Interparliamentary visit underscores vital bilateral links between UK and Jordan
BGIPU was delighted to host a delegation from Jordan from 12 until 16 May 2025. The visit was led by Captain Zuhair Mohammed Al-Khashman, and also included Dr Omer Al-Khawaled, Prof. Tamara Naser Eddin, Dr Hussein Al-Tarawneh, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Tarawneh, and Mohammad Al-Muharameh.
The visit began with an introduction to Parliament and the Westminster Parliamentary System by Emma Makey, Head of Strategy and Programmes for the Interparliamentary Relations Office. This was followed by a working lunch hosted by Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the BGIPU. In the afternoon, the delegation met with the Chairman of Ways and Means, Nusrat Ghani MP. Both sides emphasised the longstanding relationship between the UK and Jordan, as well as the close ties between the two royal families. The group also discussed how the UK could further invest in and support Jordan. Then, the Jordanian delegation took part in a roundtable on interfaith dialogue chaired by Sam Rushworth MP. During the meeting, Jordan’s significant role in promoting interfaith dialogue in the region was acknowledged.
On their second day in Parliament, the delegation began with a visit to Westminster Abbey, where they had the opportunity to speak with The Reverend Canon Mark Birch, Chaplain to the Speaker. They then met with Lord McNicol, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Kuwait, Jordan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. During the meeting, the group was introduced to the role of a UK Trade Envoy and had the chance to discuss trade opportunities in Jordan. Lord McNicol then hosted a working lunch for the delegation.
In the afternoon, the delegation met with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). They raised concerns about the impact of cuts to US aid and the consequences this has had on Jordan. The meeting also provided WFD with an opportunity to present their work on promoting political inclusion in Jordan. The delegation spoke about their country’s aspirations for greater democracy, including the introduction of political parties in the newly elected Jordanian Parliament. The day concluded with a meeting with the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Rt Hon Dame Emily Thornberry MP. Discussions centred on the situation in the region, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. They also addressed developments in Syria and the potential impact on Jordan, where approximately 730,000 refugees, mostly from Syria, are registered with the UNHCR.
On Wednesday 14 May, the day began with a tour of Westminster led by Liam Laurence Smith, Table Clerk. Following this, they met with Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. During the meeting, the Minister and the delegation discussed the regional situation. The delegation expressed concerns about the situation in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank, and called for increased support from key allies such as the UK in working towards a two-state solution. The delegates then had the opportunity to observe a lively session of Prime Minister’s Questions before heading to a working lunch hosted by the Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley MP.
After lunch, the group met with the Defence Committee and its Chair, Tan Dhesi MP. They began by discussing how committees operate in both countries, before moving on to talk about the longstanding partnership between the UK and Jordan, particularly in the defence sector. Afterwards, the delegation held a meeting with the Rt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the Jordan APPG. Both sides highlighted the strength of the relationship between the two countries and explored ways to deepen it further. Following this, the delegation met with the International Development Committee. During this discussion, they addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as the water crisis affecting the region.
On the final day of their visit, the delegation travelled to Crawley to meet with the Mayor and the borough council, the only council in the UK with a Jordanian councillor. This meeting provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of local government and democratic processes in the UK. The group also toured the council’s new building, where several floors are available to let in order to generate additional revenue for the borough. The visit concluded with a working lunch attended by several councillors and the local Member of Parliament, Peter Lamb MP.
Jordanian Delegation meet Deputy Speaker, Nusrat Ghani MP
The Jordanian Delegation had a meeting with the FCDO Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP
Delegation member, Professor Tamara Naser Eddin meets the Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Rt Hon Dame Emily Thornberry MP
