Theparliamentarian

100th year of publishing TheParliamentarian

Journal of the Parliaments of the Commonwealth 2019 | Volume 100 | Issue Three | Price £14

The Commonwealth: Adding political value to global affairs in the 21st century PAGES 190-195

PLUS Emerging Security Issues Defending Media Putting Road Safety Building A ‘Future- for Parliamentarians Freedoms in the on the Commonwealth Ready’ Parliamentary and the impact on Commonwealth Agenda Workforce Democracy PAGE 222 PAGES 226-237 PAGE 242 PAGE 244 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) exists to connect, develop, promote and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance, and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. 64th COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE Calendar of Forthcoming Events KAMPALA, UGANDA Confirmed as of 6 August 2019 22 to 29 SEPTEMBER 2019 (inclusive of arrival and departure dates) 2019 August For further information visit www.cpc2019.org and www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cpc2019 30 Aug to 5 Sept 50th CPA Africa Regional Conference, Zanzibar.

CONFERENCE THEME: ‘ADAPTION, ENGAGEMENT AND EVOLUTION OF September PARLIAMENTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING COMMONWEALTH’. 19 to 20 September Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference, Jersey 22 to 29 September 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), Kampala, Uganda – including 37th CPA Small Branches Conference and 6th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference.

October

8 to 10 October 3rd Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Australia Regional Conference, South Australia.

November

18 to 21 November 38th CPA Australia and Pacific Regional Conference, South Australia. November 2019 10th Commonwealth Youth Parliament, New Delhi, India - final dates to be confirmed. 2020

January 2020 25th Conference of the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Canada - final dates to be confirmed.

The CPA calendar fosters the exchange of events and activities between CPA Regions and Branches. For further information on ŪŪ One of the largest annual gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians. Hosted by the CPA any events, please contact the CPA Branch concerned or the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. CPA Branch Secretaries are asked Uganda Branch and the Parliament of Uganda. to send notices of CPA events to [email protected] in advance of the publication deadline to ensure the calendar is accurate. ŪŪ Over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and decision makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique conference and networking opportunity. Further information can also be found at www.cpahq.org or by emailing [email protected]. ŪŪ CPA’s global membership addressing the critical issues facing today’s modern Parliaments and Legislatures. ŪŪ Benefit from professional development, supportive learning and the sharing of best practice with colleagues from Commonwealth Parliaments together with the participation of leading international CPA Parliamentary Fundamentals Programme organisations. Enrolment is now open for the CPA Parliamentary Fundamentals Programme - on the general course for Commonwealth Parliamentarians or the course specifically th During the 64 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, there will also be a number of additional conferences developed for Members from CPA Small Branches. Programmes are accredited and meetings including: 37th CPA Small Branches Conference; 6th triennial Commonwealth Women with McGill University, Canada (Small Branches programme) and the University of Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference; 64th CPA General Assembly; meetings of the CPA Executive Witwatersrand, South Africa (General programme). Committee; and the Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings. This year, the conference will hold Programme includes: Online modules | Residential components | elections for the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), the CPA Treasurer and Teaching by world-class academics and parliamentary experts. the CPA Small Branches Chairperson for new three-year terms. PLACES AVAILABLE NOW FOR 2020 ENROLMENT Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) | Email: [email protected] | Tel: +44 (0)20 7799 1460 | www.cpahq.org | Twitter @CPA_Secretariat | Facebook.com/CPAHQ To find out more visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cpafundamentals or email [email protected] Updated August 2019 CONTENTS: THE PARLIAMENTARIAN 100th year of publishing CONTENTS 2019: ISSUE THREE The Parliamentarian

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The Parliamentarian: VIEWS & NEWS & FEATURE MEDIA FREEDOM IN PARLIAMENTARY Annual subscription Journal of the Parliaments THE COMMONWEALTH (four issues) of the Commonwealth COMMENT PHOTOS ARTICLES REPORTS UK: £44 inc. postage. Volume 100 Worldwide: £46 surface post 2019: Issue Three Editor’s Note CPA Photo Gallery Fit-for-purpose Commonwealth In Defence of Parliamentary Report £52 airmail The Parliamentarian Page 188 Page 198-199 Parliament: Reviewing countries show Multilateralism Featuring parliamentary ISSN 0031-2282 and enhancing leadership in A View from the UK's Shadow and legislative reports from Price per issue View from the CPA CPA News parliamentary defending media Foreign Minister Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, UK: £14 Issued and published by the Chairperson News reports include: effectiveness freedom Page 238 United Kingdom, New Zealand, Worldwide: £15 surface post International Secretariat of the th £16 airmail The CPA: Adding political value to • Preparations for 64 CPC Uganda A case study of the The first Global Conference Uganda, Australia and India Commonwealth Parliamentary global affairs in the 21st century • CPA’s Benchmarks highlighted Parliament of New Zealand for Media Freedom: View Putting Road Safety on Pages 252-267 Association (CPA), CPA Disclaimer Page 190 at CP4D event in New York Page 214 from the UK the Commonwealth Headquarters Secretariat, • 44th CPA Caribbean Regional Page 226 Agenda CPA Organisational Opinions and comments Richmond House, Houses of View from the Conference and CPA Emerging security issues The launch of the Commonwealth Structure expressed in articles and Parliament, London Commonwealth Women Roadshow for Young People in for Parliamentarians Defending media Road Safety Initiative CPA Executive Committee reviews published in The SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom. Parliamentarians (CWP) Trinidad and Tobago and the impact on freedom in the Page 242 Members, Commonwealth Parliamentarian are those of Chairperson • CPA Trinidad and Tobago democracy Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) the individual contributors Tel: +44 (0) 20 7799 1460 and should not be attributed The Commonwealth: Adding twinning with CPA Ontario The Deputy Speaker of the UK The first Global Conference Building A ‘Future- Steering Committee Members Email: [email protected] th to the Secretariat of the political value to global affairs in • 50 Presiding Officers and Clerks House of Commons examines for Media Freedom: View Ready’ Parliamentary and CPA Regional Secretaries www.cpahq.org Association. the 21st century Conference for CPA Australia and increasing security issues for from Canada Workforce Page 268 Twitter @CPA_Secretariat Page 192 Pacific Regions in Queensland Parliamentarians Page 230 Professional Development Facebook.com/CPAHQ • CPA Queensland Branch Page 222 Programme for Parliamentary Contributors renews twinning with Vanuatu Policy Responses to Staff with McGill University Thank you to all contributors Mr Akbar Khan View from the CPA Small Branches Chairperson and Papua New Guinea Working together and Disinformation in collaboration with the for this issue. Secretary-General ‘The Commonwealth Effect?’ • CPA Branch visit to Belize playing to our strengths A public health approach to Commonwealth Parliamentary Printed in: United Kingdom Page 194 • CPA seminar in Bermuda in the Commonwealth the media Association Mr Jeffrey Hyland • 48th CPA British Islands and Jersey and the Commonwealth Page 232 Page 244 by Warners Midlands, PLC; Editor, The Parliamentarian View from the CPA Mediterranean Regional Page 224 New Delhi, India by Jainco [email protected] Secretary-General Conference in Guernsey Fake news and the Art India; and Singapore th by Times Printers Private Celebrating the Geneva • 57 CPA Canada Regional phenomenon of ‘no Main images: CPA Limited. Conventions and building Conference in Nova Scotia platforming’ Headquarters Secretariat respect for International • CPA Workshop in Zambia The dilemma facing and Shutterstock images. th Humanitarian Law • 5 CPA Asia Regional universities Additional images: CPA Page 196 Conference in Pakistan Page 235 Branches and Members. Pages 200-213 Front cover image: Shutterstock.com. Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) News and Events Pages 248-251

The Commonwealth Road Safety Initiative has recently launched with THE COMMONWEALTH: ADDING POLITICAL the aim of halving road fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 and leading advocate for the campaign, Jim Fitzpatrick, MP (United Kingdom) st writes about the new initiative and how Members of Parliament can VALUE TO GLOBAL AFFAIRS IN THE 21 CENTURY become involved. The importance of building a ‘future-ready’ parliamentary workforce in the context of the Professional Development Programme for Parliamentary Staff with McGill University in collaboration with the The Editor’s Note Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is observed by Ms Inna Popova-Roche (McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies) and It was stated nearly fifteen years ago that “the Commonwealth will continue Guinea Branches; CPA Secretary-General highlights youth engagement Ms Bénite Dibateza (CPA Headquarters Secretariat). to be a major player on the global scene. The challenge now is to consolidate and parliamentary successes during visit to CPA Belize Branch; CPA This issue of The Parliamentarian features news and reports of its inherited strength, the achievements of the past, and use these as a basis Parliamentary Seminar in Bermuda; 48th CPA British Islands and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) activities including for planning towards a better and more fulfilling future. In doing this, we must Mediterranean Regional Conference in Guernsey; 57th CPA Canada the 12th CWP Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and strengthen the organisation and its structures, deepen Regional Conference in Nova Scotia; CPA Technical the Atlantic Region in Trinidad and Tobago on theme of ‘Women in our bonds, expand the scope of our activities, build more Assistance Programme Workshop in Zambia; and 5th Leadership’; CWP Stepping Up Programme in New South Wales; CWP viable networks within the organisation and with other CPA Asia Regional Conference in Pakistan. Canada Region meet in Nova Scotia to discuss inclusion and supporting partners, and define our priorities clearly at all times. This issue also reports on the historic publishing women entrepreneurs; CWP Asia Region seminar discuss impediments The strength of the Commonwealth lies in its origin, its of Erskine May online: the most widely used guide and challenges facing women in politics in Pakistan; and Commonwealth tradition, its diversity, as well as its modus operandi.” 1 to parliamentary procedure and a royal visit to Parliamentarians focus on gender sensitive scrutiny of legislation at This statement is still relevant today in 2019 and commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Scottish Westminster Workshop. the Commonwealth continues to strive to make Parliament. The Parliamentary Report and Third Reading section in this issue an impact on global affairs in the 21st century. The This issue of The Parliamentarian features two includes parliamentary and legislative news from Canada Federal, Commonwealth is the only international organisation papers from the 50th Presiding Officers and Clerks Trinidad and Tobago, India, New Zealand, Uganda, United Kingdom and that has members on every continent and region of Conference for the CPA Australia and CPA Pacific Australia Federal. the world and representation in every global forum. Jeffrey Hyland, Editor Regions held in Queensland - Rt Hon. Trevor In 2019, The Parliamentarian is celebrating its 100th year of publishing Since the ‘modern’ Commonwealth came into The Parliamentarian, Mallard, MP, Speaker of the New Zealand House and we will be publishing our centenary issue of the publication in existence, the relevance and value of the relationships Commonwealth of Representatives provides a detailed case study early 2020 to mark 100 years since the first issue. If readers have within the Commonwealth have been reaffirmed and Parliamentary Association of the Parliament of New Zealand as he examines any memories of the publication that they would like to share for an consolidated. For the Commonwealth Parliamentary ‘fit-for-purpose Parliament: reviewing and enhancing upcoming feature on the publication’s centenary, then please contact the Association (CPA), its membership expanded across parliamentary effectiveness’; and the Deputy Editor. the CPA’s nine Regions and to over 180 Branches including national, Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK Parliament, Rt Hon. We look forward to hearing your feedback and comments on this Above: Ahead of the one of the largest annual gatherings of state, provincial and territorial Parliaments and Legislatures. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP writes about the emerging security issues for issue of The Parliamentarian, on the issues affecting Parliamentarians Commonwealth Parliamentarians at the 64th Commonwealth The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Parliamentarians and the impact on democracy. across the Commonwealth and to receiving your future contributions to Parliamentary Conference (CPC) hosted by the CPA Uganda Branch Association (CPA) Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Jersey’s Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn this publication. and the Parliament of Uganda from 22 to 29 September 2019 Lifaka, MP (Cameroon) in her View article examines the role of the CPA Labey reports on an innovative project linking Jersey and Rwanda which (inclusive of arrival and departure dates), the CPA Headquarters in adding political value to global affairs in the 21st century. demonstrates how the Commonwealth can connect vastly different places. Jeffrey Hyland Secretariat are delighted to publish a supplementary magazine to In this issue of The Parliamentarian, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians gathered in London, UK for the Editor, The Parliamentarian this issue of The Parliamentarian. The Uganda supplement features Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. Dr Dato’ firstGlobal Conference for Media Freedom in July 2019 to scrutinise [email protected] articles by Members of Parliament in Uganda that examine many Noraini Ahmad, MP (Malaysia) writes about the wider Commonwealth how freedom of expression is being stifled and barriers are preventing different areas of the political and cultural life of Uganda. and its role in adding political value to global affairs in the 21st century the functioning of an independent media in many countries. The global through political will and operationalisation. conference was co-hosted by the UK and Canada and is part of an The CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Anġelo Farrugia, international campaign to shine a global spotlight on media freedom MP, (Malta) writes about ‘The Commonwealth Effect’ in his View article and to increase the cost to those that are attempting to restrict it. In this and its impact on the CPA Small Branches. issue of The Parliamentarian, Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP, at the time UK Following a recent visit to Rwanda to speak at the Red Cross International Foreign Secretary, speaks about Commonwealth countries showing Humanitarian Law Conference, the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar leadership in defending media freedom and Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Khan, celebrates the Geneva Conventions and building respect for MP, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, herself a former journalist, Left: The Commonwealth Parliamentary International Humanitarian Law in the Commonwealth in his View article. writes about defending media freedoms in the Commonwealth. Association has featured in a new book CPA news reports in this issue include: the CPA’s Benchmarks for Continuing the theme of media freedom in the Commonwealth, published by the History of Parliament

Democratic Legislatures highlighted at Commonwealth Partnership Professor Victoria Nash from the Oxford Internet Institute at the Century: Prospects and Challenges - 2005 Commonwealth Lecture delivered at the Institute of Education, University London, Trust and St James’s House Publishing st for Democracy (CP4D) event in New York; 44th CPA Caribbean, University of Oxford looks at the policy responses to disinformation and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the ‘modern’ Americas and Atlantic Regional Conference and CPA Roadshow asks if a public health approach is required. Historian and commentator Commonwealth. The book covers the history for Young People in Trinidad and Tobago; CPA Trinidad and Tobago on international affairs, Victoria Schofield writes about fake news and of the Commonwealth as the 70th anniversary Branch twinning partnership signed with CPA Ontario Branch; 50th the phenomenon of ‘no platforming’. of the London Declaration in 1949 is marked Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference for the CPA Australia and UK Parliamentarian, Helen Goodman, MP is the UK Shadow as well as the role of the Westminster model The Commonwealth in the 21 1 CPA Pacific Regions held in Queensland; CPA Queensland Branch Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and she writes a in Parliaments and Legislatures around the renews twinning agreements with CPA Vanuatu and CPA Papua New defence of multilateralism. modern-day Commonwealth. Tuesday 15 March 2005 by HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, President of the Federal Republic Nigeria. References:

The CPA has embarked on a two-year project to conduct CPA Conference (CPC) with the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. The CPC – Benchmarks assessments with a number of its member Parliaments and our annual flagship event – will bring together over 500 Parliamentarians, THE CPA: ADDING POLITICAL VALUE TO I am delighted that already many CPA Branches have agreed to take part parliamentary staff and decision makers from across the Commonwealth in this CPA Benchmarking exercise. for this unique conference and networking opportunity and I hope to see st many Members at the conference. The CPC offers the prospect of the GLOBAL AFFAIRS IN THE 21 CENTURY CPA Small Branches coming together of the CPA’s global membership to address the critical I recently visited the Parliament of Malta at the invitation of the CPA issues facing today’s Parliaments. Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Angelo Farrugia, MP, Speaker of the You will be able to find more information about the 64th CPC at www. View from the CPA Chairperson House of Representatives of Malta where I heard about the work of the cpc2019.org and on the CPA website www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cpc2019. CPA Small Branches network, the development of the Small Branches Steering Committee and the focus on climate change which greatly Conclusion affects our CPA Small Branches. I hope you will see that the CPA has been extremely productive and busy The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), on what I have set out so that everyone is informed The CPA’s focus on the CPA Small Branches has taken place under my tenure. In order to continue our important work, I invite all of us as now in its 108th year, is a network of over 180 national on the reasons for the requested change and as since 1981 and it is one of the only global forums which provides this Parliamentarians and Legislators to come on board and be committed. We and sub-national Legislatures across the 53 nations CPA Chairperson, I am appealing to our respective opportunity. The smallest of the CPA’s Legislatures seek to meet the should not forget that as Members of Parliament, we have the mandate of of the Commonwealth representing a membership of Parliaments and Governments to get engaged in the same expectations as larger Legislatures and the CPA Small Branches the sovereign people, we are the voice of the voiceless and represent the around 17,000 Commonwealth Parliamentarians. We process by appealing to the UK Government to deal network recognises the central role of Parliament in meeting the hope and aspiration for many. We should therefore not lose sight of this are committed to upholding Commonwealth political with the matter as soon as possible. challenges of some of the Commonwealth’s smallest states. when we are voting laws. Our legislation should be people-centered and values, including the separation of powers, democracy we should make sure that international conventions are not just ratified but and the rule of law, enshrined in the Commonwealth Promoting gender equality in Parliaments CPC: 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference that the instruments of implementation are put in place in due time. Charter, signed in 2013 by our Patron, Her Majesty I would now like to turn to the valuable work done From 22nd to 29th September 2019, the CPA Uganda Branch and I look forward to engaging with you all in making the CPA an inspiring Queen Elizabeth II. by the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Parliament of Uganda will host the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary platform for Commonwealth Parliamentarians worldwide. The CPA engages in standard setting, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, (CWP) network. The CWP Chairperson is Hon. benchmarking for Parliaments and Parliamentarians, MP, Chairperson of the CPA Dr Dato' Noraini Ahmad, MP from Malaysia and and provides an international platform for peer-to-peer Executive Committee and the CWP celebrates its 30th birthday this year, learning and development. Through these activities Deputy Speaker of the National having been founded in 1989. The CWP emerged Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Chairperson commends the work of and engagement with its Members, the CPA adds Assembly of Cameroon from recognising the need to increase women’s the CPA Small Branches network during a visit to Malta political value to global affairs in the 21st century. representation in political institutions and the importance of providing greater support to women The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, CPA as an international organisation in Parliaments. The CWP seeks to encourage women around the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon has commended the work of the CPA Small Branches network during a visit For more than two decades, the CPA has explored ways and means Commonwealth to stand for election by removing the barriers to their to the Parliament of Malta from 13 to 16 May 2019. The CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Angelo Farrugia, MP, Speaker of the in which it could change its legal status from that of a UK charity to an participation. It also seeks to ensure that gender is mainstreamed House of Representatives of Malta welcomed the CPA Chairperson to the Parliament of Malta. international body like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and APF – throughout all of the CPA’s activities. The CPA Small Branches Chairperson briefed the CPA Chairperson on the various activities carried out by the CPA Small Branches L’Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie. Significant progress has One of the key instruments for this work is the CWP Regional network, the development of the Small Branches Steering Committee, the preparation of the climate change toolkit for CPA Small Branches been made on this change during my time as CPA Chairperson working Strengthening Funds. These funds provide each CPA Region with support and the outcomes of the CPA Small Branches Workshops. The CPA Small Branches Chairperson also referred to the establishment of with the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan. to undertake activities that strengthen women’s position in politics. I am the Commonwealth Association of Public The CPA General Assembly in 2016 asked the CPA Secretary- proud to say that the CPA Africa Region is one of the most active CWP Accounts Committees (CAPAC) and General to constitute a Working Group to look into the issue of status regions in the network, and many Parliamentarians have participated in the updating of the CPA Recommended and this was established in 2017. After grappling with this constitutional CWP programmes and activities in the CWP Africa Region. Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures, issue for two decades, this Working Group comprising Members I recently visited and addressed the CPA Tanzania Branch and which he chaired. The Deputy Speaker of from the nine CPA Regions reached agreement that the organisation Parliament of Tanzania where I noted that in Tanzania, over a third of the the Malta House of Representatives, Hon. should be reconstituted as an international organisation. At the core of Parliamentarians – 36.7% – elected to the House are women. This means Claudette Buttigieg, MP and Ray Scicluna, this thinking, was that the CPA wanted to ensure that it would retain that Tanzania is achieving a level of women’s representation that is greater Clerk of the House, were also present. its mandate which it has had since its founding in 1911 to represent than 166 other Parliaments in the world. On behalf of the entire CPA family, I The CPA Chairperson was received by Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians. In this regard, congratulate the Government and people of Tanzania for this political will, not the President of the Republic of Malta, His different models, such as L'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, forgetting the women who brave the odds to come forward as candidates. Excellency George Vella at The Palace, Valletta. were looked at as future models for the CPA. This is just one example of the many successes across the The CPA Chairperson also met with the The Working Group’s report was unanimously endorsed by the Commonwealth where the CWP and women’s equality organisations are Maltese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 63rd General Assembly in November 2017 and the CPA Secretary- having an impact and change is taking place. Promotion, Hon. Carmelo Abela, MP to General and I opened discussions with Ministers at the UK Foreign and discuss strategies to add value to communities Commonwealth Office, immediately after the adoption of the report. CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures through a more sustainable, prosperous, fair In 2018, the CPA was invited to submit a business case to the UK In November 2018, I attended an event in London to launch the updated and safe future for the Commonwealth. Government as to the grounds for reconstitution and this business case CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures. These The Chairperson of the CPA Executive was approved by the CPA Executive Committee in November 2018 and pioneering CPA Benchmarks are one of the CPA’s most important pieces Committee was accompanied by Marie then submitted to the UK Government in December 2018. of parliamentary strengthening work. The updated version plays a crucial Rose Ada Owona epse Nguini Effa, Vice- The UK Government is currently reviewing the business case and role as we seek to further strengthen Parliaments and Legislatures in Chairperson of the Committee on Cultural, Social and Family Affairs of the National we are awaiting a response. The CPA Secretary-General has this line with the aspirations of the Commonwealth Charter, the Sustainable Images: Parliament of Malta / Ministry Foreign Affairs Office the President Malta. year written to every Branch of the Association providing a briefing Development Goals and the changing demands of our citizens. Assembly of Cameroon.

