The annual 2012 session of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO was held in Geneva on 15-16 November 2012. An interactive debate with exceptional speakers took place on the following issues: Trade as a tool of economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation; Analysing 21st century trade challenges; Trade in services: time for political decisions.
At the beginning of 2012, after only a few months in post, the new Danish Ambassador, H.E Anne Steffensen had the responsibility of promoting the six months of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU in this country. In difficult circumstances for the EU, much was achieved.
Jointly hosted by the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, the conference took place in the Houses of Parliament 6-8 November 2012, and was attended by parliamentarians from 50 countries.
The Delegation of 5 Parliamentarians led by the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo visited Westminster 29 October – 2 November. The delegation met with Mr Speaker, the Lord Speaker, Minister for Europe, David Lidington MP and a number of UK Parliamentarians to discuss the strong support the UK has given to Kosovo with regards to international recognition, the route towards European integration and possibilities to enhance further the UK-Kosovo bilateral relationship.
The 127th IPU Assembly in Quebec City from 21 to 26 October 2012 was attended by more than 1300 participants from over 120 parliaments including over 40 Speakers a strong UK representation to the 127 IPU Assembly in Quebec 21 – 26 October was led by Robert Walter MP, Chairman of the British Group. The 5 day conference included discussions on the use of social media to enhance citizen engagement and democracy, Parliaments’ role in safeguarding civilian lives and innovative finance for sustainable development.
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This was the first BGIPU delegation to Colombia since 2003, and the timing could hardly have been more opportune, with the peace process between the Government and the FARC rebels starting on 5th October. Apart from the peace process, the delegation’s primary interests were in boosting bilateral trade and investment, learning more about joint efforts to combat drugs, Colombia’s efforts to preserve its unique environment, human rights in the country and deepening our inter-parliamentary ties.
The British-Latvian All-Parliamentary Group aims to strengthen relations between the United Kingdom and Latvia. The group was formed in 2011 and has hosted a number of events in the United Kingdom as part of that goal. From 23-26 September 2012, a crossparty delegation of four members visited Latvia’s capital, Riga, for the first time and met with members of the Latvian Government, Members of the Latvian Saeima (Parliament), visited local business and learned more about Latvian culture and heritage.
The Steering Comittee for the IPU Parliamentary Conference was held in Geneva on 25 September 2012. The meeting threw up some very interesting issues throughout the day including; Should the WTO continue? Should we continue to support Multilateralism? Was the proliferation of Institutions holding up trade liberalisation? Were the voices of the Business community too absent from the WTO? The ever changing nature of Trade. The Importance of Domestic Competition Laws. Has Global Co-operation Failed?
The international Day of Democracy 2012 was marked by statements and events from world leaders and politicians across the world and the BGIPU also held a series of events in Westminster to mark the occasion as part of BGIPU week in Parliament. The Chair of the BGIPU, Robert Walter MP, gave a statement to mark the Day at a reception for Diplomatic staff and parliamentarians on 11 September.
The BGIPU, in cooperation with the All Party Parliamentary Human Rights Group co-hosted a discussion on ‘Defending the Rights of Parliamentarians’ Chaired by Robert Walter MP – Chair of the BGIPU. The discussion took place during BGIPU week as part of the BGIPU marking the International Day of Democracy.
