Lords marks the 100th anniversary of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
8 September 2011
The House of Lords discussed the continuing role of the Commonwealth in a debate marking 100 years the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) on Thursday 8 September
- Watch the debate on Parliament TV : A 'Century of Excellence of the Commons Parliamentary Association
- Lords Hansard: Read a transcript of the debate
- Lords Library Note: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Role of the Commonwealth
The debate took place the day ahead of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament 2011 event in the Lords chamber, also celebrating the centenary. Young parliamentarians from around the Commonwealth debated the issues surrounding climate change.
A House of Lords Library Note considers the role of the Commonwealth, looking at the UK Government’s policy and at the wider debate on the Commonwealth’s continued relevance in world affairs, particularly its response to human rights abuses. It also considers prospects for future reform.
“This debate presents a perfect and timely opportunity to highlight the terrific work that the CPA does,” explained Baroness Hooper (Conservative), who tabled the debate.
“During their centenary conference, hosted by the UK Branch and held in London this year, Parliamentarians from all over the Commonwealth met to discuss issues such as climate change, education, immigration and trade. Although countries of the Commonwealth are at different stages of development, the CPA allows Parliamentarians to come together and address the issues that are facing us all.
“If, as agreed at the conference, all CPA delegates encourage their governments to hold similar debates in their countries, we can not only continue our discussions about how we address these issues, but also help to recognise the unique role of the CPA and the valuable work that it does.”
Baroness Hooper opened the debate.
Contributions to the debate (use links to watch/listen to the speeches):
- Baroness Boothroyd (Crossbench), Vice President of the UK branch of the CPA
- Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative), Chair of the Commonwealth Press Union Media Trust
- Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat), Chair of the International Advisory Board, Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit
- Baroness Flather (Crossbench) and Baroness Benjamin (Liberal Democrat), both of whom are former Governors of the Commonwealth Institute
- Lord Howe of Aberavon (Conservative), former government minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Lord Luce (Crossbench), former Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation
- Baroness Prashar (Crossbench), former Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
The Bishop of London, Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat), Baroness Gardner of Parkes (Conservative), Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), Lord Selsdon (Conservative), Lord Sheikh (Conservative), Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative), Lord Popat (Conservative), Lord Griffiths of Burry Port (Labour), Lord Flight (Conservative) and Lord Anderson of Swansea (Labour) are also due to take part in the debate.
Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative), will respond on behalf of the government.
Further information
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