UK members discuss priorities including climate change with counterparts from Chile
On 28 January, BGIPU hosted a virtual bilateral meeting between members of the UK Parliament and the Chilean Congress. The meeting was chaired by Chile APPG Vice-Chair and BGIPU Executive Committee Member, Baroness Hooper, who was joined by Mark Menzies MP, Angus MacNeil MP, and Chris Matheson MP. The Chilean delegation included Senator Kenneth Pugh, Deputy Issa Kort Garriga, Deputy Pepe Auth, and Deputy Francisco Undurraga. The delegations were joined by HE David Gallagher, Chilean Ambassador to the UK and HE Ian Duddy, UK Ambassador to Chile.
After overcoming some technical difficulties, the meeting commenced with warm introductions and happy virtual reunions among those who had previously met one another on past BGIPU visits. Delegates recognised the importance of virtual meetings and welcomed the opportunity to continue to exchange views and engage constructively online until a time when international travel can resume.
This need for continual collaboration was emphasised in connection with the UK’s COP26 Presidency. As the President of COP25, Chile has been working closely with the UK to ensure a seamless handover of the presidency and the achievement of ambitious outcomes at COP26. Both parties recognised the spirit of cooperation which is required to tackle climate change as it is a crisis which transgresses borders and affects all sectors. Both countries have committed to net zero by 2050, a challenge which can be embraced together through the exchange of expertise and resources. Of particular interest was Chile’s large deposits of copper and lithium, demand for which has increased significantly in recent years as countries transition to battery powered vehicles to achieve decarbonisation goals.
The meeting concluded with agreement that this virtual meeting would be one of a series where British and Chilean Parliamentarians can exchange views on issues such as trade, healthcare and education.
On 28 January, BGIPU hosted a virtual bilateral meeting between members of the UK Parliament and the Chilean Congress chaired by Chile APPG Vice-Chair and BGIPU Executive Committee Member, Baroness Hooper,