TABLE 1: Political Will Definition and Operationalisation.3 Definition Component Operationalisation Assessment Targets power should simply outflank the brute THE COMMONWEALTH: ADDING POLITICAL VALUE TO Sufficient set of decision Sets of actors capable of Institutions and factions. force of hard power, sidestepping rude st makers approving, implementing and compulsion and raw coercion through GLOBAL AFFAIRS IN THE 21 CENTURY enforcing public policies the influence of a wider set of ideas, With a common • Use of similar frame and • Commonality and convergence in statements of decision preferences and behaviours.5 View from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson understanding terminology; makers with regard to problems; Another paradigm shift that can be of a particular problem on • Status as 'problem' • Importance & prominence of decision makers considered is that the Commonwealth Introduction liberty regardless of race or creed and the 'inalienable right to the formal agenda on formal agenda discussing problems; should be given ample power, especially The year 2019 marks the 70th anniversary free democratic processes'. The current charter has sixteen • Volume of discussion. when it comes to enforcing international of the Commonwealth with 'A Connected prescribed core values and principles as follows: Democracy; Is committed to supporting Distribution and strength • Incentives and disincentives for political actors norms. Traditionally, the Commonwealth Commonwealth' chosen as a theme. Human rights; International peace and security; Tolerance, of specific decision-maker (institutional, electoral, and others); relies on constructive engagements According to the Commonwealth Secretary- respect and understanding; Freedom of Expression; preferences • Allocation of analytical resources; in order to solve problems. These General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC: “In Separation of Powers; Rule of Law; Good Governance; • Credibility and obligation of statements approaches may or may not work in celebrating 70 years of the Commonwealth we Sustainable Development; Protecting the Environment; (based on reputational costs); some cases. This Executive authority recall with pride and satisfaction the impressive Access to Health, Education, Food and Shelter; Gender • Positions of key constituencies (domestic and may provide the Commonwealth with the record of impact and achievement which have Equality; Importance of Young People in the Commonwealth; international) and accountability relationships; influence that it should have. brought sustainable development to the people of Recognition of the Needs of Small States; Recognition of the • Bargaining mechanisms; This Executive authority, also, our diverse family of nations, with ever more inclusive Hon. Dr Dato’ Noraini Ahmad, Needs of Vulnerable States; The Role of Civil Society. • Cultural characteristics and constraints. would confer the much awaited trade progress and prosperity. Programmes such as the MP, Chairperson of the Interestingly, the Commonwealth Charter, not only, privileges and economic policy among Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda on Trade and Commonwealth Women limits participation from the Executive side but also from A commonly perceived, • Use of similar frame • Commonality and convergence in statements of decision Members. The given authority also Investment, and the Commonwealth Blue Charter Parliamentarians (CWP) and Parliamentarians as stated in the preamble: ‘Welcoming potentially effective policy and terminology; makers with regard to proposed solution; would chart the multilateral based on ocean governance, are examples of the recent Member of the Parliament of the valuable contribution of the network of the many solution • Avoidance of known • Non-use of short-term 'fixes', knowingly ineffective discussion and interactions between the agreement by our 53 member nations to collaborate Malaysia. intergovernmental, parliamentary, professional and civil sources of ineffectiveness; policies and diversionary tactics; Commonwealth and other superpowers in new ways in response to the current needs of our society bodies which support the Commonwealth and • Capacity for policy • Funding commitment; and global organisations. For example, countries and communities. which subscribe and adhere to its values and principles.’ effectiveness. • Inclusion of potentially effective sanctions the countries of Singapore, Brunei and As rising generations respond afresh and build together in the Using foreign policy as an example, it is seen as the prerogative and enforcement mechanisms; Malaysia link the Commonwealth to the renowned Commonwealth spirit of goodwill, we can be assured that of the Executive branch. Parliamentarians could use their influence • Implementation resources and support of implementers. ASEAN organisation. through the next 70 years and beyond this great family will rise to even among their peers via soft powers that they have under the ‘second- Apart from Commonwealth greater levels of mutual support, conscious as always that independence track’ diplomacy platforms. Hence, these efforts would lead to a curiously, gentle, civilised way of viewing the world. While there is no formal Parliamentarians being involved in the so-called track-two diplomacy, sports and interdependence go hand in hand for the people and nations of a constructive and positive opinion building that would be beneficial to all. trade agreement, the Commonwealth enables Prime Ministers and Trade people could also contribute to assisting in foreign diplomacy through their connected Commonwealth.” The values in the Charter were considered as the Commonwealth Ministers to meet informally, which provides positive side effects for trade. partipation in the Commonwealth Games and other sports events. Positive The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that set aside the organisation from Nevertheless, relying on values is not enough. To embrace the changes sports diplomacy most commonly refers to bringing hostile states closer and equal sovereign states that span across Africa, Asia, the others. According to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in the 21st century, the Commonwealth needs a paradigm shift, especially on together, but it may also be used to deepen political alliances or foster Americas, Europe and the Pacific. The earlier history of the ‘modern’ Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Akbar Khan, these values could drive political will in order to deal with issues of globalisation, digitalisation, the industrial friendship and cooperation between states that are not mutually hostile.6 Commonwealth can be traced back to 26 April 1949 when the London discussions on global issues and provide policy at a time “when the world revolution and more. The definition of ‘political will’ can be classified into four areas Declaration was signed and which marks the point at which the legacy is becoming more polarised.” In addition, the CPA Secretary-General also namely a sufficient set of decision makers; with a common understanding of a Conclusion of the British Empire was replaced with a partnership of equal and added that the Commonwealth was able to operate with limited resources particular problem on the formal agenda; a committment to supporting decisions; The Commonwealth is a voluntary association, a globalised collective of diverse member countries that share a set of principles and values. that resulted in ‘incredible work’ and achievement. and a commonly perceived, potentially effective, policy solution. independent nations who possess shared values and international purpose The Commonwealth started with eight countries in 1949 to 53 The inner workings of the Commonwealth is based on two significant By looking at into the operationalisation and assessment of political still regarded as relevant when it comes to global affairs in the 21st century. in 2019. The two most recent countries to join the Commonwealth pillars, which are democracy and development. Under these two major will, it provides substantial guidance to steer through the complexity of Few countries are applying to join the organisation showing that it is still – Rwanda (a former Belgian colony) and Mozambique (a former pillars, the Commonwealth Secretariat runs eight programmes which consist international relations. Political will hence must be part of the equation relevant. Therefore, the Commonwealth still matters in global politics and Portuguese colony) which have no historical ties to the British Empire of Good Offices for Peace, Democracy and Consensus-Building, Rule of for the Commonwealth to deal with global affairs in the 21st century. bringing 53 diverse nations together is more than worthwhile. By combining joined in 1995 and 2009 respectively. Law, Human Rights, Public Sector Development, Economic Development, In addition, the Commonwealth should be more stern towards Members’ the existing values, political will and soft power, the Commonwealth has the Therefore, the Commonwealth became more multi-racial and Environmentally Sustainable Development and Human Development. country performance, especially when it comes to the violation of sixteen unique potential to address complex challenges where other international multi-cultural, reflecting the more profound change as the organisation values prescribed in the charter. No countries should be given leeway or take bodies may have failed. By continuing the efforts strategically, it will propel grew towards the diversity in the culture as well as the geographical Adding political value to global affairs in the 21st century advantage of the organisation leniency – especially in the context of gaining the organisation to become politically and economically relevant. spread. Furthermore, all Commonwealth members have an equal say – The Commonwealth has already added values in today's global affairs in fig-leaf of legitimacy. Developing Members’ countries are encouraged to regardless of size or economic stature. Therefore, it ensures even the the 21st century through its Charter. The Commonwealth Charter itself raise their standard of democracy, rights and governance. References: smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth. provides the fundamental values, that can be applied and embedded in The role of CHOGMs should be enhanced in order to add political 1 What is the point of the Commonwealth today? http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zghsfg8 Country leaders met during the Commonwealth Heads of the most contexts such as politics, the economy and social life. Through values. This setting provides many smaller countries with a starting point 2 Post, Lori Ann, Amber NW Raile, and Eric D. Raile. 'Defining political will.' Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2018, a biennial summit goodwill, friendship and historical ties, the Commonwealth has become to lobby for bilateral and multilateral trade and agreements. Thus, by Politics & Policy 38, no. 4 (2010): 653-676. meeting where discussion typically surrounds issues affecting the the platform for cooperation without binding formal obligations. This enhancing the roles of CHOGMs, the Commonwealth could provide more 3 Ibid Commonwealth and the rest of the world. provides a conducive environment to start a discussion, especially in to Members’ countries to influence the position of more significant powers. 4 Rt Hon Lord Howell of Guildford. https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/ The Commonwealth Charter is a document that set out the governance sensitive matters, that will lead toward an enriching engagement. The Commonwealth is the soft power network of the future.4 The essence commonwealth-the-soft-power-network-of-the-future arrangements, roles of principal Commonwealth agents, rights and In addition, according to Peter Oborne1, he added that the attraction of soft power lies in the ability of a given political entity — a state or non-state 5 Nye, J.S. (2004) Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. New responsibilities of members in that organisation. This Charter (and the Harare of joining the Commonwealth is that you do not become part of a system actor — to induce other actors and entities in the international system to York: Public Affairs. Declaration, 1991) initially touches on world peace, economic development, of triumph states, like NATO, nor are you giving away sovereignty to a desire similar goals and outcomes to the initiating actor. Based on the sheer 6 Kobierecki, Michał Marcin. 'Sports diplomacy of Norway.' International Studies. the rule of law, a narrowing of the wealth gap, an end to racial discrimination, bureaucratic system, like the European Union (EU). The Commonwealth is attractiveness of its composition, whether political, economic or cultural, soft Interdisciplinary Political and Cultural Journal 20, no. 1 (2017): 131-146.

other multilateral political bodies have led ‘THE COMMONWEALTH EFFECT?’ some commentators to argue that the Commonwealth has lost some of its political salience. Despite the changing face of global trade and an apparent decline in the Commonwealth’s relevance as a trading bloc, Image: Commonwealth Secretariat. View from the CPA there is considerable evidence that intra- Commonwealth economic links remain strong. Small Branches Chairperson The Commonwealth is a way of nations staying in touch without binding formal obligations, In my three-year tenure as Chairperson of Small In my role I saw the possibility to address this anomaly at but rather through goodwill, friendship and Branches of the Commonwealth Parliamentary least within the CPA, i.e. by developing a strategy aimed historical ties. It is not a formal group like the Association (CPA), I have had the honour to work on specifically at the CPA Small Branches, who would European Union and allows instead for a a strategic plan, which for the first time, was aimed otherwise risk being left behind. This has now started relaxed and enriching meeting of minds and at giving a voice to the smallest of jurisdictions to shift in order to give the smallest the voice they have cultures. One must also keep in mind that pertaining to the Commonwealth family, the largest been striving for. although the economy is a good source of community spanning all over the world. As an Officer In my research I have come across a concept political value and is forward-looking, with the of the CPA, this has also given me the opportunity which tied the Commonwealth to global affairs, ‘The development of online cryptocurrency and the to experience the work of the CPA and its affiliates Commonwealth Effect’. Albeit limited to the economic blockchain trend, the Commonwealth and the first-hand, moreover as a Member of the CPA sphere, this is the first and most notable attempt to CPA must not disregard its roots and its starting point. The strength of the Commonwealth’s commitment to its principles Executive Committee, as well as a representative assemble a comprehensive data set on trade and Although the economic trends and figures appear positive on paper, and values, including the promotion of human and political rights, has of the CPA in other international fora, where my Hon. Anġelo Farrugia, investment relationships within the Commonwealth, we should be mindful about our policies – ensuring that our citizens helped to give it a substantial and distinctive role in the international perspective regarding the role of the CPA in the MP, Chairperson of the made in the late 1990s by Lundan and Jones (2001). have a life of good quality; access to clean water and nutritious food, community. We welcome the fact that the Commonwealth continues global scene has evolved in ways I never expected. CPA Small Branches and In a paper entitled “The ‘Commonwealth Effect’ and the the eradication of poverty, safeguarding the environment and similar to attract interest from potential new members and see advantages in I cannot but consider this evolution to positively Speaker of the House of Process of Internationalisation”, they set out to analyse basic human rights should remain at the heart of our priorities. Economic greater diversity and an extended global reach for the Commonwealth. contribute to the work of the CPA, as the aims of Representatives of the the significance of a ‘Commonwealth Effect’ on trade progress should not come to the detriment of the citizens’ quality of However, it is always crucial that the application process be rigorous and the Commonwealth, and its parliamentary arm go Parliament of Malta. and investment. They concluded that there is an overall life. The Commonwealth must not seek to remain grounded and strive that any new members adhere to its principles and values. well beyond the politics we discuss in our respective tendency for high levels of intra-Commonwealth trade towards improving the citizens’ lives in the direst of circumstances. History will show whether the Commonwealth will rise to the occasion chambers which are too often limited to our country’s domestic affairs and investment, even when factors such as regional trade agreements or One should also put into practice the many initiatives put forward and seize the opportunities to truly act as a global player beyond and rarely considered in a wider regional or global context. The true geographical proximity are considered. by the Commonwealth in order to follow through many pledges that economic terms. value of politics boils down to understanding the needs and fulfilling The future of the Commonwealth, and its role on the global scene, member countries agree to on paper. One initiative which comes to mind the aspirations of our citizens, not lease of the underprivileged who are has been discussed in various fora in the past years, and in a post-Brexit is this year’s Commonwealth Day theme 'A Connected Commonwealth' often unrepresented. Our work within the Commonwealth and more scenario I believe that such debate will only intensify and become more which encourages collaboration to protect natural resources and the specifically within the CPA can help to align our efforts throughout the relevant. Added to this, one also needs to consider the growth of other environment. With the adoption in 2018 of the Commonwealth Blue Commonwealth. markets such as China, India and Africa. Charter, of the ocean which connects so many member countries, and My role as Chairperson of the CPA Small Branches for the past three When the ‘modern’ Commonwealth was born in 1949, the economic which we, as CPA Small Branches, were on point by organising a CPA years has deepened my understanding of this. Too often we observe that ties that linked Britain and its former colonies were strong. Indeed, Climate Change Workshop back in November 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya the work of international organisations is tailored to the circumstances while there may have been debate at the time about what sort of in collaboration with UNEP. If one simply reads the Strategic Plan of the of much larger jurisdictions whose experience and resources are much political association would befit the changing world order, the trade and Commonwealth Secretariat drafted in 2017, as an organisation it states more vast than of those which are either much smaller or still developing. investment links across the Commonwealth were taken for granted. Yet, that it is: “A voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign during the 1950s and 1960s, economic links between Commonwealth states. Its special strength lies in the combination of its diversity and shared countries began to weaken, not least because of the winding down of inheritance. Its members are bound together by respect for all states and Commonwealth preference in British trade. The emergence of new peoples; by shared values and principles; and by concern for the vulnerable.” “The future of the Commonwealth, and engines of economic growth around the world and a new globalised This is a clear instruction which should keep our work grounded regime of trade preferences followed soon after and the relative and where our roots are set – the needs of our peoples. Its values its role on the global scene, has been importance of the Commonwealth as a trading bloc began to fall away. of democracy, development and diversity bind its members together, discussed in various fora in the past In recent years, as Commonwealth countries such as India, Nigeria, and provide a common ground to help each other. Although the South Africa, Malaysia and Trinidad and Tobago have developed rapidly, Commonwealth can be considered a soft power, we should use it to years, and in a post-Brexit scenario considerably overhauling their trading profiles, this trend has continued, influence the external environment and emerge as a global force for I believe that such debate will only securing economic growth in less developed areas. good, beyond economic ties and trade agreements. Although its members were now independent states, the association I firmly believe that the community we are part of has a strong future. Image: Parliament of Malta. intensify and become more relevant. provided an important vehicle to formalise and underpin the networks, We are no longer in a world of warring empires. The world has become The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary commonalities and shared values that had blossomed in colonial times. more inter-connected, where relationships, such as those promoted by Association Small Branches, Hon. Angelo Farrugia, MP, Added to this, one also needs to In an era of relatively few international associations, the Commonwealth the Commonwealth, really matter. I believe that the Commonwealth has Speaker of the Malta Parliament met with the Foreign Minister pioneered international cooperation at the political level, promoting evolved as an organisation which truly reflects the needs and aspirations of Bangladesh, Dr AK Abdul Momen in Malta when they consider the growth of other markets st democracy, human rights and sustainable development. Yet, since of the 21 century citizens as it relies on friendship, a good sense of discussed a wide range of Commonwealth and CPA issues. such as China, India and Africa.” the late 1980s, changing geopolitical realities and the growth of conscience and understanding.

