Through its programme of activities, the BGIPU seeks to engage Parliamentarians in key global issues and works to expand awareness and understanding of foreign relations and the contribution to be made by the UK Parliament to consolidate parliamentary democracy worldwide.
Here you can read the reports of our activities, including our Outward Delegations, IPU conferences and events and inward visits to Westminster.
You can search for specific reports by using keywords, themes, categories or date using the fields on the right.
On the 6th of June a panel including Mary Macleod MP, Roberta Blackman Woods MP and Dina Medland, a freelance journalist for the Financial Times, discussed, under the auspices of the BGIPU, whether stereotyping, misogyny and harassment through the media constitutes a form of violence against women in politics, and what measures may be taken to address such issues.
The BGIPU supported the APPG for Drug Policy Reform to take up an invitation by President Otto Perez Molina of Guatemala to attend the 43rd General Assembly of the OAS from 4-6 June, as Observers. This report represents Baroness Meacher’s reflections on the meeting.
The Steering Committee meeting was held in Brussels in the European Parliament, who co-host the Parliamentary Conference with the IPU. The prime purpose of the Meeting was to prepare for the Bali Ministerial Conference in early December 2013.
BGIPU and the FCO co-hosted a roundtable discussion between parliamentarians and visiting UK Heads of Mission on 16 May under the chairmanship of FCO Minister, Hugo Swire MP. The discussion focused on efforts by the UK Government to strengthen bilateral relationships with key emerging powers in order to expand opportunities for the UK. There was detailed consideration of the important role parliamentarians could play in ensuring the UK was well-positioned to take better advantage of the opportunities such fast growing economies present.
Gavin Shuker MP highlighted the importance of strong political leadership in ensuring adequate protection of children from sexual exploitation abroad by British tourists when he chaired a lunchtime lecture hosted by the British Group of the IPU and ECPAT UK on the 9th of May. A key focus of the discussion was on raising awareness among parliamentarians, including the practical steps they could take in tackling the sexual abuse of children overseas by British sex offenders.
A delegation from the National Assembly of the Republic of Senegal visited to the UK Parliament from 22-26 April 2013. At a time when international attention has been sharply focused on security challenges in West Africa, particularly Mali, Senegal’s positive example of stable parliamentary governance in the region was a key focus of discussions. In wide-ranging exchanges with UK counterparts, the delegation urged the UK to enhance its bilateral relations with Senegal and expand its engagement, more broadly, in West Africa.
In October last year the BGIPU held a Pub Quiz, as part of the BGIPU Week of events, hosted by Nigel Evans MP in the House of Commons. The event was well attended by Members and staff of both Houses and the BGIPU team were able to raise funds for the Good Samaritan School in Kampala, Uganda, whom BGIPU Staff and Nigel had visited in March 2012 during the 126th IPU Assembly.
The 128th IPU Assembly in Quito, Ecuador from 22 to 27 March 2013 was attended by more than 1350 participants from over 118 parliaments. The UK delegation was prominent and active throughout the Assembly, including as a member of the Emergency Item Drafting Committee, as moderators of panel discussions, in detailed Committee work and in a range of targeted bilateral exchanges.
A delegation from IPU’s Committee on Middle East Questions says there is an urgent need for regular and inclusive dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian legislators to begin now. It would help ensure progress on peace negotiations by capitalizing on political developments in the region. The statement follows a recently concluded visit to the West Bank and Israel as the second part of a mission to the Middle East
A delegation of Parliamentarians from the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia visited the UK Parliament from 12th to 14th March 2013. The Slovenian Members of Parliament Ms Tamara Vonta and Mr Roman Jakič were joined by the Secretary of the Parliamentary Friendship Group Ms Milojka Nemanič. The visit was organised by Neil Parish MP, Chairman of the British-Slovenia All-Party Parliamentary Group, who are affiliated with the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
