Theme: Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation

On 15 December, BGIPU hosted a bilateral meeting between parliamentarians from the UK and Uzbekistan. The meeting was co-chaired by Alex Sobel MP, BGIPU Treasurer, and Andrew Bridgen MP, Uzbekistan APPG Chair.

Strong interest in strengthening relations between parliaments in UK and Uzbekistan

On 15 December, BGIPU hosted a bilateral meeting between parliamentarians from the UK and Uzbekistan. The meeting was co-chaired by Alex Sobel MP, BGIPU Treasurer, and Andrew Bridgen MP, Uzbekistan APPG Chair. They were joined by The Lord Bowness CBE DL, Catherine West MP, Nigel Mills MP, The Lord Balfe, The Lord Sheikh, The Baroness […]

This meeting gave UK Parliamentarians an important opportunity to engage with both Ambassadors, highlighting the importance of dialogue and engagement  with the UK's like-minded and nearest neighbours in the post-Brexit period. 

Virtual briefing from Ambassadors of Denmark and Italy on key issues

On 14 December, BGIPU hosted a European Ambassador Roundtable which was moderated by BGIPU Vice-Chair Ian Liddell-Grainger MP. This virtual roundtable was a great opportunity for UK Parliamentarians to hear from Ambassadors and ask about recent developments in their countries. The presentations were given by HE Mr Raffaele Trombetta, Ambassador of Italy to the UK […]

The IPU has released its yearly figures on the human rights abuses experienced by parliamentarians around the world. The numbers confirm an upward trend of reported violations against parliamentarians.

IPU figures show increasing violence against MPs, especially women

In the lead-up to Human Rights Day on 10 December, the IPU has released its yearly figures on the human rights abuses experienced by parliamentarians around the world. The numbers confirm an upward trend of reported violations against parliamentarians. They also reveal an uptick in acts of intimidation and violence, with women MPs suffering more […]

On 3 December, BGIPU hosted an Asia-Pacific London Ambassadors Roundtable event which featured presentations from H.E. Ms Enna Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and H.E. Mr Tran Ngoc An, Ambassador of Vietnam.

Ambassadors of ROK and Vietnam brief UK parliamentarians

On 3 December, BGIPU hosted an Asia-Pacific London Ambassadors Roundtable event which featured presentations from H.E. Ms Enna Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, and H.E. Mr Tran Ngoc An, Ambassador of Vietnam. The event was chaired by BGIPU Executive Committee Member and Vietnam APPG Chair, Wayne David MP, and was well-attended by a […]

The meeting gave clear acknowledgement of the importance of maintaining valuable relationships between Parliamentarians and the diplomatic community.

MP/Peers convene Central Americas Roundtable with Ambassadors

On 30 November, BGIPU hosted a Central America Roundtable which was chaired by BGIPU Executive Committee Member and Chair of the APPG for Central America, Andrew Rosindell MP. Members received briefings from HE Rafael Ortiz Fábrega, Ambassador of Costa Rica; Ms Gabriela María Ramírez Lazo, Deputy Ambassador of El Salvador; Ms Olga Maria Pérez Tuna, […]

BGIPU hosted a virtual bilateral meeting between UK and Croatian Parliamentarians led by Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, Vice-Chair of the BGIPU and on the Croatian side by Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Željko Reiner,

Constructive exchange for UK MPs/Peers with counterparts in Croatia Sabor

On 23 November 2020, BGIPU hosted a virtual bilateral meeting between UK and Croatian Parliamentarians. The meeting was moderated by Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, Vice-Chair of the BGIPU, and he was joined on the UK side by Baroness Barker, Baroness Scott, Mr Chris Matheson MP, the Earl of Sandwich, Lord Randall, Mr Martin Vickers MP. […]

Young people debate some of the key barriers facing young women and girls. © UK House of Lords / Roger Harris

IPU works with UN on breaking gender barriers for young women parliamentarians

Twenty-five years after the Beijing Declaration to advance women’s rights, young women are still one of the most under-represented groups in political leadership positions. IPU figures show that only 2.2 per cent of MPs worldwide are under 30, of which women only make up a small proportion. On 18 November 2020, the IPU and the […]