CELEBRATING THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS AND BUILDING ‘Commonwealth Parliamentarians should play a key role in supporting international humanitarian law’ says Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary- RESPECT FOR INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW: General at Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Conference in Rwanda The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth A COMMONWEALTH PERSPECTIVE Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Akbar Khan has stressed that Commonwealth View from the 7th CPA Secretary-General Parliamentarians should play a key role in the implementation of international humanitarian law in a global context. The CPA Secretary- What is international humanitarian law? becomes a party to international treaties and they can General said: “The CPA is a community of International humanitarian law (IHL) is a set of rules use parliamentary procedures to ask their government Commonwealth Parliaments, Parliamentarians which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the why the State has not yet signed and ratified or acceded and parliamentary staff committed to deepening effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who to a treaty. If the State has signed but not ratified a treaty, democratic governance through the promotion are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities Parliamentarians can initiate legislation to submit a Bill of Commonwealth values such as democracy, and restricts the means and methods of warfare. on the matter; Parliamentarians can lobby government the rule of law, human rights, international International humanitarian law is also known as the to become a party to international instruments; and they peace and security and good governance as law of war or the law of armed conflict. International can try to ensure that when the State does become enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. The humanitarian law is part of international law, which is a party to an international treaty, it does so without implementation of International Humanitarian the body of rules governing relations between States. reservations or declarations that are contrary to the Law (IHL) promotes and upholds a rules- A major part of IHL is contained in the four Geneva ‘object and purpose’ of the instrument. There is also a based international system, in which the Conventions of 1949 and nearly every State in the Mr Akbar Khan role for reviewing and narrowing, or removing previous proper implementation of and compliance world has agreed to be bound by them. The domestic Secretary-General of reservations in previous international instruments. with IHL is an important part of the system. implementation of certain provisions of the Geneva the Commonwealth In many Commonwealth jurisdictions which follow The implementation of IHL goes directly to Conventions and their 1977 First Additional Protocol Parliamentary Association the ‘dualist’ notion of receiving international law1, it is promoting the rule of law and good governance,

is a legal obligation accepted by States. necessary for Parliament to adopt national legislation and its role in contributing to international Images: ICRC Rwanda / CPA Headquarters Secretariat. to bring the treaty into force or to bring domestic law into line with the peace and security, and so Parliamentarians have a key role to play. building respect for IHL: A Commonwealth Perspective’ in the light The role of Parliamentarians in effectively implementing international obligations. “In practice, Commonwealth Parliamentarians must ensure that of both the 70th anniversaries of the Geneva Conventions and of the national criminal sanctions This is an area where Parliamentarians have a huge opportunity national judicial authorities have the required legislative basis to ‘modern’ Commonwealth in 2019. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international to improve the legislation and a responsibility to ensure the treaty investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators while ensuring adequate The conference partners included the International Committee community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments, Parliamentarians penalties and judicial guarantees are respected. In Commonwealth of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Rwanda Red Cross and the and parliamentary staff committed to deepening democratic governance countries, such matters are frequently covered in Geneva Conventions Commonwealth Secretariat. The CPA Secretary-General also through the promotion of Commonwealth values such as democracy, rule “Commonwealth Parliamentarians play Acts and/or in International Criminal Court Acts.” chaired a working group in the margins of the conference on IHL of law, human rights, international peace and security, good governance. The CPA recognises the significant role of Parliamentarians in engagement with Parliamentarians with the outcomes reported back The CPA, for example, played a key role in the establishment of the an important role in whether a State working with the Executive and others to promote IHL and to ensure to the main conference. The keynote address was given by Hon. Commonwealth Latimer House Principles on the separation of powers becomes a party to international treaties its effective implementation. This requires Parliamentarians and Johnston Busingye, Minister for Justice of Rwanda and key topics which highlights the importance of the separation of powers between the parliamentary staff to be well-informed and consequently, the CPA discussed at the conference included: Addressing serious violations Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary to ensure effective governance and they can use parliamentary procedures has been working with the British Red Cross to develop a number of IHL: national and international measures; the role of National IHL and democracy. The Commonwealth Latimer House Principles provide to ask their government why the State of joint projects for Commonwealth Parliamentarians – including a Committees in upholding IHL; Engagement with the judiciary and guidance on the role of the separation of powers in the Commonwealth, its handbook on International Humanitarian Law for Commonwealth with Parliamentarians on IHL. effectiveness in providing democratic governance and the role of civil society. has not yet signed and ratified or acceded Parliamentarians and Parliaments. During his visit to Rwanda, the CPA Secretary-General also All of these values are relevant to the role of IHL today. The to a treaty. If the State has signed but The CPA Secretary-General was speaking at the 5th visited the Parliament of Rwanda and CPA Rwanda Branch where implementation of IHL promotes and upholds a rules-based Commonwealth Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference on he met with the Chairperson of the CPA Rwanda Branch Executive international system in which the proper implementation of and not ratified a treaty, Parliamentarians International Humanitarian Law (IHL) held from 10 to 14 June 2019 Committee, Hon. Senator Nyaghura Margaret, MP and Hon. Mutesi compliance with, IHL is an important part of that system. Therefore, the can initiate legislation to submit a Bill at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. The conference was Anitha, MP. Rwanda is due to host the Commonwealth Heads of implementation of IHL goes directly to promoting the rule of law and held on the theme of ‘Celebrating the Geneva Conventions and Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2020. good governance, and contributes to international peace and security. on the matter; Parliamentarians can In most jurisdictions, the Executive is primarily responsible for lobby government to become a party is faithfully incorporated into national law and that national laws are and regulations, where required, lies with the Executive Branch and IHL matters which includes becoming party to international treaties, compliant. There may be minor or significant changes to existing the different Ministries concerned, Parliamentarians can request proposing related implementing legislation and giving effect to such to international instruments; and they domestic law and Parliamentarians have a role to play in scrutiny information from their governments on the status of adoption and laws. Nevertheless, the Legislature has an important role in many can try to ensure that when the State Committees to ensure compliance. In practice, Parliamentarians must implementation. Parliamentarians can also help to ensure that such of these measures and the Executive must work together with ensure that national judicial authorities have the required legislative legislation is kept up-to-date. Parliaments and Parliamentarians to help ensure that IHL is properly does become a party to an international basis to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators while implemented to give effect to their State’s international obligations. treaty, it does so without reservations or ensuring adequate penalties and judicial guarantees are respected. In Practical Measures to Ensure Implementation Commonwealth jurisdictions, such matters are frequently covered in Parliamentarians may be asked to approve financial resources for a What can Parliamentarians do? declarations that are contrary to the ‘object Geneva Conventions Acts and/or in International Criminal Court Acts. national action plan which might include costs for training the armed Commonwealth Parliamentarians play an important role in whether a State and purpose’ of the instrument.” Although the responsibility for adopting appropriate legislation forces and security bodies or educating the wider public in schools and

colleges. The courts also require resources to play their part and to help Parliamentarians can support national laws that implement ensure that the rule of law is upheld in all circumstances. international instruments and also support the setting up of national States should spread knowledge of IHL as widely as possible and this IHL committees. They can encourage the appointment of a focal will have a financial implication; dissemination must start in peacetime point in Ministries for national programmes to help build capacity and so that the principles are embedded. Parliamentarians can ask Ministries mainstream IHL and use parliamentary speaking privileges to highlight what has been done to comply with the dissemination obligations. IHL at home or abroad. Parliamentarians can use parliamentary oversight bodies such as Encouraging National Implementation Select Committees to hold government accountable for IHL, which Parliamentarians can request the establishment of a National might not be a priority for the Executive, and to seek relevant briefings IHL Committee to advise the government on disseminating and from experts to provoke constructive debate. Social media tools can be implementing IHL. utilised to raise awareness of IHL and the resources that are available. In the United Kingdom, the National Committee on International The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) recognises Humanitarian Law is an interdepartmental body with a mandate the significant role of Parliamentarians in working with the Executive and Above: The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary to consider implementation of IHL instruments and encourage others to promote IHL and to ensure its effective implementation. This Association (CPA), Mr Akbar Khan met with a parliamentary dissemination. As in many jurisdictions, the national Red Cross Society requires Parliamentarians and their staff to be well-informed. The CPA delegation from Pakistan headed by Hon. Rehana Laghari, Deputy is a member of the United Kingdom National IHL Committee. This is by Headquarters Secretariat is working with the British Red Cross to develop Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh. The parliamentary Above: The CPA Falkland Islands Branch have benefited from a virtue of its special auxiliary and IHL roles. a Handbook on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for Commonwealth delegation visited the CPA Headquarters Secretariat in London, UK three-day programme of work, that included meetings, practical IHL Committees can also undertake useful initiatives. A Parliamentarians which we hope will be published later this year. during a visit to the United Kingdom Parliament. The delegation sessions and peer to peer discussions on the role of Public good example is the undertaking of a study on the jurisdiction’s from Sindh included Members of the Provincial Assembly – Hon. Accounts Committees (PAC). The PAC Workshop brought implementation of IHL at a national level. Another useful action is to Mr Akbar Khan Rana Ansar, MPA; Hon. Syeda Marvi Faseeh, MPA; Hon. Rabia Azfar together experts from across the United Kingdom and the Crown establish contacts with other national IHL Committees and share good 7th Secretary-General Nizami, MPA; Hon, Naseem Rajper, MPA. The delegation was joined Dependencies as well as various stakeholders across the Falkland practice and experiences. This can include sharing of legislative and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) by a Member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islands, including Government departments and the Legislative other measures to address serious violations of IHL. Hon. Ayesha Bano, MPA. The delegation discussed the work of Assembly and was facilitated by the CPA UK Branch. This View article is based on a presentation made by the CPA Secretary- the CPA in the Asia Region. The Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Conclusion General to the 5th Commonwealth Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference Assembly of Sindh established the Sindh Women’s Parliamentary Right: Hon. Kate Doust, As the representative centre of any democracy, Parliament and on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) held from 10 to 14 June 2019 at the Caucus (SWPC) and so the delegation was also briefed on the work MLC, President of the Parliamentarians can play an essential role in advocating and Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda. of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) in promoting Legislative Council of legislating for IHL. Parliamentarians can support efforts to ensure gender equality in Parliaments and Legislatures. Western Australia and IHL is faithfully implemented given their role as political leaders and References: CPA Western Australia representatives of the people. 1 Dualists emphasise the difference between national and international Left: The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Branch President visited Parliamentarians can establish All Party Parliamentary Groups to law, and require the translation of the latter into the former. Without this Akbar Khan met with Hon. Alison Xamon, the Commonwealth encourage strategies toward implementation. A very important and translation, international law does not exist as law. International law has to be MLC from the Legislative Council of the Parliamentary Association often unnoticed role that Parliamentarians can play is to uphold the national law as well, or it is no law at all. If a State accepts a treaty but does Parliament of Western Australia at the (CPA) Headquarters neutral character of IHL. Parliamentarians can do this by working not adapt its national law in order to conform to the treaty or does not create CPA Headquarters Secretariat in London Secretariat to meet with the across parties and by approaching IHL issues on an all-party basis. This a national law explicitly incorporating the treaty, then it violates international to discuss the Member’s campaigns to CPA Director of Operations, will help to avoid politicising IHL and contrasts with other areas of law. law. Source: Wikipedia. raise awareness on mental health and Mr Jarvis Matiya to discuss suicide prevention and the role that the CPA’s work in parliamentary strengthening for Australian State Parliament and Parliamentarians can Parliaments and the CWP’s work in gender equality. Below: Visiting Parliamentary Clerks from the Parliaments of India; Below: The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary play in these important issues. Israel; Ontario, Canada; and Western Cape, South Africa participated Association (CPA) Mr Akbar Khan met with Mr Tahir Hussain, Secretary Below: The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan met with Members in a Professional Development Programme organised by the UK of the National Assembly of Pakistan and CPA Pakistan Branch Below: The CPA Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Alexandra Mendès, MP of the 64th CPC Organising Committee from the Parliament of Uganda Parliament’s Overseas Office and received their certificates from Dr Secretary and Mr Syed Shamoon Hashmi, Joint Secretary, International (Canada Federal) and the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan during his visit to Rwanda for the 5th Commonwealth Red Cross and John Benger, Clerk of the UK House of Commons. Relations and Public Relations at the Parliament of Pakistan and CPA meet Commonwealth Parliamentarians at a Commonwealth Red Crescent Conference on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Asia Regional Secretary during their visit to the United Kingdom to Partnership for Democracy (CP4D) panel event in New York, hosted discuss the CPA’s work across the Commonwealth and in the CPA by the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Asia Region and Nations. See page 201 for full report. parliamentary strengthening opportunities for the National Assembly with specific reference to the CPA Parliamentary Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures.

Preparations continue for 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Uganda CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures highlighted as key tool in achieving

Preparations are well underway for one of SDG 16 at Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy panel event in New York largest annual gatherings of Commonwealth The Commonwealth Parliamentary th Parliamentarians at the 64 Commonwealth Association’s Recommended Benchmarks Parliamentary Conference (CPC) hosted for Democratic Legislatures have been by the CPA Uganda Branch and the highlighted as an important tool in the Parliament of Uganda in September 2019. pursuit of achieving ‘peaceful and inclusive The annual flagship event will bring together societies for sustainable development’ over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary outlined in Sustainable Development Goal staff and decision makers from across the 16 at a Commonwealth Partnership for Commonwealth for this unique conference Democracy (CP4D) panel event in New York, hosted by the Permanent Mission of and networking opportunity. The CPC offers the United Kingdom to the United Nations. the prospect of the coming together of the The CP4D panel event in New York gave CPA’s global membership to address the attendees the opportunity to share their critical issues facing today’s Parliaments. experiences of how Parliamentarians have Ahead of the 64th CPC due to be held contributed to SDG 16 and to identify the in September this year, the Secretary- value of the CPA Benchmarks in measuring General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary parliamentary performance and effectiveness. Association (CPA), Mr Akbar Khan paid Effective Parliaments are one of the principal a visit to Uganda to see the Parliament of institutions of any functioning democracy and Uganda’s preparations. The CPA Secretary- they are central to the attainment of SDG General met with the CPA Uganda Branch 16, the development agenda and all of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. Representative for CPA Africa Region and The first of two moderated panel sessions also the Vice-Chairperson of the 64th CPC Organising Committee, Kampala will be held on the theme of: ‘Adaption, engagement, and on a Parliamentarian’s View of the CPA Hon. Jalia Bintu as well as Hon. Paul Amoru, the Chairperson of the evolution of Parliaments in a rapidly changing Commonwealth’. Benchmarks was chaired by the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar assessment against the CPA Benchmarks had assisted th Media and Publicity Subcommittee, Members of the Parliament of During the 64 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Khan who said: “The pioneering Recommended Benchmarks for the reform process. He said: “It’s not about knowledge or Uganda and parliamentary staff. there will also be a number of additional conferences and meetings Democratic Legislatures is one of the CPA’s most important pieces capacity, it’s about political will and the separation of powers.” The CPA President Designate (2018-2019), Rt Hon. Rebecca including: 37th CPA Small Branches Conference; 6th triennial of parliamentary strengthening work as we seek to further strengthen • Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods, MP (United Kingdom) Kadaga, Speaker of the Uganda Parliament hosted a special Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference; 64th Parliaments and Legislatures in line with the aspirations of the explained how the updated CPA Benchmarks could be used in established Parliaments like the UK and outlined the role of breakfast meeting for Commonwealth High Commissioners in CPA General Assembly; meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; Commonwealth Charter, the SDGs and the changing demands of the CPA Benchmarks in promoting gender and more inclusive Uganda to brief them on preparations for the 64th CPC and to call and the Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings. our communities. The focus on measuring impact and the need to Parliaments. She said: “It’s very important that the CPA upon High Commissioners to strengthen collaborations with the Please visit the official conference websitewww.cpc2019.org and the demonstrate the effectiveness of Legislatures is critical at a time of increased scrutiny of Parliaments and of Parliamentarians and the CPA Benchmarks remain a ‘live’ document that is used by all our Parliament of Uganda for a fruitful conference. The conference in CPA website www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cpc2019 for further information. Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a member Parliaments as there is always room for improvement.” key tool in assisting Commonwealth Parliaments to demonstrate their The CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures Commonwealth Foreign Ministers re-affirm commitment to Commonwealth Charter performance, increase their self-awareness and prioritise areas for provide Parliaments across the Commonwealth with a set of democratic values and principles development in the light of SDG 16.” standards and many of the CPA’s 180 Commonwealth Parliaments The panel event gave attendees the opportunity to share their have undertaken self-assessments using the CPA Benchmarks or The 70th anniversary of the Commonwealth was celebrated when experiences of how Parliamentarians have contributed to SDG 16 and have incorporated the CPA Benchmarks into their own parliamentary Commonwealth Foreign Ministers representing the governments to identify the value of the CPA Benchmarks in measuring parliamentary standards. Covering a comprehensive range of recommendations, of its member countries met in London, United Kingdom on 10 performance and effectiveness. Panellists included CPA Members the CPA Benchmarks propose guidelines in areas such as elections and candidate eligibility; political parties; parliamentary staff; legislative July 2019 and reaffirmed their commitment to the ‘core values and from Belize, Canada, Malaysia and the United Kingdom: procedures; financial and budget oversight; transparency and integrity; principles’ of the Commonwealth Charter. The Commonwealth • Hon. Laura Tucker-Longsworth, MP, Speaker of the Parliament diversity and gender sensitivity; and freedom of information. Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) was chaired by the of Belize who spoke about the experience of utilising the CPA Benchmarks and how the process has assisted with The Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy (CP4D)

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP in his www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . parliamentary reform in Belize. She said: “The CPA Benchmarks panel event brought together Speakers and Deputy Speakers of capacity as current Commonwealth Chair-in-office alongside the provided us with a structure by which we could evaluate our Parliaments, Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff as Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC. well as senior academics and representatives of UN and other

Image: Commonwealth Secretariat. methods of working in Parliament.” Many Commonwealth Parliamentarians including Hon. Dr • Hon. Alexandra Mendès, MP (Canada Federal), CPA Vice- international bodies. The event was opened by Ambassador James Richard Sezibera, MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International leaders through seven decades and concludes: “We commit with Chairperson gave the Canadian experience of using the original Roscoe, Head of Open Societies and Partnerships at the United Cooperation of Rwanda; Hon. Carmelo Abela, MP, Minister for renewed confidence and determination to work towards deepening CPA Benchmarks and the important work of the Public Accounts Kingdom Mission to the United Nations and Mr Martin Chungong, Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion of Malta; and Lord Ahmad of the impact that the connected Commonwealth brings to our world. Committee in providing oversight. The CPA Vice-Chairperson Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth and UN In doing so, we affirm our core principles of consensus and common said: “’Servicing citizens’ is the guiding mantra to carrying out The panel event was held in the margins of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), which attended the meeting. action, mutual respect, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, all oversight work of Public Accounts Committees and Supreme held its annual meeting from 9 to 18 July 2019, ahead of the 74th The Commonwealth Foreign Ministers released an affirmation legitimacy, and responsiveness. Working together with common Audit Institutions.” Session of the UN General Assembly and SDG Summit from 24 th • Hon. Wong Chen, MP (Malaysia) outlined the current state to mark the 70 anniversary of the Commonwealth following the purpose, our determination is to build a better and brighter world for to 25 September 2019 in New York. meeting which draws upon declarations made by Commonwealth the good of all our people.” of parliamentary reform in Malaysia and the role that self- For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

