AGM re-elects Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP to second term as Chair
The BGIPU Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 29 November 2023 in the IPU Room with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Lindsay Hoyle MP, chairing in his capacity as Honorary President of the BGIPU.
The Annual Report of BGIPU for 2023 was adopted following its proposal by the Secretary of State for Trade, Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, who highlighted the important role inter-parliamentary activities play in expanding bilateral trade and conditions conducive for global trade. The Shadow Minister for Latin America, Anna McMorrin MP seconded the report recalling her participation in a number of BGIPU exchanges and the important role that inter-parliamentary engagement plays across a broad range of bilateral and global issues. Both proposer and seconder echoed Sir Lindsay’s remembrance of former BGIPU Chair, Ann Clwyd, who passed away earlier this year.
Following adoption of the Annual Report and a presentation of the financial statements by Treasurer, Dan Carden MP, the new Executive Committee for 2023/24 was elected based on nominations received with Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP re-elected as BGIPU Chair for her second term. She delivered a speech of thanks for the confidence shown by the membership in her leadership.
In the course of this speech, the Chair highlighted major BGIPU activities through the year, particularly support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war, BGIPU’s key role in 12 Plus geopolitical group consultations and broader IPU deliberations, the landmark election just a few weeks ago of the first African female IPU President and the key role the IPU is playing globally, including in efforts for peaceful resolution of the current Middle East conflict. She recognised the significant contribution of BGIPU Secretariat staff to the work of the organisation prior to Mr Speaker closing the AGM.