Parliament hosts fourth meeting of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly
4 December 2023 (updated on 4 December 2023)
This week MPs and Peers from the UK delegation of the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA) hosted their counterparts from the European Parliament, the second time the PPA has met in Westminster.
Established under the terms of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), the PPA acts as a forum for the UK Parliament and the European Parliament to exchange views on their partnership. The inaugural session of the PPA took place in Brussels back in May 2022. The PPA meets twice a year, once in London, and once in either Brussels or Strasbourg.
Monday and Tuesday (4-5 December) will see 35 members from the UK Parliament (21 MPs and 14 Peers) join an equal number of MEPs, as well as government ministers and EU commissioners to discuss important issues including artificial intelligence, climate change, and the UK-EU relationship.
This session was opened on Monday by Dame Rosie Winterton MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. Both the UK and EU delegations heard from Mr Leo Doherty MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Europe) at the FCDO, and H.E. Mr Pedro Serrano de Haro, EU Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Tuesday’s session will be opened by Lord McFall of Alcluith, Lord Speaker.
The Co-Chair of the PPA and Leader of the UK Delegation, Rt Hon Sir Oliver Heald KC MP said:
“I am pleased to say that the UK Parliament will be hosting colleagues from the European Parliament in Westminster at the fourth session of the UK-EP PPA.
“The session will be a chance for us to discuss a number of key issues, and hear from representatives of the Partnership Council from both the UK Government and European Commission. As well as topical issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence, we will also be returning to a number of topics that the Assembly has discussed before, most notably in the context of mobility of people.
“I’m also pleased that will be an opportunity to hear from representatives of the UK’s devolved legislatures, as well as the Committee of the Regions and European Economic and Social Committee, who are important observers to the Assembly.
“The PPA holds the European Commission and UK Government (the Partnership Council) to account and presses for improved trade and cooperation. Previous initiatives have led to closer energy cooperation, increased support for Ukraine and closer cooperation over Northern Ireland.
“I look forward to warmly welcoming all colleagues from the UK Parliament and the European Parliament to the Plenary session in Westminster”.