44th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association the Annual General Meeting for the Regional Executive Committee, the 12th Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region discusses the impact of globalisation Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and nationalism on Commonwealth Parliaments Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region and the 15th Caribbean Regional Youth Parliament Debate. and innovate strategies to meet the challenges of the The 15th Caribbean Regional Youth Parliament in Trinidad present and the future and we must, in the context of and Tobago saw young people aged 18-29 years from the climate of the 21st century, make use of available across the region come together to debate and experience technology to communicate to the public what is being parliamentary democracy in action. Caribbean Youth done and how it affects them. This is where the CPA Parliamentarians discussed the global topic of ‘Securing finds its purpose, to advance parliamentary democracy our borders to mitigate the effects of crime whilst observing and strengthen models of governance.” our humanitarian obligations’. The Youth Parliament aims to Hon. Dr Keith Rowley, MP, Prime Minister of Trinidad foster an appreciation and understanding of the rules and and Tobago spoke about the importance of parliamentary procedures of parliament among the youth of the region. oversight in the democratic process and in holding the government to account and said: "In a world of Please turn to page 248 for a report on the 12th CWP Caribbean inequalities and uneven development, the Commonwealth Regional Conference. distinguishes itself as a family of nations which is less preoccupied with structure and hierarchy, and more concerned about performance and connectivity. In this Young people encouraged to play a positive role in democracy by Commonwealth divided world, lies our Association whose membership, Parliamentarians at CPA Roadshow for Young People in Trinidad and Tobago regardless of gender, race, religion or culture, is united by communal interest, respect for the rule of law and the While in Trinidad and Tobago for the 44th CPA pursuit of positive ideals of parliamentary democracy." To Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Regional read the Prime Minster of Trinidad and Tobago’s full speech Conference, the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar at the regional conference please visit www.opm.gov.tt. Khan highlighted the positive role of youth engagement The Trinidad and Tobago Branch of the Commonwealth Senator Hon. Christine Kangaloo, President of the in democracy and Parliament at a CPA Roadshow Parliamentary Association (CPA) has successfully hosted the Senate of Trinidad and Tobago said: “The Parliament of Trinidad for over 120 young people and representatives of th and Tobago is thrilled to host Commonwealth Parliamentarians 44 CPA Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and youth organisations at City Hall in Port of Spain. The at this year’s regional conference. This regional conference the Atlantic (CAA) Region on the theme of ‘Globalisation and CPA Secretary-General spoke about the importance allows us to gather as Parliamentarians to undertake two critical Nationalism: Quo Vadis – Impacts on Commonwealth Parliaments’. of youth engagement in the political process and the The CPA Regional Conference saw over 60 delegates from across exercises – the first to renew and review our relationships with sharing of Commonwealth political values enshrined in the Caribbean participate in the week-long conference from 15 to each other as Parliamentarians and the second to re-address and the Commonwealth Charter, especially with the 60% 19 July 2019 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. redefine our relationship with the outside world, whom we serve.” The CPA Caribbean Regional Conference also focused on The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan said of the main topic of the 2.4 billion population of the Commonwealth who the pressing issues facing the region such as de-globalisation, of the regional conference: “Today we are witnessing the pervasive are aged under 30. climate change and population growth. The regional conference forces of nationalism, perhaps the most prevalent now globally than The CPA Secretary-General accompanied was attended by Speakers, Members of Parliament and guest at any point in the post-war period. The most immediate impact on Members of Parliament to the CPA Roadshow who delegates from across the region and the wider CPA community. Commonwealth Parliaments from the tension between ‘nationalism spoke about their parliamentary roles and encouraging Senator Hon. Christine Kangaloo, President of the Senate and globalisation’ is the persistent feeding of citizen’s political distrust youth involvement in local and international politics. in the institution of Parliament to their daily lives. of Trinidad and Tobago and Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George, Senator Nigel de Freitas, Vice-President of the Senate It is therefore vital for Parliament as an institution and MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and of Trinidad and Tobago spoke of the CPA’s ‘fruitful Parliamentarians as elected representatives to sit up and consider Tobago hosted the regional conference and they were joined at relationship’ with the Commonwealth members of the opening ceremony by Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, how they are going to respond to the serious concerns posed the Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic (CAA) Region and he from youth participants about the best entry points into politics ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Hon. by rising nationalism in opposition to globalisation. In fashioning encouraged the young people to view themselves as the future and LGBT+ rights in the Commonwealth. The final guest speaker Dr Keith Rowley, MP, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; their response, Parliamentarians of all political stripes need to and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary listen carefully and constructively to each other and to citizen’s drivers of development and peace. at the CPA Roadshow was Hon. Dr W. McKeeva Bush, Speaker Association, Mr Akbar Khan. concerns and to take them into account in policy making.” To read Hon. Shamfa Cudjoe, MP, Minister for Sport and Youth Affairs of the Legislative Assembly of Cayman Islands, who has held a the CPA Secretary-General’s speech at the opening of the regional During their opening speeches, the Caribbean leaders in Trinidad and Tobago, encouraged the attendees to become hugely successful Youth Parliament in the Cayman Islands linked www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . underscored the challenges faced by developing states in the region conference please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/sgspeeches. more involved in local politics and spoke of how, although she felt to the islands’ Commonwealth Day youth programme and actively and urged delegates to use the topics selected for discussion to A large number of Caribbean nations and territories were inexperienced when she became the youngest MP in Trinidad and encourages youth participation in local politics. take workable solutions and best practice back to their jurisdictions. represented at the regional conference, including Anguilla, Tobago in 2010, she has since learned that Parliament is not only The CPA Roadshows for Schools and Universities provide an Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, The President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Her for seasoned debaters. The advent of technology, social media and opportunity for young people to learn about the political values of the the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes spoke about the key role of live streaming of Parliament on the local Parliament channel meant Commonwealth such as diversity, development and parliamentary Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Vincent Parliamentarians in the national life of democracies in the region that young people have no excuse to not know what is happening in democracy; to discuss issues of concern about the society in which and how public distrust of Parliamentarians had increased, and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia, and Turks their Legislature. they live; and to find out about the work of the CPA through their making it vital that Parliaments work to increase public trust and Caicos. In addition, the regional conference also included Hon. Shirley Osborne, MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly questions at the sessions. and engagement. The President said: “As small sovereign observers from Wales and Suriname. th developing states, our resources and capacities are limited. The The 44 CPA Regional Conference of the Caribbean, of Montserrat spoke about the CPA’s role in promoting gender challenges we face are manifold and best tackled together by Americas and the Atlantic Region saw several other important equality through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians For more information and resource materials about the CPA Roadshows for countries with a shared heritage. We have to conceive, plan events take place alongside the main conference including (CWP) network and representation for all as she fielded questions young people please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/cparoadshows. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

CPA Trinidad and Tobago Branch and CPA Ontario Branch sign historic twinning Commonwealth Parliamentarians from the CPA Pacific and Australia Regions agreement focus on enhancing parliamentary effectiveness at 50th Presiding Officers and The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Trinidad and Clerks Conference in Queensland Tobago Branch and Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago have signed Commonwealth Parliamentarians from the Pacific and Australia Lindsay Hoyle MP, a historic twinning agreement with the CPA Ontario Branch and Regions of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Canada. The twinning agreement have attended the 50th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference of the United will promote collaboration, cooperation and understanding for (POCC) at the Parliament of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia Kingdom House of the mutual benefit of both Parliaments. Under the terms of this from 8 to 10 July 2019. Commons (please Agreement, the two Commonwealth Parliaments will actively work Hon. Curtis Pitt, MP, Speaker of the Queensland Legislative turn to page 222 towards further developing relations through: Assembly said: “It was a great honour for the Queensland to read a summary Parliament to host the 50th Presiding Officers and Clerks of this keynote). • Exchange of information regarding the work of the two Conference (POCC). Each year, POCC is the annual peak Key topics on event for Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the CPA the agenda for Parliaments and on matters of common interest Australia and CPA Pacific Regions. It is an event where officers of the delegates • Training activities between the Parliaments that promote the various Parliaments learn from each other and we strengthen included the role Image: Parliament of Queensland. parliamentary development the bonds between our respective Parliaments. In Queensland, of a Speaker in determining an Opposition; impressions of a newly • Pursuing research collaborations between Parliaments, we greatly value our membership in the Commonwealth elected Speaker; reviewing and enhancing parliamentary effectiveness; allowing for the exchange of new ideas and perspectives to Parliamentary Association. The Queensland Parliament has and the administration of Parliaments. The delegates at the POCC develop and enhance knowledge strong twinning arrangements with Papua New Guinea and also discussed the CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic • Sharing best practices in the areas of quality assurance and Vanuatu which have both been recently renewed. We were more Legislatures and measuring Parliaments effectiveness against them. management services than happy to roll out the welcome mat for this great occasion to Conference papers revolved around many different themes • Exchange visits between the two Parliaments as a means of ensure the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association fulfils its with presentations delivered by a wide range of speakers. Guest fostering links between Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff purpose in the CPA Australia and CPA Pacific Regions.” speakers at the conference included former Parliamentarian at the • Meetings between representatives of the Parliaments at The annual conference is for Presiding Officers (Speakers) and Victorian Legislative Assembly, Professor Ken Coghill who spoke Images: Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. Clerks from Parliaments from the CPA Pacific and CPA Australia about the CPA Codes of Conduct for MPs. conferences or seminars which they attend. Regions and is hosted by a different Parliament or Legislature There was a diverse range of Parliaments and Legislatures each year with the Queensland Parliament taking up the honour in represented at the conference, with Presiding Officers and The Agreement was signed by the Presiding Officers of the Senate President Kangaloo said that two out of every three 2019. The conference also saw the continuation of the successful Clerks from Australia (both the Federal Parliament and the State Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and Joint Presidents of the CPA immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago to Canada chose to settle in twinning programmes for Parliaments in the two Regions with Legislatures), the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the Cook Trinidad and Tobago Branch - the President of the Senate, Senator the Province of Ontario, with many, if not most, choosing to live in meetings taking place between twinning partners. Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia, New Zealand, Niue, Nauru, Papua New Hon. Christine Kangaloo and the Speaker of the House, Hon. the city of Toronto. In 2012, former Governor-General of Canada, The keynote address for the conference was given by Rt Hon. Sir Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Bridgid Annisette-George, MP - and the Speaker of the Legislative David Johnston had noted that some 100,000 people from Trinidad Assembly of Ontario, Canada and CPA Ontario Branch President, and Tobago live in Canada. Hon. Ted Arnott, MPP (Member of the Provincial Parliament), at the Senate President Kangaloo said that thousands of citizens of CPA Queensland Branch renews its twinning with Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on 20th May 2019. Trinidad and Tobago and Canadians come together to celebrate The Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and CPA Queensland Speaker Arnott noted that the initiative will be centred on the the Caribbean Festival of Caribana in Toronto. "The truth of the Branch President, Hon. Curtis Pitt, MP has renewed twinning principles of "co-operation, collaboration and understanding" and matter, therefore, is that Trinidad and Tobago and the Province of partnership agreements with two Commonwealth Parliaments that the relationship could be tailored, flexible and practical, given Ontario have, in many ways, long been twinned. Today's ceremony in the CPA Pacific Region. The CPA Australia and CPA Pacific Regions have a long tradition of twinning partnerships between the that both jurisdictions are unique. He continued that twinning may mark the twinning of our Legislatures, but the lives and the Australian State Legislatures and Parliaments in the Pacific. In 2007, agreements are ideal vehicles for capacity-building, skills training destinies of our peoples have long been inextricably intertwined and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association established the CPA and the strengthening of parliamentary practice and democracy. inseparably linked," she said. "Our historical and cultural indicators Australia-Pacific twinning programme to foster greater cooperation He said that MPs face a steep learning curve and a demanding assure us that, as we work and live together, this endeavor, like all and support between Parliaments from the CPA Australia Region and Images: Parliament of Queensland. schedule, but often lack formal training for the job concluding those of the past, will surely be immensely successful, and will add CPA Pacific Region. Under this programme, in 2009, the Queensland Parliamentary Service for their generous hospitality during his visit to "twinning agreements can provide forums to develop capabilities." another important dimension to our shared destinies," she added. Parliament and the National Parliament of Vanuatu entered into their Vanuatu and for the support of the Australian High Commissioner to Speaker Annisette-George enumerated past linkages between The twinning ceremony was also attended by the Deputy first twinning arrangement which was recently renewed. The Speaker Vanuatu, Her Excellency Jenny Da Rin as well as the attendance of of the Queensland Parliament and the Speaker of the Parliament of Stephen Andrew, MP (Queensland) and Alickson Vira, MP (Vanuatu) Trinidad and Tobago and Ontario such as the many Trinidadians Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Hon. Rick Nicholls, www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . going to Canada to serve as teachers in the educational system; MPP; the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and CPA Vanuatu, Hon. Esmon Saimon, MP met in Port Vila, Vanuatu to sign a at the signing ceremony and said: “This twinning agreement provides the twinning of the cities of St Catherine's and Port-of-Spain; and Ontario Branch Secretary, Todd Decker; the Vice-President of the new Parliamentary Partnership Agreement. benefits to both Parliaments and the peoples that we serve.” of the partnerships between Brock University and the University of Senate of Trinidad and Tobago, Senator Hon. Nigel de Freitas; the Under that agreement which had since lapsed, the Queensland The CPA Queensland Branch also formalised a twinning and Vanuatu National Parliaments committed to work actively partnership with the Parliament of Papua New Guinea and CPA the West Indies. The Speaker of Trinidad and Tobago pointed out Deputy Speaker of the House at the Parliament of Trinidad and towards developing friendly relations between the two Parliaments Papua New Guinea Branch that was signed in the margins that the two Parliaments recognise they are partners, not clones, Tobago, Hon. Esmond Forde, MP; and the Clerk of the House at the and the respective CPA Branches. A cornerstone of the arrangement of the 50th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference for the and had differences to be respected and tolerated. She saw the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and CPA Trinidad and Tobago has been regular staff exchanges and training activities that CPA Australia and Pacific Regions, held in Queensland. The relationship as a sharing of experiences, skills and expertise to Branch Secretary, Ms Jacqueline Sampson-Meiguel. promote parliamentary development. Since 2009, each Parliament programme helps to foster greater cooperation and support benefit and advance each other. She added that a marriage often has shared learnings about parliamentary procedure including between the Australian and Pacific Parliaments. The Speaker of involves two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other Additional reporting by Paras Ramoutar in Trinidad and Tobago. Committee processes as well as administration relating to security, the Queensland Parliament was joined by the CPA Queensland and said "I commit that the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago information technology, and communications. Branch Secretary and Clerk of the Parliament, Mr Neil Laurie and refuses to give up on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario." The Speaker of the Queensland Parliament thanked the Vanuatu Deputy Clerk, Mr Michael Ries. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

CPA Secretary-General highlights good governance in Parliament and the Parliamentarians in Bermuda aim to strengthen parliamentary democracy at positive role of youth engagement in the Commonwealth on a visit to Belize Commonwealth Parliamentary Association seminar The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has Association, Mr Akbar Khan has highlighted the advances made helped strengthen parliamentary practice and procedure for in establishing good governance and parliamentary democracy by Members of the Parliament of Bermuda with a CPA Parliamentary the National Assembly of Belize during a visit to the CPA Caribbean, Strengthening Seminar from 1 to 2 May 2019. The CPA seminar in Hamilton, Bermuda was held to enable current and recently Americas and Atlantic Region member from 4 to 9 May 2019. elected Parliamentarians to gain a broader understanding of the The CPA Secretary-General was welcomed by the Speaker principles of parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth of the House of Representatives of Belize, Hon. Laura Tucker- and to strengthen their skillsets. Longsworth; and President of the Senate, Senator Hon. The Parliament of Bermuda is made up of thirty-six elected Lee Mark Chang before attending a series of parliamentary Members in the House of Assembly and eleven appointed meetings to discuss the CPA’s programmes for the upskilling of Senators in the Senate. It is located on a small island archipelago Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff and new developments with a population of around 64,000 people that is a self-governing in parliamentary strengthening in the Caribbean Region and in the British Overseas Territory. Bermuda last held transparent, free and wider Commonwealth. fair elections in 2017 with a 73% voter turnout which demonstrated The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belize, Hon. the island’s commitment to the democratic ideals enshrined in the Laura Tucker-Longsworth said: “I am delighted to welcome Commonwealth Charter. The CPA Bermuda Branch is one of the smallest Legislatures in the Secretary-General and his team from the Commonwealth the CPA’s membership of over 180 Commonwealth Parliaments Parliamentary Association to Belize. We are working together and Legislatures. The CPA is the only Commonwealth body that to focus on the need for the Parliament to modernise and evolve works to strengthen small territorial Legislatures in the British to suit these modern times. The support of the Commonwealth Overseas Territories like Bermuda as well as working with larger Parliamentary Association and the benchmarking exercise against national, state and provincial Legislatures. international standards, developed through the CPA, has been The CPA Secretary-General said: “I am delighted to visit Belize The CPA Parliamentary Strengthening Seminar gave invaluable to us.” to launch the CPA Roadshow for young people for the first time Members of the Parliament of Bermuda an excellent opportunity The CPA Secretary-General was received by Rt Hon. Dean O. here and to engage with local students on the values that unite the to learn about parliamentary practice and procedure and to Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize; Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister Commonwealth. The CPA’s public engagement work across the gain a better understanding of the parliamentary system and of Foreign Affairs; and Mrs Kim Simplis Barrow, Special Envoy for Commonwealth and engaging young people in the democratic democratic processes in other Commonwealth jurisdictions. The Women and Children. The CPA Secretary-General also met with process by discussing the importance of the Commonwealth are key seminar was opened by Hon. Dennis Lister, JP, MP, Speaker of the Bermuda House of Assembly; Hon. Senator Mrs Kathy Lynn Ms Cynthia Williams, Executive Director of the National Women’s objectives of the CPA and our visit to Belize has emphasised this.” Simmons, JP, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Commission in Belize to discuss the work of the Commonwealth The National Assembly of Belize is also engaging with the CPA Bermuda; and the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan. Women Parliamentarians (CWP) in promoting equality in Parliament. Headquarters Secretariat in undertaking a self-assessment against Hon. Dennis Lister, JP, MP, Speaker of the Bermuda House The CPA Secretary-General highlighted the positive role of youth the updated CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures in of Assembly and CPA Bermuda Branch President said at the 2006 and the ongoing engagement of the Parliament in this vital engagement in democracy and stressed the importance of gender Legislatures. The CPA is currently implementing activities to “This CPA Parliamentary Strengthening opening of the seminar: parliamentary tool. The Members of the Parliament of Bermuda equality in Parliament at a series of CPA Roadshows for young encourage Commonwealth Parliaments to strive and uphold a Seminar is an example of the many benefits that are available heard from experts from across the Commonwealth at the CPA people aged 11 to 18 at four schools in the capital, Belize City - high standard of parliamentary performance and the utilization of to Parliaments within the Commonwealth. It's the mandate of Parliamentary Strengthening Seminar including: the CPA Small the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to develop, Anglican Cathedral College (ACC); Edward P. Yorke High School; the CPA Benchmarks as a tool to provide Parliaments across the Branches Chairperson, Hon. Angelo Farrugia, MP, Speaker of promote and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify St Catherine Academy; and Wesley College. The CPA Secretary- Commonwealth with assistance to strengthen their capacity to the House of Representatives of Malta; Hon. Shirley Osborne, benchmarks of good governance. We must continue to evolve General was accompanied on the CPA Roadshows by the Speaker adhere to good governance principles. MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Montserrat; Mrs a modern democracy so when future Parliamentarians look of the House of Representatives of Belize, Hon. Laura Tucker- This is part of a wider project, the Commonwealth Partnership Jacqui Sampson-Meiguel, Clerk of the Parliament of Trinidad back at this time, they can clearly see the improvements we are Longsworth and the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Eddie Webster who for Democracy (CP4D), which is being led by Westminster and Tobago; and Mr Paul Belisle, former Clerk of the Senate of making today.” spoke to students about the work of the National Assembly of Belize. Foundation for Democracy (WFD) working with partners including Canada; as well as local Members and officials from Bermuda. “The CPA is pleased The CPA Secretary-General said: Members attended workshop sessions on a wide variety of The CPA Roadshows for Schools and Universities provide an the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the CPA UK to partner with the Parliament of Bermuda to support the opportunity for young people to learn about the political values of the Branch and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF). topics including: the Separation of Power and the relationship strengthening of democratic governance in one of the smallest between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary;

