The British Irish Ulster Forum (BIUF) is an independent, inclusive and progressive forum engaging its members in contemporary issues relating to Northern Ireland across a broad political and cultural spectrum. BIUF is both explicitly non-politically aligned and non-sectarian. We are inclusive of a wide range of views, with attendance open to all. We are based in London, but our aims are to cross British and Irish borders. With contacts across Whitehall and Westminster, BIUF provides a unique opportunity for those with an interest in Northern Ireland to network, access, and exchange views with politicians, civil servants, and academics.   We believe that BIUF provides the opportunity for the Irish in Britain to come together to learn more about Northern Ireland, to appreciate its cultural output, and to debate its political future. BIUF is currently funded through individual contributions from the organisers, and we rely on the generosity of friends and associates to provide venues and hospitality.

Who's Who at BIUF? Thomas Lowe     Originally hailing from Carryduff, Northern Ireland, Thomas graduated from Hertford College, Oxford with a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. At Oxford, he was President of Hertford Junior Common Room, and was heavily involved with Oxford University Student Union, specialising in university finance and governance. He also refounded the non-partisan and non-sectarian Oxford University Irish Society. After an internship with Andrew Mitchell MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, he worked as parliamentary researcher to Conservative MP Anne McIntosh. He currently works for Consumer Focus.   thomas@biuf.org      Chris Punch     Chris graduated from King’s College London with an MA in Intelligence and International Security. His dissertation explored the role of politically motivated prisoners in the peace process in Northern Ireland. Chris’s wider research interests include conflict transformation and post-conflict reconciliation, local state-building dynamics and nationalism. He also has a degree in History from Reading University, where he specialised in Irish politics after partition.   Having previously held a post with the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), he is currently an Editor at Dod's Parliamentary Communications.        chris@biuf.org