet exhibit, hosted by Defra and APHA. Greg heard the risks posed to British Honeybees and wild pollinators by the Hornets, with the giant model hornet giving Ministers a fright!
Greg was honoured to be joined by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Rt Hon Lucy Frazer MP. She and Greg highlighted the significance of the Chelsea Flower Show to the cultural heritage of Britain and its potential to increase tourism.
The Chelsea Flower Show has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to over 500 today, including gardens, nurseries, floristry, educational displays, and trade stands. The show continues to attract visitors and exhibitors from around the globe, with the show listed as the number five must-see travel event.
Greg was pleased to be joined by several of the Chelsea Pensioners, some of which had previously made a landmark visit to Parliament with Greg. Mr Hands was present in the afternoon, intime for the King’s royal visit to the show. His Majesty’s presence was a significant highlight of the event, underscoring the royal patronage and support for the horticultural arts in the borough.
Commenting, Greg Hands said:
“The show really helps Chelsea, helps the local economy, and the whole constituency, it's great news.
It’s great to have an event that attracts people from all around the world into Chelsea, boosting our economy, boosting the great name of Chelsea and bringing people here to enjoy everything that the Chelsea Flower Show has to offer”.
ENDS