Commonwealth such as diversity, development and parliamentary The Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy was launched www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . Legislatures in our Commonwealth. The CPA Parliamentary Administration and Financing of Parliament; Parliament, democracy; to discuss issues of concern about the society in which during the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Strengthening Seminar demonstrates the CPA’s commitment to Democracy and Civil Society; the role of Members of Parliament, they live; and to find out about the work of the CPA through their (CHOGM) in London, UK and the programme will work with the CPA Small Branches in the Overseas Territories and to the Senators and Backbenchers; Practice and Procedure in the questions at the sessions. The CPA Secretary-General spoke Commonwealth Parliaments including Belize. mutuality of learning among CPA Members. We must always House; Parliamentary Committees; Ethics and Accountability of about the importance of youth engagement in the political process During his visit to Belize, the CPA Secretary-General was also seek opportunities to strengthen Parliament, nurture public trust Members of the Legislature; and Parliament and Social Media: Is and the sharing of Commonwealth political values enshrined in the briefed on the National Referendum that was held in Belize on 8 in the institution and build the capacity of its Parliamentarians it a menace or benefit for Democracy and Parliament? through programmes like this CPA Parliamentary Strengthening Commonwealth Charter, especially with the 60% of the 2.4 billion May 2019 on the question of whether to refer the longstanding legal During his visit to Bermuda, the CPA Secretary-General, Mr Seminar.” Please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/sgspeeches to population of the Commonwealth who are aged under 30. The territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize to the International Akbar Khan also met with the Governor of Bermuda, John Rankin read the full text of the Secretary-General’s opening address. CPA Secretary-General also highlighted the empowerment of all Court of Justice for resolution. CMG and Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, Premier of Bermuda to The CPA Secretary-General also highlighted the work of discuss CPA parliamentary strengthening programmes in the women and girls in the Commonwealth to achieve gender equality the Parliament of Bermuda in developing the original CPA as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 5. For images of the CPA Secretary-General’s visit to Belize please visit www. Commonwealth. cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

Parliamentarians examine the impact of ‘fake news’ and media freedom at 48th Strengthening legislative practices and parliamentary procedures on the agenda CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference in Guernsey at 57th CPA Canada Regional Conference in Nova Scotia Over forty Parliamentarians from more than thirteen Commonwealth Over 60 Commonwealth Parliamentarians from countries and territories met in Guernsey to discuss the impact across the Canada Region recommitted to increasing th of ‘fake news’ and the media challenges for Parliamentarians and parliamentary strengthening at the 57 Commonwealth democracy. The 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Parliamentary Association (CPA) Canada Regional Conference, which took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference, was from 15 to 19 July 2019. Delegates were welcomed to hosted by the States of Guernsey and CPA Guernsey Branch from the CPA Canada Regional Conference by Hon. Kevin 19 to 22 May 2019 in St Peter Port. Parliamentarians discussed the Murphy, Speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislature and impact ‘fake news’ and digital disinformation on media freedoms in CPA Nova Scotia Branch President. the Commonwealth and the importance of quality journalism in the The CPA Canada Regional Conference was attended reporting of Parliamentary proceedings and elections. by Commonwealth Parliamentarians from the federal, The regional conference was opened by the Bailiff of Guernsey provincial and territorial Legislatures of the region as and President of the CPA Guernsey Branch, Sir Richard Collas, well as Parliamentary Clerks who attended workshop Presiding Officer of the States Assembly and Parliamentarians sessions on a wide range of topics including: Legislating were welcomed to the regional conference by Deputy Lyndon Trott, for Children in Care; Carbon Tax and Climate Change; st Chair of the CPA Guernsey Branch. Deputy Trott said: “We are very Forestry Practices for the 21 century and beyond; Representation: Identities, Equalities and Pluralities; the excited to have so many high-quality speakers with us in Guernsey Notwithstanding Clause and Canada’s Rights; Cannabis and we are also pleased that as well as delegates from the CPA Legislation and Administration; the Impact of Negative BIM Region, we have a large number of observers from other parts Campaigning; and Dress Codes in Parliament. of the Commonwealth. It’s a very relevant topic and I think our The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan attended Guernsey meeting will showcase what is best about the CPA.” the 57th CPA Canada Regional Conference and encouraged Guest speakers at the regional conference included Dr Victoria Headquarters Secretariat on preparations for the upcoming 64th Canadian Parliamentarians to learn more about the work of Nash, Senior Policy Fellow and Deputy Director of the Oxford Internet Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) due to take the CPA and the CPA’s programmes for Parliamentarians Institute at Oxford University; Rita Payne, Journalist and President place in Uganda in September 2019. The CPA Small Branches and parliamentary staff and updated Members on the CPA International Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Alexandra Mendès, th MP (Canada Federal); Hon. Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House Emeritus, Commonwealth Journalists Association; Professor Dr Horst Chairperson, Hon. Angelo Farrugia, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of preparations for the 64 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference of Commons at the Parliament of Canada; and Hon. Yasmin Risse, Secretary-General of the German Bundestag; Victoria Schofield, Malta also attended the regional conference. (CPC) due to be held in Uganda in September 2019. The CPA Ratansi, MP, Chair of the Canadian Federal Branch of the CPA. Historian and Contributor to The Round Table: The Commonwealth The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) British Secretary-General spoke about the updated CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures and also thanked Canadian Ahead of the CPA Canada Regional Conference, the Journal of International Affairs; and Doug Wills, Managing Editor of Islands and Mediterranean Region held a meeting of the regional Parliamentarians who have recently represented the CPA Canada Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Canada Regional The Evening Standard and The Independent. Other topics discussed Steering Committee in the margins of the CPA British Islands and Region on the CPA International Executive Committee. Conference took place from 12 to 15 July 2019 in Nova Scotia. Turn to included ‘No-platforming’ which is the practice of preventing someone Mediterranean Regional Conference in Guernsey at which Hon. The CPA Canada Regional Conference was also attended by page 249 for a full report of the CWP Canada Regional Conference. from discussing their ideas by refusing them a platform either physically Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods, MP (United Kingdom) was elected at an event or online via a website or social media. as the new CWP Steering Committee BIM Member, before she Delegates also heard presentations on the CPA Headquarters reported back to the delegates on CWP activities for the region. The CPA Rwanda Branch welcomes new Members Secretariat’s roll-out to CPA Branches of self-assessment against regional conference also incorporated the CPA BIM Region’s Annual The CPA Rwanda Branch has held its General Assembly and has forge the best way the updated CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic General Meeting and a reception at Government House, Guernsey. welcomed 25 new Members into the association and elected new to promote the Legislatures and the CPA UK Branch’s work on Commonwealth For feature articles by guest speakers at the CPA British Islands and Members to Officer positions. Hon. Valens Muhakwa, MP was CPA’s fundamental Election Observations. They were also briefed by the CPA Mediterranean Regional Conference please turn to pages 232-237. elected the Vice-Chairperson of the Rwanda Branch and Hon. values which Pie Niyezimana, MP and Hon. Emma Furaha Rubagumya, MP include human were elected new members of the Branch’s Executive Committee. rights, international CPA UK seminar brings together key actors in fight against modern slavery Speaking at the CPA meeting that took place in the Parliament peace, rule of A seminar for Commonwealth Parliamentarians and legislative Uganda Member of Parliament, Hon. Herbert Ariko, who has of Rwanda, the CPA Rwanda Chairperson, Hon. Marguerite law, alleviation of drafters has taken place at the Parliament of the United Kingdom from recently introduced an anti-slavery Private Member’s Bill, said: Nyagahura, MP said that since its admission to the Commonwealth poverty, equal rights and representation for all citizens. She said: 26-29 March 2019, hosted by the CPA UK Branch. Organised as “The CPA UK Modern Slavery Project has helped mobilise, create Parliamentary Association in 2011, the Parliament of Rwanda and “Our country remains full committed to implementing all those

part of the CPA UK Branch’s Modern Slavery Project, the seminar awareness and support efforts to expose the vice of slavery in CPA Rwanda Branch has been very active and played an important fundamental principles of CPA. Our government also ensures www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . drew together some of the leading lawyers and practitioners working the Commonwealth. We are privileged and honoured to be a key role in CPA activities. She said that CPA Rwanda has been good governance through transparency and accountability. Since to bring an end to modern slavery-related crimes. In attendance were partner in this effort.” represented in many different meetings, seminars and conferences, the Parliament of Rwanda joined the CPA, Members of Parliament Parliamentarians at the forefront of reviewing and amending legislation Legislatures and has contributed to sharing Rwanda’s experiences and furnishing have played a vital role in terms of parliamentary diplomacy and and raising awareness of these issues in their constituencies. represented at the new Members of Parliament with information on the Commonwealth closer political cooperation through different regional, continental The Legislative Drafting Seminar aimed to deepen Parliamentarians’ Legislative Drafting in general and the processes, procedures and practices of the and global conferences, seminars and workshops.” knowledge of international standards and new developments in Seminar included CPA, in particular. She reiterated Rwanda’s preparedness for Under the CPA meetings in Rwanda, different presentations modern slavery and human trafficking law. It also examined how the Bangladesh, Canada, the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and discussions were made, all revolving around the functions process of passing legislation can be used to ensure it is effective, Ghana, Hong Kong, (CHOGM) scheduled to take place in Kigali on 2020. and practices of the body and the Rwanda’s objectives in joining drawing on lessons learnt from the UK Modern Slavery Act and other Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, In her remarks while opening the conference, the Speaker of the Association. Made up of Parliamentarians in the Chamber of legislation from around the world. Parliamentarians also spoke about Nigeria, Pakistan, Turks the Chamber of Deputies at the Parliament of Rwanda and CPA Deputies and the Senate of Rwanda, the CPA Rwanda Branch is introducing anti-trafficking legislative amendments and Bills that & Caicos Islands, Rwanda Branch President, Rt Hon. Mukabalisa Donatille said that one of the CPA Africa Region’s members. address modern slavery-related crimes. Uganda and the UK. under such meetings, Members are able to think together and For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association workshop for the Parliament of Zambia 5th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Asia Regional Conference highlights focuses on Parliaments’ role in the scrutiny of international treaties and agreements Parliaments’ role in envisaging a diverse and developed South Asia

Parliamentarians from the Parliament of Zambia have benefited from a successful two-day workshop on the role of Parliament in ratifying international treaties and agreements, hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Zambia Branch from 19 to 20 June 2019, and part-funded by the CPA Headquarters Secretariat through its Technical Assistance Programme. The substance of the CPA workshop revolved around the new oversight duty that the Parliament of Zambia was given in the new Constitution of Zambia in 2016: to approve international agreements and treaties before they are acceded to or ratified. Many Parliaments around the The CPA Pakistan Branch and the National Assembly of Pakistan interconnect and in order to leave no-one behind it is important that world play different roles when it comes to the ratification have successfully hosted the 5th CPA Asia Regional Conference on we achieve each goal and target by joint priorities.” of international treaties and there are several examples of the theme of ‘Envisioning Parliamentary Paths towards a Diverse and Members also discussed a wide range of topics including: The Commonwealth Parliaments who have this oversight role Developed South Asia’. The CPA Asia Regional Conference saw Challenges for Poverty Eradication in South Asia; The Sustainable including the United Kingdom and Australia. delegates from the CPA Pakistan Branch and from the Provincial Development Agenda and priorities of the States in the Region; In Zambia, Parliamentarians were welcomed to Assemblies of Pakistan as well as from Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Parliamentary Oversight and Sustainable Development Agenda. the Workshop on the Role of Parliaments in Ratifying Uganda, Malaysia and the United Kingdom participate in the regional A seminar for the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians held at International Treaties and Agreements by the First Deputy conference from 29 July to 2 August 2019 in Islamabad. the regional conference discussed the challenges and impediments Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Hon. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, against women in politics in the region. The Speaker of the National opened the 5th CPA Asia Regional Conference and was received by Catherine Namugala, MP and the Clerk of the National Assembly of Pakistan and the CPA Chairperson joined delegates the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan and CPA Pakistan led by Munaza Hassan, MNA, Secretary of the Pakistan Women’s Assembly of Zambia, Mrs Cecilia Mbewe. Branch President, Hon. Asad Qaiser; the Deputy Speaker of the Parliamentary Caucus to discuss a wide range of issues including the The First Deputy Speaker said that the attendance National Assembly of Pakistan, Hon. Qasim Khan Suri; and Hon. Dr male dominant party structures; general seats versus reserved seats of Members of the Zambia National Assembly at the Fehmida Mirza, Federal Minister of Pakistan and CPA Asia Regional for women; and prioritising women's issues as national issues. Please workshop demonstrated their commitment to the values of the Mbulakulima, MP; CPA International Executive Committee Member Representative on the CPA International Executive Committee. turn to page 251 for a report of the CWP Asia Regional Seminar. Commonwealth and thanked the CPA Headquarters Secretariat for Central Africa Sub-Region, Hon. Lazarous Chungu Bwalya, MP; The Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan said: "It is The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan, attended the CPA for its financial support for the workshop. The First Deputy Speaker together with Cabinet and Provincial Ministers and Members of the indeed a matter of great honour for me to have distinguished guests Asia Regional Conference and chaired a youth roundtable event with also said that the workshop gives Members an opportunity to gain Executive Committee of the CPA Zambia Branch. and colleagues from the Commonwealth fraternity in our midst young MPs and youth delegates from the Young Parliamentarians a greater understanding of Parliament’s role in ratifying international Members at the workshop heard from Apolat Esther Freda, at the 5th CPA Asia Regional Conference. I would like to thank Forum (YPF) of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The youth treaties and agreements, and demonstrates the significant role that Senior Legal Counsel at the Parliament of Uganda who also Parliamentary delegations from Sri Lanka, guests from the UK, roundtable focused on the topic of ‘Making Democracy Relevant; Parliaments and Parliamentarians play in national decision-making, attended the workshop to demonstrate how international treaties Malaysia, Cameroon and Uganda and all participating CPA Branches Why is it Important to Recognize Young Voices?’ and discussed a from the Provincial Legislatures of Pakistan for coming together for especially where the distinction between national and international and agreements are reviewed and approved in the Uganda wide range of issues affecting young people, including the role of this regional conference and reaffirming our commitment to the youth in inclusive democracy; youth movements and platforms as a decision-making is slowly fading, with many public matters being Parliament. The workshop also heard from experts at the University strengthening of democracy. Pakistan deeply values the common stepping stone to Parliament; opening up politics and Parliament settled by means of international law and practice. of Zambia School of Law and the Zambia Ministries of Foreign bond which binds us together – the bond of the Commonwealth - to young people; young Parliamentarians’ strategies to advance In response, the CPA Headquarters Director of Operations, Affairs and of Justice. and it is with utmost conviction that I express the hope of continuing common peace and prosperity. The CPA has long championed Mr Jarvis Matiya, delivering the remarks of the CPA Secretary- The CPA Workshop on the Role of Parliaments in Ratifying collaborative synergy between the National Legislature of Pakistan the inclusion of young people in the democratic process and in General, Mr Akbar Khan, said: “The CPA firmly believes in the International Treaties and Agreements was delivered as part of a and the CPA Asia Region Branches. Pakistan strongly believes in promoting Commonwealth values through its CPA Roadshows and benefits of ‘peer to peer’ learning to maximise the development CPA Technical Assistance Programme for the Parliament of Zambia the promise of multilateralism. States can achieve more together than the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. of Parliamentarians and the broader parliamentary community. and the programme follows the delivery of a successful CPA Post they can individually. The more we cooperate the more the space for In the sidelines of the regional conference, the CPA Secretary- It is in this spirit of mutual learning and partnership that this Election Seminar for the Parliament of Zambia in November 2016. unilateral action is reduced.” General held meetings with both the Speaker of the National Assembly The regional conference was attended by the CPA President of Pakistan, Hon. Asad Qaiser; and Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, CPA

workshop takes place with the support and presence of the highly The CPA Technical Assistance Programmes offer a wide range www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . experienced and dedicated resource persons sourced by the of different support and expertise to the CPA’s Member Parliaments Designate, Rt Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga, MP, Speaker of the Asia Regional Representative on the CPA International Executive Parliament of Uganda; the Chairperson of CPA International Parliament of Zambia. We at the CPA understand that democracy including self-assessment against the CPA’s Recommended Committee, to discuss matters of the CPA Pakistan Branch. Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Lifaka, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Delegation heads at the CPA Asia Regional Conference included: is a continuously developing concept that requires nurturing. Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures; and training and support National Assembly of Cameroon; and the Commonwealth Women Hon. J. M. Ananda Kumarasiri, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament We recognise that no single country or Parliament can provide a for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff in many different Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson, Hon. Dr Dato’ Noraini Ahmad, of Sri Lanka; Hon. Parvez Elahi, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly; source of best practice in all areas of governance but believe that aspects of Parliament. MP, (Malaysia). The CPA Chairperson, Hon. Emilia Lifaka highlighted Ho. Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa all Parliaments can be sources of vital transformation and influence the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a key priority for Assembly; Hon. Sardar Barbar Khan Musakhel, Deputy Speaker of regardless of how young, old, big or small they are.” For further information about the funding, assistance and workshops all Commonwealth Parliamentarians at the opening of the regional the Baluchistan Assembly; Hon. Ms Rehana Laghari, Deputy Speaker Also attending the CPA workshop were: the Vice-Chairperson of available through the CPA Technical Assistance Programme, please conference: “We can achieve our common goals by prioritising the of the Sindh Assembly; and Lord Jeremy Purvis, Member of the UK the Executive Committee of the CPA Africa Region, Hon. Mwansa contact the CPA Headquarters Secretariat [email protected]. betterment of our respective societies and by using the Sustainable House of Lords, representing the CPA UK Branch. The 5th CPA Asia Development Goals as a blueprint. The SDGs address the global Regional Conference also saw a meeting of the CPA Asia Regional challenges that we face including those facing poverty, inequality, Executive Committee and a meeting of the CPA Asia Region Branch climate change, prosperity, peace and justice. These goals Secretaries that took place in the margins of the main conference. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

Holyrood 20th anniversary: The Queen speaks of the Scottish Parliament engaging Erskine May: ‘Bible’ of parliamentary procedure made freely available to all in people in democracy historic first

To mark its 20th anniversary in 2019, Her The 25th edition of Erskine May, the authoritative Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Patron of the text on parliamentary law and practice, has been Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, published online, becoming the first edition to be accompanied by HRH The Prince Charles, publicly available and free to use, with a navigable, Duke of Rothesay, visited the Scottish searchable and accessible version hosted on the UK Parliament in Edinburgh on 29 June 2019. Parliament website. Previous editions have only been available for purchase as a hard copy book. The Queen was received by Rt Hon. Kenneth The publication of Erskine May online is part Mackintosh, MSP, Presiding Officer of the of a range of efforts by the UK Parliament to make Scottish Parliament and CPA Scotland Images: copyright The Scottish Parliament. parliamentary proceedings more accessible and Branch President and by Rt Hon. Nicola open. In recent months, the UK House of Commons Sturgeon, MSP, First Minister of Scotland. has launched an innovative Guide to Procedure and The Queen addressed Members of the set-up a ground-breaking Centre of Excellence for Scottish Parliament and said: “Twenty years Procedural Practice. on, this chamber continues to be at the centre The online version of Erskine May will be textually of Scottish public life, as an important forum identical to the print version in the first instance, to engage and unite diverse communities although periodic updates may be made to the online The Clerk of the UK House of Commons, Dr John Benger and also a home for passionate debate text. These updates will be done as transparently as possible so that users can tell where and when changes have added: “Erskine May is the most authoritative and influential and discussion. Through new initiatives been made. work on parliamentary procedure and constitutional conventions you continue to strive to be responsive and Rather than being a set of rules, Erskine May is a description of affecting Parliament. Its reach stretches beyond the confines accountable to the people you serve, and how procedure in the UK House of Commons and House of Lords of the Parliamentary Estate and attracts wide public interest to engage and involve those who might not has evolved and the conventions that apply. The book is widely as a source of information and is also influential in many other otherwise participate in political debate.” used by Commonwealth Parliaments across the world and many countries. The digital version will maintain the iconic status of Also listening in the chamber were young Legislatures that are based on the ‘Westminster’ model. Erskine May whilst opening up parliamentary practice to a wider people who were born on the day the Scottish Parliament was 1997. It initially sat at the General Assembly in Edinburgh before The latest edition of Erskine May includes details of the many audience, something that is all the more important at this time of th such great constitutional and procedural turbulence. I would like convened on 1 July 1999, who are now aged twenty. moving to its purpose-built home at Holyrood in 2004. The Queen changes that have occurred since the 24 edition was published to pay tribute to all staff of the House, past and present, as well The Presiding Officer welcomed Her Majesty and His Royal was last in the landmark building in July 2016, marking the opening in 2011. In addition to being made available online, the hard-copy version of Erskine May will still be published on behalf of the as all those at LexisNexis who have worked so hard to make this Highness and addressed the young people in the chamber: “And of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament. possible”. I want to say a special welcome to our young guests. Your families Erskine May Memorial Trust by LexisNexis, who will also publish a digital version in their online library. The first edition of Erskine May was published in 1844, with are watching on – beaming with pride and pleasure at who you are, To mark the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon. Ken The Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. John new editions published approximately every six or seven years. Its what you have already achieved and the promise of what is yet to Macintosh, MSP, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and Bercow, MP commented: “Parliamentary practice and procedure full title is 'A treatise on the law, privileges, proceedings and usage come. I want to let you know that you carry with you all our dreams, CPA Scotland Branch President, reflected on democracy and political does not exist in a vacuum. It is in fact the lifeblood of the day to of Parliament', but it is referred to as Erskine May after its original all our ambitions and all our hopes for the future. You have grown participation in Scotland as the Parliament reached this milestone day work of Members, as recent months have starkly brought in author Sir Thomas Erskine May, who was a Clerk of the House of in self-confidence over the past two decades, just as this place has anniversary in The Parliamentarian 2019: Issue Two. To access this issue to focus. All too often parliamentary rules are seen as a Byzantine Commons between 1871 and 1886. grown into a self-confident institution. And just as your families of The Parliamentarian please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/parliamentarian mystery, only understood by a select few. Therefore I am delighted have been there for you, so I hope this Parliament is now here to and click on 'archived issues'. that Erskine May, the venerable 'bible' of parliamentary procedures, To access Erskine May online please visit https://erskinemay.parliament.uk. help you along the way.” is to be made freely available to all, to help people develop a wider Scotland’s First Minister said that Members of the understanding of how their elected representatives work.” Scottish Parliament were "united by our desire to do our best for the people” while the Scottish Conservatives Leader, Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from CPA Sri Lanka Branch benefit from Ruth Davidson, MSP said that Holyrood was "knitted into the

fabric of our society", adding that "there is consensus that as Committee Strengthening Programme at Westminster through CP4D project www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . a process, devolution has made our country stronger." As part of the Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy (CP4D), The Queen was preceded into the chamber by the mace the CPA UK Branch and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Crown of Scotland, while a fanfare was played by the welcomed a delegation from the CPA Sri Lanka Branch and the brass ensemble from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Parliament of Sri Lanka to the UK Parliament for a work programme As the Queen departed, the Scottish Parliament’s Piper and for Members and Clerks to provide support for Parliamentary CPA Executive Committee Member, Stuart McMillan, MSP Committees in the public aspects of Committee work including Committee effectiveness, outreach and communications. The Sri played traditional music including ‘A Man's a Man for a' That’ Lanka delegation heard from a number of UK Parliamentarians by Robert Burns. including Tom Tugendhat, MP, Chair of the UK Foreign Affairs The 'modern' Scottish Parliament was established two Select Committee; David Hanson, MP; Baroness Barker; Kerry years after Scotland voted for devolution in a referendum in McCarthy, MP; and Baroness Anelay, Chair of the UK House of Lords International Relations Select Committee. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

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the Constitution Act, 1986; the FIT-FOR-PURPOSE PARLIAMENT: REVIEWING AND State Sector Act, 1988; the Public Finance Act, 1989; and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, 1990, ENHANCING PARLIAMENTARY EFFECTIVENESS and commenced the process of

electoral reform that resulted in Image: Parliament of New Zealand. the shift to MMP (Mixed Member A case study of the Parliament of New Zealand. Proportional). As well as promoting a new Parliamentary Service Act to reduce Executive control over the administration of parliamentary The strength and vitality of the the Governor-General, and to But we don’t cling onto resources, the New Zealand institution of Parliament is the lay claim to the privileges of the traditions that have lost their Government instigated a review responsibility of every person in this House. I expect that a similar relevance. While in claiming of the Standing Orders that room. Every Presiding Officer must ceremony takes place in many of the privileges of the House we resulted in radical changes, such uphold the important traditions that your Parliaments too. The claim continue a tradition that can be as the current structure of multi- underpin the Parliament’s enduring of the Speaker’s right to attend traced to the time of Henry IV, functional Select Committees that independence and constitutional on the Sovereign, and to expect other less helpful practices from can initiate their own inquiries, standing, while also ensuring the ‘most favourable construction’ that era dropped away long ago. and the curtailment of the that Parliament remains relevant, on the House’s proceedings, is a Parliament hasn’t recently deposed Government’s ability to throw the effective, and fit-for-purpose. custom that appears to go back as a monarch, rotten boroughs are House into urgent sittings lasting Each Clerk advises the Presiding far as the reign of Henry IV, at the a thing of the past, and we even through the night. Rt Hon. Trevor Officer both about the important beginning of the 1400s, and firm allow people to watch debates in Regular reviews of the Mallard, MP is traditions and about the need for records show it occurring in 1523. the House if they want. Standing Orders followed, at the Speaker of the change. This paper champions the So, Speakers have been claiming For many public viewers, the instigation of successive the tendency for the review of motions to suspend the Standing to limit the ‘prolix speech’ of process through which Parliament the House’s privileges for at Parliament can seem Governments, but it wasn’t until Standing Orders to be quite a Orders, so the Government is Members. But Members were still New Zealand House reviews and improves its own least 600 years, probably longer. anachronistic, and few would 2003 that the Standing Orders conservative process. We treat the deterred from shifting the goal- conscious that change should of Representatives effectiveness, and urges you to In particular, the claim of free argue that this institution sits Committee was itself mentioned Standing Orders as constitutional posts to progress particular not be imposed arbitrarily by (52nd Parliament) and ensure such a process occurs in speech was the focus of ongoing at the cutting edge of society. in the Standing Orders. Now the rules, as they fundamentally business. Accordingly, decisions the majority, and maintained a the CPA New Zealand your jurisdiction. tension between the Crown and Yet the choice is there for each cycle of regular review is well influence the exercise of to suspend Standing Orders bipartisan approach. The last time I will start by discussing the Parliament over many years, House to decide whether it will embedded. Like Australia, we legislative power. This attitude has to adjust how the House deals a major procedural change was Branch President. He balance between tradition and culminating in 1641, when King proactively review and update its have a three-yearly electoral cycle, given rise to the convention that with particular business are made against strong opposition was first elected as innovation, and the need for Charles I entered the UK House procedures, or whether it will wait which is very short by international the Standing Orders Committee is usually taken only by unanimous was in 1931, when Prime Minister an MP in 1984, more regular review and reform. In of Commons with an armed to be dragged reluctantly into standards, and so the effect is that chaired by the Speaker, and that agreement, and motions to do so George Forbes engineered the recently as a list MP doing so, I will advocate for the escort and attempted to arrest five the present for fear of becoming the review of Standing Orders in it does not impose parliamentary by majority are rare. adoption of a closure motion importance of the Standing members for treason. This gives completely irrelevant. If the each parliamentary term occurs changes by a bare majority. This aversion to taking a procedure to curtail debate, but and previously as an Orders as constitutional rules rise to the strong parliamentary institution of Parliament loses its quite frequently. The Committee tends not majoritarian approach to the even then this was only after electorate MP for the that should be amended only convention that neither the relevance and its responsiveness In terms of the timing of the to decide matters by a vote House’s rules goes back a a deal that had been carefully Hutt South, Pencarrow with broad support. I will talk Sovereign nor their representative to the people, it starts to squander review, it usually takes place in in the normal sense; instead long way. For many years after brokered in the Standing Orders and Hamilton West about what it means to review enters the Chamber of the House. its legitimacy too. the latter half of the parliamentary the Committee seeks to find the House was established in Committee fell over. As an the Standing Orders so that These venerable traditions term, with any resulting a package of recommended 1854, a quorum of two-thirds interesting twist, in 1985 when electorates. He was Parliament is more effective, might seem quaint, but they Regular cycle of review amendments to the Standing amendments that enjoys the of all Members was needed to changes to the Standing Orders an Assistant Speaker and will explain how the process go to the heart of the House’s In New Zealand, we fortunately Orders being adopted with effect support of an overwhelming amend the Standing Orders, but were sought to address Muldoon- in the 51st Parliament works in New Zealand. Finally, I constitutional status as an have developed the practice of from the opening of the next majority of Members across the this meant there was hardly any style Executive domination of (2014 to 2017) and the will give a sense of the issues I will autonomous, representative reviewing the Standing Orders Parliament. This timing helps to House. Parties might not like some meaningful change as Members the House, Rob Muldoon himself raise, following limited preliminary institution. They have been during each term of Parliament. moderate the process: parties will changes, but still accept them if could block disagreeable was the leading Opposition Shadow Leader of the consultation, when we undertake retained so as to convey the This wasn’t always the case: not benefit immediately from the they are balanced by others. proposals by walking out the door. Member on the Standing Orders House (2013 to 2014). our next review of the Standing important historical basis of for large swathes of the 20th proposed rule changes, and are That’s the key: the review Through this means, they clung Committee. In his speech to Orders later this year. Parliament, which underpins the century, the Standing Orders wary of shifting the balance too of Standing Orders generally onto archaic debating rules that the House on the proposals, he House’s day-to-day operations. stayed pretty static. However, in much, in case they wind up on the involves the process of changing meant it was easy to filibuster wholeheartedly endorsed the Retain the traditions that There are many more traditions 1985, the Labour Government other side of the House as a result and updating the rules while legislation into a dysfunctional amendments. matter… but stay relevant of this sort, from the symbolism included parliamentary reform of the election. properly balancing the interests of gridlock. In 1894, by sheer force So, the regular cycle of review When the New Zealand of the Mace, to the role of the along with its broader sweep Government, Opposition, and non- of personality, Premier Richard means that the constitutional Parliament is opened after each Leader of the Opposition, to the of constitutional change that Overwhelming cross-party aligned parties - and ensuring the Seddon pushed the House into importance of the Standing general election, the first action deliberative discipline of debating responded to the Executive- support interests of Parliament itself are removing the need for a two-thirds Orders is recognised by adopting of the Speaker-elect is to seek a Bill and testing the House’s dominated years under Sir Robert This short review cycle is a good protected. Moreover, the House quorum, so that he could promote a consensus-based approach, confirmation in the role from support for it three times over. Muldoon. These reforms gave us thing, because it counter balances has imposed requirements on Standing Orders amendments but important changes still occur

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over time. While it is sometimes over time can result in significant is outdated because these sets participants in parliamentary the Chamber’s layout and rules possible to achieve major changes shifts to procedure. Adopting of amendments have not been processes. This submission is A Select Committee meets at the Parliament of New Zealand. about access to the floor of at the first attempt, they can also a cycle of this sort is a far more published as ‘supplements’ to the heard in public, for the sake of the House meant that advisers come about by socialising ideas effective approach to managing Order Paper for several decades. transparency, after which the present to assist the Minister on and innovations over time. For parliamentary rules, rather than It would be much more accessible Clerk takes up the role of principal policy, technical and legal matters example, the Clerk of the House reactive ad hoc updates, or simply to refer instead to an policy adviser to the Standing Image: Parliament of New Zealand. could be inside the Chamber but proposed the introduction of the suspension of rules when ‘amendment paper’. Orders Committee. could not step down onto the online parliamentary petitions in they become inconvenient or Reducing such jargon was While the Clerk’s submission to floor of the House to speak to the 2011, and eventually convinced unworkable. considered but not pursued in the Standing Orders Committee Minister seated at the Table. This the House to adopt rules to The CPA benchmarks our 2017 review. Members have often contains imaginative ideas resulted in the awkward situation enable them, on a trial basis, in themselves provide a an understandable respect for for improving the House’s practice, of advisers leaning perilously 2018. Now e-petitions are a well- helpful toolkit for testing the parliamentary terms, and can be on a less exciting level the Clerk over to pass notes to the Minister, used and prominent feature of the parliamentary warrant of reluctant to change them. This also draws the Committee’s or the Minister having to lean Parliament website, and they are fitness. While some of the CPA is one of those areas where it is attention to legislative changes haphazardly back to confer (the certain to be written permanently benchmarks might not be readily indeed important to consider the that require incorporation into the Minister in charge of a Bill should into the Standing Orders next applicable to every parliamentary basis underpinning traditional Standing Orders. For example, remain at the Table when the Bill year. This use of temporary rules context, they still provide some ways of doing things, so we there is currently a Legislation is being considered, or otherwise to try out new things is a great way prompts for questioning the understand the significance of Bill before the House that should leave the Chamber). The to get members on board with adequacy of current procedures. change. But we should not be will, if passed, require some Clerk brought this matter to the new initiatives. From the New Zealand afraid to examine closely any consequential amendments to the attention of the Standing Orders perspective, not every benchmark jargon that acts as a barrier to Standing Orders, because the Bill Committee in 2017, and proposed CPA Benchmarks recommend is relevant, but others give real people engaging with Parliament. amends provisions in the law that that the rules governing admission regular reviews to enhance food for thought. I am looking forward to engaging give legal effect to some of the to the Chamber be reviewed to parliamentary rules in that process afresh when the House’s decisions. and transparency of parliamentary Members and the public - when also be new opportunities to provide for easier communication This conference is a great Updating parliamentary next review gets under way. Principally this relates to processes, and to engage the a livestream is not working or obtain information and feedback between the Member in charge of opportunity to promote the language the House’s ability to disallow public with the work of Parliament. a Committee has decided not from the public, aside from the a Bill and advisers. importance of regularly reviewing For example, a benchmark that Drivers of change regulations. The whole basis for To this end, we need to be open to to stream a hearing (say, for normal submissions process. On On becoming Speaker at parliamentary rules, and it is also is related to the one I mentioned It is really important, though, to publishing and bringing regulations exploring new technologies and individual privacy reasons), it is the other hand, improvements the start of this parliamentary excellent that the Commonwealth above, and which I think our make sure reviews of procedure into effect is being reformed, their application in the parliamentary interesting how promptly the could be made so it is easier term, I was pleased to rewrite Parliamentary Association Parliament could improve on, is aren’t just about adjusting the so that they generally will take context. However, the adoption Office of the Clerk will receive to access footage on-demand the Chamber rules so advisers (CPA) recently adopted this benchmark 2.1.6. This reads as words. There are numerous effect only when published and of technological innovations has complaints about the absence of than is currently the case when can step onto the floor to provide as one of its indicators of good follows: The Legislature’s rules, factors that drive changes to made accessible to the public. a flow-on effect, requiring the a service that was not available at using the Facebook platform. advice to the Minister at the Table. parliamentary practice, as set procedures and practice shall be Parliament’s ways and methods. Besides which, the terminology examination of parliamentary rules all until a couple of years ago. The House needs to be flexible This small and simple change out in the CPA Recommended accessible to Members and to the Legislative, societal and for regulations is being simplified: to ensure they reflect the new ways This practice has been enough to make the most of these has made a huge difference as Benchmarks for Democratic public. political changes, technological we will no longer be lumbered of doing things. implemented without requiring engagement opportunities. advisers are now better able to Legislatures. These benchmarks While our Standing Orders are developments and evolving with such terms as ‘legislative In 2013, the New Zealand immediate changes to the fulfil their roles in the Committee set a minimum standard for how a publicly available and searchable practices can all prompt changes instruments’, ‘disallowable Parliament launched a successful Standing Orders. However, rules Small changes, big difference of the Whole House stage, Parliament should be constituted via the New Zealand Parliament to the Standing Orders. The typical instruments’ and - get this – pilot to webcast Select Committee around broadcasting, records and While reviews can sometimes lead so advice can be provided to and how it should function. All website, accessibility is not just process of a review of Standing ‘disallowable instruments that are hearings. The Standing Orders Select Committee procedures to significant reform, small and Ministers who wish to engage in Parliaments and Legislatures of about availability. Non-experts Orders resembles that for a Select not legislative instruments’. All Committee observed in 2014 will need to be reviewed in 2020 gradual changes can make a big debate on the provisions of Bills. the CPA should be aware of the should be able to locate, read Committee inquiry, including an of these forms of law will simply that the pilot had increased the to ensure that this development difference too. During the most Another small but significant benchmarks and consider their and understand the rules and open call for public submissions. be referred to as ‘secondary accessibility and transparency is reflected in the practices and recent review, during the last term change this parliamentary term application and implementation how they apply. Currently some This provides a unique opportunity legislation’. This is much simpler, of parliamentary processes, procedures of the House. As of Parliament, there was a focus has been the granting of access within their jurisdictions. of the language used in our for Members, non-government but it does have implications for and that a full roll-out should the most cost-effective means on the involvement of responsible to the Chamber lobbies to the When the CPA held a Standing Orders is opaque. New organisations and the general the way the House deals with such occur. The Office of the Clerk for livestreaming was through Ministers in the Committee of the caregivers of Members’ children. conference to revise the Members can find it a steep public to have a say on any law in its rules. The Clerk noted was unsuccessful, however, in Facebook Live, each Select Whole House debate, answering In the New Zealand Parliament, benchmarks in 2018, the learning curve to get their heads aspects of parliamentary practice. these changes in his submission its Budget bid for the financial Committee now has a separate questions raised by Members infants of Members are not New Zealand delegation around the Standing Orders and It means that the public can on the Legislation Bill, and once provision necessary for full Facebook identity. This has often on the technical detail or regarded as ‘strangers’ in the promoted the inclusion of parliamentary jargon. put forward ideas for making the Bill passes, the Bill’s provisions implementation of webcasting, resulted in comments being drafting of the Bill. As Assistant House, and Members can feed, what is now benchmark 2.1.3, During the next review, Parliament better. will be reflected in his submission and the trial ended in 2015. posted by the public on these Speaker at time, I was keen to hold and comfort babies in the which recommends that: The I would like to look at ways One person who always to the committee on the review of However, in 2017, the availability Facebook pages, including encourage such engagement Chamber. However, the issue Legislature’s rules, procedures to make some of the more makes a submission is the Clerk Standing Orders. of more affordable technologies comments about hearings as they across the Table about the detail arose about how to ‘deliver’ and practice shall be reviewed mysterious parliamentary terms of the House. The Clerk tends to enabled the Office of the Clerk are taking place. Aside from the and meaning of legislation. an infant to a Member without regularly to enhance parliamentary more accessible. An example is make an extensive submission, Technology and new to implement a phased roll- moderation required for these Ministers, who participated the Member having to leave effectiveness and relevance. the term ‘Supplementary Order suggesting improvements that opportunities out of livestreaming of public comments, the question arises actively and constructively in the Chamber. Non-member A cycle of regular review Paper’, which means a published arise from the experience of A driver of change that feels more Select Committee hearings. about their status, and whether this way, almost always found caregivers were not able to allows for incremental updates to set of amendments. The term is the Clerk and his or her staff as energising is the need to stay Livestreaming has quickly the comments themselves form the legislation proceeded more enter the Chamber or even the way the House operates and impenetrable for most people, and advisers, close observers and relevant, to promote accessibility become an expectation of part of proceedings. There may smoothly as a result. However, the Chamber lobbies to meet

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Left: The Speaker of the whips or spokespeople of other Promote family-friendly Standing Orders have included a appointments from party lists as Parliament of New Zealand parties. To find a consensus, there initiatives provision for the Speaker to grant they stood at the most recent (back row), together with is necessarily a process of give As you all know parliamentary Members permission to be absent general election (which is the Members of Parliament and and take by Members around the life poses unique challenges, without affecting the proxy vote method used for filling list-seat parliamentary staff, visit a table to find a balanced package particularly for Members’ families, limit for parties. This has been an vacancies). While the Standing

Image: Parliament of New Zealand. school in Dunedin in the South of proposals. with long hours, extended periods extremely positive development, Orders Committee could not Island as part of Parliament’s The role of the Chairperson away from home and increased allowing Members to take periods effect such a change through the Outreach Programmes. is key to all this. For the process public profile placing pressure on of absence akin to parental leave. House’s rules, it could bring this to be successful, the Committee family life. While some of these During the current parliamentary matter to the House’s attention the appropriation of public money needs a reasonable programme challenges, like the increased term, a number of Members have in the form of a recommendation to run the State and implement its so there is time to consider profile that comes with public welcomed new children into their addressed to the Government. priorities, the Opposition needs proposals thoughtfully and weigh office, are outside our control, families and, as far as I am aware, In terms of Parliament’s good information and the ability to the various interests. Dialogue there are a number of things we all have taken some parental internal arrangements, it will be hold the Government to account, should be encouraged between can do to make Parliament more leave, both mothers and fathers. interesting to see what emerges and all involved would profess Members to arrive at an overall family-friendly. An example of this was the from the consultation with a desire for good governance package that Members will In the 2017 review, the well-publicised six-week leave Members, so we can consider and improved prosperity. When support and advocate for in Standing Orders Committee period taken by the New Zealand a package of family-focused it comes to representation, caucus meetings. It is important considered how we might find Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Jacinda changes that will make a Parliament is effective when that serious proposals are not a better balance of work and Ardern, for the birth of her significant difference. Members can raise issues of dismissed out of hand at the family life in the parliamentary daughter Neve in 2018. The ready One option is to consider concern and interest to their hint of an objection, but rather setting, including promotion of provision of leave for Members on adjusting the House’s sitting constituents - freedom of speech an opportunity is provided to talk more effective and predictable the arrival of a child is a significant hours. The New Zealand is fundamental. But it is balanced through the issues so agreement use of House time and provision step, though there is much still to Parliament currently sits Members wishing to hold or hand responded with its own tactics, Government’s ability to impose by the need to exercise that can be reached. When there is of support for Members needing do to make the juggle of family approximately 30 weeks over their infants for care. I have such as a last-minute change controversial reforms, while still freedom responsibly, and the disagreement, the Chairperson to care for young children or and political life easier. per year, with the majority of now provided that caregivers can to the Bill’s title to short-circuit enabling the Government to House restrains Members from can work with Members to other dependants. It was agreed Ultimately, there is a case Members travelling from outside come into the lobbies and go to the multitudinous Opposition implement its popular mandate debating matters that are before identify the particular concerns that the Clerk of the House, in for considering changes to the Wellington region to attend. the door of the Chamber for this amendments to clause 1. through legislation. the court or suppressed by a and problems, with a view to collaboration with the General electoral law, to provide for a more The House sits on Tuesdays and purpose. Again, this is a minor Long after the dust had court order, and generally seeks identify possible ways forward. Manager of the Parliamentary flexible approach while ensuring Wednesdays from 2pm to 10pm change, though it has made a receded, and Members took stock Parliamentary effectiveness, to impose a level of decorum Of course, this is part and parcel Service, would consult Members continuity of representation. (with a 1.5 hour dinner-break significant difference for MPs of events during the subsequent and what it means on debate so as to maintain the of good chairing anyhow, but it is on how to better accommodate Under the Electoral Act, 1993, from 6pm) and on Thursdays juggling their demanding roles review of Standing Orders, in Which brings us to the concept dignity of the institution. crucial when it comes to getting family needs in parliamentary life. there is no ability for membership from 2pm to 6pm. both as Members and as parents. 2011, it was agreed that such of parliamentary effectiveness. I could go on. The point is that meaningful outcomes from a The ideas and information shared of the House to be paused and Evening sittings are not family- procedural battles were not ideal. The overall point of reviewing the parliamentary effectiveness is consensus-based process in the by Members’ in this consultation then resumed for any purpose, friendly - or friendly in any sense Evolving procedures New procedures were introduced Standing Orders of the House served when all of the different partisan world of Parliament. will feed into the upcoming such as to enable a period of - for Members or for the staff who Members are also drivers of to allow the Presiding Officer to is not just to tidy the words of perspectives and interests can Standing Orders review in 2020, parental leave. While such an support the House. However, any change: they are well placed to group and select amendments, the rule book, or to make the be advanced while remaining Ideas for upcoming review of as well as other reviews that are idea seems odd for a person ideas adjust House hours would identify when procedures are so Members are encouraged House easier to administer and in balance. And that balance is Standing Orders being carried of the provision of used to the Westminster style of not be straightforward. While not working well and can feed to promote serious alternative more compliant with statutes. to be found by the Members As a Member of the Committee, services to Members and parties. representation, it has already been reducing evening sittings might these into the review process proposals. Presiding Officers The purpose of the exercise is to themselves, exercising their I also have the opportunity to As the diversity of our implemented in some European be helpful for the few Wellington- through various avenues. also are more proactive in urging improve the effectiveness with political judgement and working put forward ideas. With the next Parliament increases, we have Parliaments, such as Denmark, based Members, it might have Sometimes these proposed Members to focus on debating which Parliament as an institution together to find solutions that can review approaching, I am keen to more Members with young where there is provision for an adverse effect on those changes might seek to address issues, and thus extend the operates, in the public interest. obtain overwhelming support. explore a number of proposals families and, in particular in the substitute MPs to be appointed. from outside Wellington if the concerns Members have debate by drawing on relevant The effectiveness of the with the Committee. current Parliament, Members with And Parliaments of a similar alternative were longer or more about procedural tactics in the fresh material, rather than to institution depends on your Chairing the Standing Orders infant children. Since 2014, the tradition to our own have begun to frequent sitting weeks. House. For example, in 2009 seek to delay Bills simply by perspective: for the Government, Committee take up this idea: only last month An idea to consider could be when the then Government bringing about endless votes on the efficiency of the legislative As I mentioned earlier, the role (June 2019), the Canadian House for the House to start earlier in sought to push through a amendments. The Standing Orders process in converting policy of Chairperson of the Standing of Commons has unanimously the day and sit, say, from 9.30am controversial Bill to completely Committee also recommended the into law is most important; for Orders Committee is invariably adopted rules for Members to be to 1.00pm, allowing for an earlier reconfigure the governance of introduction of extended sittings, the Opposition, it is the ability to filled by the Speaker. I have served eligible for 12 months of parental finish. Care would need to be the Auckland region, and to do which enable the Government to examine legislative proposals, as a Member of the Committee leave on full pay. taken so that business in the so under urgency and without access additional House time with challenge the Government’s in previous Parliaments and I In New Zealand, while there House did not clash with meetings Select Committee scrutiny, the safeguards against the truncation policies, and test alternatives; look forward to chairing the next may be interest in such solutions, of the Select Committees that then Opposition undertook of proper process that can occur and hopefully for all participants review, which starts later this year. any statutory changes would be had considered that business. If a determined and innovative when urgency is taken. It is really the aim is for the country to be Membership of the Committee beyond the remit of the review of the hours were adjusted in this filibuster to frustrate its progress. important to ensure the Opposition regulated by quality and up-to- usually also includes the Leader of Standing Orders. However, our way, extended sittings would As many as 30,000 amendments can filibuster when it considers date laws. In terms of financial the House and Shadow Leader of MMP electoral system potentially take place in the evening, rather were tabled, and the Government this necessary to constrain the scrutiny, the Government requires the House, along with the senior could equip us to make temporary than in the morning as is currently

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turn, this could be recognised and legislation, by its nature, needed Better debate may feel less compunction to Conclusion As Speaker of the New Zealand rewarded by House procedures, for to be passed quickly after the I am interested in relaxing some of prepare and engage when their Some of these ideas are Parliament, I want to champion the example, the provision of additional Budget was delivered (for the rules for debate in the House, contribution is diluted by a large revolutionary - in the New Zealand process to improve Parliament, and sitting time without the usual ban example, to implement a change so that Members are engaging Committee membership. Large context, at least - while others are to ensure it is an institution that is on simultaneous Select Committee to excise tax with immediate with each other rather than reciting Committees also mean Members more incremental. It is important responsive, resilient and relevant

Image: Parliament of New Zealand. meetings. I would like to explore effect). A further option could be speeches. This could involve may tend to be on more than one to take stock and provide an long into the future. this and other ideas for promoting to allow for urgency to be taken softening the tradition that Members Committee, thus increasing their opportunity for fresh thinking. inclusive policy processes. within the first 100 days after the address the House through the workload, and there are more Parliament as an institution should This article is based on a paper given opening of Parliament, for the Chair and avoid the use of the logistical difficulties in deploying engage in critical self-review and by the author to Commonwealth Limits on use of urgency Government to fulfil particular second person. Another option Members to cover absences and continuous improvement, just as Parliamentarians from the CPA A Minister can move, without election promises. could be to encourage greater use substitutions for particular items we expect from the public agencies Pacific and CPA Australia Regions notice, a motion to accord urgency As part of this proposal, I also of ‘yielding’, to promote constructive of business. that the House scrutinises. at the 50th Presiding Officers and to certain business. There is no want to focus on a mechanism exchanges across the floor - while Ideas that I would like to My motive in presenting this Clerks Conference (POCC) at amendment or debate on the to discourage the bypassing of this technically is permissible already, discuss with the Standing Orders paper is to establish the regular the Parliament of Queensland in the case, but provision could be elected Members, as people who question, but the Minister must the Select Committee process it hardly ever occurs. Committee include: review of parliamentary rules and Brisbane, Australia in July 2019. made for votes to be deferred might otherwise have been put off inform the House with some under urgency. I believe that even It is really important for • Reducing Select Committee procedures as a good practice, Please turn to page 205 for a report until the start of the next sitting standing for election, because of particularity of the circumstances a truncated Select Committee Members to have opportunities to membership, for instance to and to embed it in our culture so of the conference. day so Members could leave the what the role entailed, might now that warrant the claim for urgency. process is better than no Select debate the big issues, aside from 5 Members, with additional that it, too, becomes a tradition of precincts. Consideration could consider it an option. Urgency can be used to progress Committee scrutiny at all. The those that arrive in the House non-voting membership as long-standing. I would like to leave Selected bibliography be given to enabling Select legislation through multiple Government could still utilise through the passage of legislation of right, with 2 non-voting you with these key messages: • M Harris and D Wilson (Eds), Committees to meet in the Rewards for good pre- legislative stages, including extended sittings for additional and financial cycles. An idea is to Members for parties of 25 or • The rules of Parliament are McGee’s Parliamentary Practice evening, but with a finish time no introductory legislative bypassing Select Committee hours to progress legislation and have regular structured debates more Members, and 1 non- constitutional in nature, and in New Zealand, 4th edition, later than 9pm. process scrutiny altogether. extraordinary urgency would still on topics such as foreign affairs, voting Member for parties should not be amended Oratia Press Ltd, 2017, https:// Alternatively, the dinner break In the last review of Standing While I acknowledge there are be available at the discretion of or longer-term issues like climate with fewer than 25 Members. through a majoritarian www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and- could be shortened or dispensed Orders, it was agreed that it some circumstances that could the Speaker. change. The Business Committee • Enabling Select Committees approach; consensus or learn/how-parliament-works/ with altogether. Any such option would be helpful to find ways for require urgent legislative action already can arrange such debates, to meet outside Wellington, overwhelming support should parliamentary-practice-in-new- would need careful consideration the House to reward the use of to be taken, the Government Availability of Bills for debate but it does not do so often; it as a matter of course. be sought for any changes. zealand/. of how it would impact on other inclusive and robust pre-legislative should be restrained from using A further idea is to shorten the would be good to develop an Committees currently require • A regular cycle of review • D Natzler and M Hutton (Eds), aspects of parliamentary life, such processes by the Government. urgency. I believe that rushing Bills stand-down time for Bills before expectation that debates of this permission from the Business mitigates the potential Erskine May’s Treatise on the law, as attendance at dinner-time The aim would be to reverse the through under urgency increases they are available for debate, sort should take place at least Committee to meet in other conservatism that arises from privileges, proceedings and usage events. But it would be worth incentives, driven by the short the risk of poor legislative following their introduction once every month or sitting period. the country on sitting days. I the need for broad agreement. of Parliament, 25th edition, 2019 working these issues through so electoral cycle, for Governments outcomes, including inadequate and the presentation of Select consider that the practice of • The need for cross-party (Erskine May online), https:// as to avoid the current late-night to hasten policy processes so Bills policymaking and scrutiny, lack Committee reports. The current Select Committee holding Select Committee agreement means the role of erskinemay.parliament.uk/. finish, and potentially to enable can be introduced with enough of public input, drafting errors, automatic delay dates back to effectiveness meetings outside Wellington the presiding officer is critical • Commonwealth Parliamentary members who live outside the time to be passed before the and flawed understanding by 1995, when the Standing Orders For most Parliaments, the improves the reach and to the success of the process: Association (CPA), Wellington area (particularly next election comes around. The Members of the legislation they Committee recommended that effectiveness of the Committee relevance of Parliament, and providing a context that Recommended Benchmarks for those in more remote localities) Clerk of the House also indicated are considering. a Bill not be available for debate system is key to the overall should be facilitated. welcomes the exchange of Democratic Legislatures, Revised to return home sooner to their his intention to collaborate with During the last review, I until the third sitting-day after performance of the legislature. • Resurrecting the former ideas, working with parties to and updated 2018, www.cpahq. families and constituencies. relevant central agencies to proposed that urgency be the Bill’s initial release or Select There are always improvements Public Accounts Committee identify concerns, facilitating org/cpahq/benchmarks Other options include relaxing identify ways that pre-introductory accorded only when a minimum Committee report. At the time, the that can be made to enable or a similar Committee to constructive negotiations • D Bagnall, “Reviewing the proxy-vote limits at certain times, policy and consultation processes of 75% of Members vote for Committee felt there should be a Committees to deal more conduct technical scrutiny of to address them, mediating Standing Orders: How to so more Members can leave the by Government agencies could the motion, and that the same notice period to allow Members effectively and robustly with public expenditure, separate where there is disagreement, Make Dreams Come True”, parliamentary precincts sooner; align more closely with the majority be applied to other to study and consider the policy the business in front of them, to the broader policy and bringing all parties Australasian Parliamentary providing more meaningful House’s consideration. This work decisions under urgency, and principles of the Bill, or the and to engage better with interest of the Finance and together to settle on an overall Review, Autumn/Winter 2016 opportunities for family members would inform the development of including amendments to Bills. changes recommended by the public. Along with other Expenditure Committee. package that is agreeable. Vol 31.1, pp 8–25, https://www. to travel to be together; or proposals for rewarding good pre- The proposal was not accepted the Select Committee, prior to Members, I am concerned that • Allocating the roles • The aim for the review aspg.org.au/a-p-r-journals-2/ providing additional support to legislative policymaking. at the time, but I would like to debating and voting on the Bill at Select Committee scrutiny is of Chairperson and should be to enhance australasian-parliamentary-review- reduce workload. There are many I believe that a policy discuss it further during the its next stage (1995 report, I.18A, not always satisfactory. Some Deputy Chairperson of the effectiveness of springsummer-2016-vol-31-no-1/. more ideas that are emerging, and development process that includes coming review. Curbing the use of p 55). But back in those days it Committees are too large, which Select Committees on a Parliament, balancing the • J Martin, “From legislative I look forward to exploring them good cross-party consultation urgency in this way would mean took a while for copies of Bills to means that Members generally proportional basis, with different perspectives of the machine to representative forum? with the Committee. can only lead to better legislative it could be resorted to only when be circulated around the country are not given sufficient time Opposition Chairpersons Government, the Opposition Procedural change in the New By making Parliament more outcomes, greater support for there was general agreement by the Government Printing each to follow sustained lines guaranteed for the and other non-Government Zealand Parliament in the twentieth family-friendly we can create the proposals, and smoother progress that the circumstances warranted Office. Now that copies of Bills of questioning. This means Finance and Expenditure parties, participants in century” Australasian Parliamentary best environment for Members of Bills through the House. it. Special allowance could be become instantaneously available that hearings of evidence, and Committee (or Public parliamentary processes, Review, Autumn 2011 Vol 26.1, to participate in proceedings and Comprehensive pre-legislative made for urgency to pass Budget online, it may be time to consider particularly the examination Accounts Committee) and and the public (though it is in reproduced at https://www. fulfil their representative functions. processes that include public legislation, either as an automatic whether the three-day stand- of Ministers and State sector for the Governance and everybody’s interests for the parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/ Family-friendly initiatives can also consultation arguably result in right for the Government or if down period is still apposite. chief executives, can be overly Administration Committee. legislative process to result in how-parliament-works/fact- act to promote diversity of our greater legitimacy of legislation. In the Speaker agreed that the superficial. Moreover, Members good law!). sheets/from-legislative-machine/.

The mitigations EMERGING SECURITY ISSUES FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS The UK Parliament was already in the process of reviewing how security for Members both on the AND THE IMPACT ON DEMOCRACY estate, off the estate and online could be improved in late 2015 The Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons examines but the murder of Jo Cox gave us increasing security issues in Parliament. a much bigger driver to develop plans much quicker. The UK Parliament cannot This article highlights how security new Members of Parliament and complete strangers will have get rid of the threats, but it can Image: Shutterstock_630668501/credit Alexandre Rotenberg. issues for Parliamentarians impact staff about this threat level, he such open access to somebody, help protect against them. We on their lives as well as on the says that it means they should ‘be whether at events, at surgeries, adopt a holistic approach which practicalities of administering alert, not alarmed’. However, for at their constituency offices or combines layers of security – Parliament and the democratic Parliamentarians, international even online. For many MPs, this perimeter, personnel, access process itself. terrorism is not the major threat creates a dilemma – how can control, measures in homes and As the Deputy Speaker of they face. Instead, for MPs there democratic access to an elected constituency offices, cyber, social the UK House of Commons, I are other threats which are far more representative be maintained media, personal security. However, am responsible for maintaining prevalent, likely to cause them harm whilst also ensuring that measures we recognised the need to order in the Chamber but outside and increase their fear - domestic are in place to keep them safe? establish a dedicated team, called Rt Hon. Sir the Chamber, I am passionate terrorism, fixated individuals, The threat manifests itself the Members Security Support about improving security for my individuals with mental health issues wherever the Member is but Service, focused solely on the Lindsay Hoyle, colleagues and staff in the House of or those with extremist views. is particularly acute in the local security of UK Parliamentarians, of increased threats against The threat to democracy issue than ensuring the safety of MP is the Deputy Commons – on and off the Estate. constituencies. The murder of Jo their staff and families. In addition, Members and those on the estate, We are now finding that the fear individuals. It is also about ensuring Speaker of the House As Chair of the Consultative Panel Threats to Members of Cox, MP in June 2016 was shocking we established a contract with a the UK Parliament now requires of threats alone is enough to have the stability of national democracy. of Commons in the on Parliamentary Security for the Parliament and tragic, but it was not the first time national security firm which can different arrangements to those an impact on MPs, their staff and This is something which the UK UK Parliament, I lead a Committee UK Members tell me that abuse a UK MP has been attacked working recommend and install security already set out in legislation to families, even if a specific threat Government is now keenly aware UK Parliament. He composed of senior MPs and Peers towards them and their staff is in their constituency. measures at relevant properties. allow lawful protests in its vicinity has not been made or an incident of. It has established a cross was first elected which works closely with security reaching unprecedented levels. This Member of Parliament, Stephen One key way to mitigate but ensure unimpeded access for has not occurred. The ‘drip drip departmental initiative called as a Member of professionals to provide advice, is unacceptable. Many UK MPs are Timms was attacked with a knife against threats is to encourage those who work there. drip’ effect of constant abuse ‘Defending Democracy’ to examine Parliament in 1997 make recommendations and add regularly threatened and abused at a surgery in 2010 and in 2000, Members of Parliament not to The current law applicable and online attacks is eroding the how measures can be put in place political support to security policy in through interactions on social Nigel Jones, MP was attacked with accept such threats as merely to the area is based on the confidence of MPs. It is having a to ensure candidates and elected for the constituency Parliament. media or in supermarkets in their a samurai sword by a constituent ‘part of their job’. Many Members Police Reform and Social big impact on their mental health, representatives and the electorate of Chorley. He held constituencies and recently there with a mental health issue. Nigel’s now have a high tolerance level Responsibility Act, 2011 and their resilience and their ability can participate in democracy a number of Select The context – UK threat levels have been vocal protesters outside Political Assistant, Andrew for behaviour which should not the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime to function in their roles. Quite without fear or intimidation. Committee roles The UK threat level from the UK Parliament intimidating them Pennington, was murdered helping be tolerated. Politicians need to and Policing Act, 2014. Some simply, they, their families and their international terrorism has been daily. Threats to UK MPs, their staff him. Most recently is the story of speak to each other, peer to peer, Parliamentarians have called for staff are scared. In order to protect The need to work together before being elected as ‘severe’ (i.e. ‘highly likely’) since and families include threats to kill or Rosie Cooper, MP who was the to encourage each other to be the reintroduction of Sessional themselves we know that MPs are The evolving threat towards the Chairman of Ways 2014, and twice in 2017 went to rape, physical assaults, anti-semitic, subject of a murder plot by a white safe and report each incident to Orders to ensure MPs can freely changing their behaviour in the elected representatives, their and Means and Deputy ‘critical’. Attacks in the UK have homophobic, misogynistic and racist supremacist which thankfully help authorities build up a picture access the parliamentary estate. way they work and hold surgeries staff and families require a Speaker in 2010. included the attack on Westminster abuse and harassment. Women and never took place. The interesting of the level and type of threats Reinstating sessional orders may and possibly even in the way constantly evolving approach and itself, the Manchester Arena, ethnic minority colleagues tend to be thing about Rosie’s story is that received and respond accordingly. not be the answer as they do they vote or what they say in the it is more important than ever London Bridge, Finsbury Park targeted more. she is not an outspoken MP within Parliament’s unique context not have any legal standing and Chamber. I also know that several that Parliamentarians across mosque and Parsons Green tube MPs are particularly at risk the UK Parliament. She is very as both a workplace, heritage site, the police cannot act on them. MPs are considering not standing the Commonwealth talk to each bomb. Of course, many more plots because they debate and vote on unassuming with a low profile. This and natural focus for protests In my opinion, it would be more at the next election, worn down other honestly about our security have been disrupted during that divisive issues (for example, abortion, demonstrated to me that all MPs creates competing needs and effective to push for a review by the constant barrage of abuse issues, share best practice and period and since by police and fox hunting and of course, ‘Brexit’); are at risk and should be protected. demands. Protestors, many of of the current laws applying and threats. If MPs are reluctant to build new friendships. security services. they are public figures who need to Although such physical attacks whom are peaceful, want to to protests, perhaps through engage with their constituents for This ‘severe’ threat level be accessible and recognisable; they are rare, in the last couple of years demonstrate in locations where delegated legislation. The laws fear of attack, if they are reluctant This article is based on the keynote applies to everyone in the country, are dealing with and trying to help sadly there has also been a big their protest will have best impact, could capture what has been lost to appear at public events for fear address given by the author to and former heads of our Security people in vulnerable and desperate increase in the intimidation of close to the seat of democracy. from Sessional Orders - that the of threats, or if they are reluctant Commonwealth Parliamentarians Services have said publicly that circumstances and are often the last MPs beyond Westminster – office Members and staff want to police and other authorities have to speak out on issues for fear of from the CPA Pacific and CPA it is likely to continue at this level port of call; they want to use social windows smashed in, leaflets ensure democratic functions are a special obligation to ensure that malicious communications then Australia Regions at the 50th Presiding for another 5-10 years at least. media to connect with constituents; burnt in letterboxes, MPs being unhindered and they can enter Members of both Houses must how can they be informed about Officers and Clerks Conference In other words, the threat is not and are regularly subject to media followed and approached late at and leave the estate in safety have free access to Parliament the issues or truly represent their (POCC) at the Parliament of going away any time soon. scrutiny and coverage which can night, phone calls or tweets saying and without fear of intimidation. when in session to ensure constituents and fulfil their roles? Queensland in Brisbane, Australia in When the Director of Security inflame public opinion. somebody wants to ‘do a Jo Cox’ to We are therefore considering business is not disrupted. Ensuring the safety and security July 2019. Please turn to page 205 for for the UK Parliament talks to There are not many jobs where a Member. whether, in the current climate of MPs is therefore a much bigger a report of the conference.

depend on them, like honey, WORKING TOGETHER AND PLAYING TO OUR medicinal plants and tourism. You can also help people reduce the inputs required for agriculture STRENGTHS: JERSEY AND THE COMMONWEALTH and livestock, increasing their profitability while reducing the size of their footprint. Crucially, though, Jersey’s Minister for International Development reports on an organisations and countries need to work together on this, pooling innovative project linking Jersey and Rwanda. knowledge and expertise and

agreeing on shared goals. Images: courtesy of Jersey Ministry for International Development. A good example of this kind of work is the construction of sand In Rwanda, a female Jersey, or economy is at least 50% bigger numerous other organisations in dams in seasonal riverbeds, which Jersey-cross, calf will be born than Jersey’s – and growing Africa to ensure that the world we capture water for people to use for every hour for the next three much more quickly – and we pass to our children is as pristine drinking and agriculture, and also years, thanks to a pioneering have fewer people and less as possible. encourages trees to grow again by project run by Jersey Overseas land. But we meet as fellow The central thesis of our the sides of the rivers, preventing Aid, the Government of Rwanda, participants in the brotherhood conservation livelihoods work is future flooding and soil run-off. Send a Cow and the Royal Jersey of the Commonwealth, and we that you can only really preserve Jersey has funded scores of such Agricultural and Horticultural have more to talk about than threatened habitats if you give projects through a UK NGO called Society. The impact on poor just cows! Our mutual interests their human inhabitants an Excellent Development, and is families is huge: milk yields can include gorilla conservation, economic stake in them. So often now rolling them out for the first Deputy Carolyn treble or quadruple, providing both tourism, financial services and we find that human development time in Malawi. This pioneering Here we have five Jersey tries to add value to relationships with the countries a sustainable livelihood and an parliamentary democracy – and and environmental protection project is being implemented by Commonwealth countries global affairs in ways that play we work with, and ensuring that Labey is excellent source of nutrition for a Rwanda can teach us all a thing are at odds with each other, but a Malawian charity, which in turn sharing knowledge and working to its unique strengths – hence we all interact in the true spirit of Jersey’s Minister family. The project also facilitates or two about ensuring women are we know that with careful help is being advised by an NGO from together on something which will the focus of our international brotherhood and equality which for International Rwanda’s ground-breaking properly represented in politics. it is possible to build virtuous Mozambique on its own recent ultimately benefit all of us. Jersey development programme on characterises the organisation. Development and Chair Girinka programme, whereby the This kind of relationship shows circles instead of vicious ones. experiences of constructing sand is honoured to be facilitating three of the things we do best: In June this year, the Rwandan transfer of heifers between poor the Commonwealth at its best, For example, you can protect dams, all under the technical this cooperation, which in turn dairy, financial inclusion and Minister of Agriculture, Dr of the Jersey Overseas families promotes cohesion and and it’s one which Jersey tries natural resources by helping guidance of a Kenyan organisation is strengthened by the close conservation livelihoods. The Gerardine Mukeshimana, opened Aid Commission. reconciliation as well as poverty to emulate in all its partnerships. people start enterprises which which specialises in this links already forged by the Commonwealth, meanwhile, a conference which focused on She also serves as reduction and food security. We’re a little rock off the coast methodology. Commonwealth family. adds value by strengthening our the benefits of the Jersey cow Assistant Chief Minister Jersey cows and crosses of Normandy, by accident of in development. As I replied in are proving particularly suitable history proudly British, delighted “The cooperation my speech of thanks, I was truly (International) and for smallholder farmers where to be able to share knowledge humbled to see so many nations Chair of the Executive resources are scarce. With their (and sometimes a little of our between Jersey and represented there in Kigali, Committee of the fattier, more nutritious milk, wealth) with other like-minded Rwanda is worth sharing their experiences of such Jersey Branch of the higher feed conversion rate and countries, to our mutual benefit. issues as genetic improvement, tolerance of heat, drought and Another good example of this is examining for a milk pricing, cheese marketing Commonwealth disease, Jerseys make much in the field of conservation and moment, because and artificial insemination. Parliamentary more sense for low-input systems environmental protection. it shows what two Perhaps unsurprisingly, over Association. Carolyn than other exotics. And it’s a Protecting threatened two-thirds of the 19 countries has served the Parish matter of considerable pride in ecosystems and species is countries can do represented were members or Jersey that our beloved brown of concern to us all. And like when they work prospective members of the of Grouville as a cows are playing such a role in the dairy and finance, it is another Commonwealth. And as Kiwis Member of the States amazing progress being made by of Jersey’s strengths, and together as equals.” chatted to Kenyans about why of Jersey (the Island’s Rwanda, perhaps the more so that therefore another key pillar of our Jersey cows had a lower carbon Parliament) since 2002. we are also two countries united international relationships. Ever footprint, or Tanzanians and not only in our love of dairy cows, since Gerald Durrell established “This kind of Malawians discussed the merits Carolyn was educated but in the bonds created by the his Wildlife Conservation Trust relationship shows of sexed semen, I reflected in Jersey and Paris, and Commonwealth. on the Island, we have been the Commonwealth again on the unparalleled value before entering politics The cooperation between working with Commonwealth of international dialogue and she worked in the Jersey and Rwanda is worth countries to help preserve our at its best, and it’s collaboration among those with examining for a moment, because shared natural heritage. And one which Jersey shared interests. Together, we are Finance Industry. it shows what two countries can in addition to funding some more than the sum of our parts. do when they work together of Durrell’s international work, tries to emulate in all as equals. Actually, Rwanda’s Jersey Overseas Aid works with its partnerships.”

COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES SHOW LEADERSHIP IN Commonwealth Parliamentarians highlight restrictions on media freedom at DEFENDING MEDIA FREEDOM global conference in London Commonwealth Parliamentarians gathered in London, UK for the first Global Conference for Media Freedom from 10 to 11 July 2019. The conference was co-hosted Freedom of expression and a a panel of three Commonwealth Commonwealth Charter, which by Hon. Chrystia Freeland, MP, Canadian Minister free and responsible media are Ministers: Hon. Kamina Johnson- were at the heart of the UK Foreign of Foreign Affairs, and Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP, the enshrined in the Commonwealth Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs Secretary’s keynote speech, UK Foreign Secretary and is part of an international Charter, which brings together the and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; delivered on the first day of the campaign to shine a global spotlight on media freedom values and aspirations that unite Hon. Richard Sezibera, Minister Global Media Freedom Conference. and increase the cost to those that are attempting to the Commonwealth’s member of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda; restrict it. states, the Commonwealth Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Plenary speech by Rt The conference was structured around four themes: Secretariat, and its vast and rich Ghana’s Minister of Information; Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP, UK protection and prosecution, including impunity; network of organisations. as well as Desmond Browne, Secretary of State for Foreign national frameworks and legislation; building trust On 10 and 11 July 2019, two QC of the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Affairs: in media and countering disinformation; and media Commonwealth countries, the UK Lawyers Association and Zoe Just two months ago, on 16 May sustainability. According to the conference website, Rt Hon. Jeremy and Canada, hosted the Global Titus, Strategic Coordinator of 2019, a 28-year-old Mexican the main purpose of the conference was: Conference for Media Freedom the Namibia Media Trust. The reporter called Francisco Romero Hunt, MP was ‘A free and independent media plays a vital role in Images copyright Global Conference for Media Freedom / FCO Photographer Marcel Grabowski. appointed as the United at the Printworks in London. Over panelists showcased to an Diaz got a call before dawn about protecting human rights and holding the powerful to 100 countries were represented audience including a number of an incident at a nightclub in Playa Kingdom’s Secretary of account. Media freedom is the lifeblood of democracy by members of governments, Commonwealth Ministers and del Carmen. Romero specialised and can be the foundation for economic prosperity State for Foreign and civil society and the media. This the Commonwealth Secretary- in exposing organised crime. He and social development. It means that society can be Commonwealth Affairs was the first ever Ministerial General, shared best practice responded as any good journalist free, fair and open. Journalistic scrutiny is an essential from July 2018 to July gathering of its kind, and included in protecting and promoting should by getting to the scene as part of a vibrant and healthy democracy. twenty-four Ministers from the media freedom, and discussed quickly as possible. In fact, he was 2019. He was elected The world is becoming a more hostile place for Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, UNESCO; and Lord Tony Hall, Commonwealth. further practical actions the probably walking into a trap. As he journalists. Reporters Without Borders called 2018 the deadliest Director General, BBC. Conservative MP for The Commonwealth added Commonwealth can take, arrived, Romero was ambushed year on record for journalists. UNESCO confirms that at least Global leaders, representatives from the media industry, South West Surrey in its own distinctive voice to the including the development of and shot dead. 99 journalists were killed, a further 348 imprisoned and 60 held journalists, civil society and academia attended two days of May 2005. He served debate. On the second day of the Commonwealth principles on He would have known the hostage. Freedom of expression is being stifled and barriers are interactive panel discussions. The first day focused on defining the conference, Hon. Julie Bishop, freedom of expression and the role risks he was taking. In the as Secretary of State preventing the functioning of an independent media. We must challenges, the second on framing solutions. The conference also AO, the former Foreign Minister of the media in good governance. previous two months, he’d been address this and the dangers it presents.’ coincided with the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meetings for Health and Social of Australia, chaired a panel All of the Commonwealth’s detained by the police – allegedly Keynote speakers included: Amal Clooney, International held in London where media freedoms were also discussed. Care and became discussion on strengthening component parts have an important for refusing to pay a bribe – and lawyer and the UK Foreign Office’s Special Envoy on Media Secretary of State for media freedom across the role to play working together abducted by armed men. He’d Freedom; David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/topical- Commonwealth. She was joined by to advance the values of the been called anonymously by Health in 2012. In 2010, and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; events/global-conference-for-media-freedom-london-2019. he became Secretary of State for Culture, someone threatening to throw of these crimes are ever held to I are the first Foreign Ministers of power and helps release the Olympics, Media and him off a bridge and claiming account. Indeed, even after 11 ever to convene an international full potential of a nation. to know where his son went to years, of the 46 journalists who conference on this subject and In 1887, the historian and Sport. He was formerly school. And yet despite every act suffered violent deaths in 2008, as Chrystia said, we want this to politician Lord Acton wrote his Shadow Culture of intimidation and harassment, only 8 cases have been resolved. become an annual event around famous words: ‘Power tends Secretary and Shadow Romero pressed on with reporting the globe. to corrupt and absolute power Minister for Disabled for the newspaper Quintana Media Freedom: a universal Amid the bleak news, today corrupts absolutely.’ Roo Hoy and running a website cause we are joined by delegations The strongest safeguard People. Before his focused on organised crime. Which is why our conference from over 100 countries, against the dark side of power is election as an MP, he He was the sixth journalist to and this global campaign are so including 60 ministers, and more accountability and scrutiny – and ran his own educational be shot in Mexico this year. Then important. Our challenge is to than 1,500 journalists, academics few institutions fulfil that role more publishing business, just one month ago, a seventh, honour the memory of Francisco and campaigners. Never before effectively than a free media. Norma Sarabia, was shot dead in Romero Diaz – and others like have so many countries come Real accountability doesn’t Hotcourses. He also Tabasco State. him – by protecting journalists and together in this cause. And today emerge from the selective set up a charity to help Across the world, 99 journalists championing their work as a vital we send a resounding message and theatrical ‘crackdowns’ AIDS orphans in Africa were killed last year – more than pillar of a free society. that media freedom is not a on corruption mounted by in which he continues twice as many as a decade earlier My friend Chrystia (Canada’s Western but a universal value. authoritarian states, which – and another 348 were locked up Foreign Minister), as she said At its best, a free media both mysteriously eliminate political to play an active role. by governments. Few perpetrators herself a former journalist, and protects society from the abuse opponents whilst leaving the

biggest offenders untouched. Real in 2016 and nothing has been on the Safety of Journalists.3 accountability comes from the risk heard from him since a secret Among the aims will be to help of exposure by a media that cannot trial in January, though he is in fund legal advice for journalists and be controlled or suborned. poor health. We have raised his safety training for those venturing And the evidence is very clear. case with the Chinese authorities, into conflict zones. Britain will Of the 10 cleanest countries and I urge them again to disclose provide £3 million to the Fund over in the world, as ranked by Huang Qi’s fate and provide any the next 5 years – and we invite Transparency International,1 medical care he may need. others to contribute. seven are also in the top ten of In Vietnam, Tran Thi Nga Secondly, we will establish the World Press Freedom Index.2 produced video evidence of police an international task force to Meanwhile, of the ten most brutality, only to get a 9-year help governments to deliver their corrupt countries, four are in the prison sentence in 2017. So commitments on media freedom, bottom ten for media freedom. today I call on the Vietnamese including by developing national Powerful people value their authorities to release her. action plans. Every year at the UN reputations, so the sunlight of General Assembly, we will meet to transparency is the greatest Images copyright Global Conference for Media Freedom / FCO Photographer Marcel Grabowski. Defending media freedom review progress of the task force, deterrent to wrongdoing. I am a In a world where a Washington commending those countries Fourthly, Chrystia Freeland and by courageous activists who politician, and, like many members Post columnist, Jamal Khashoggi, where media freedom is getting and I will bring together a publish the evidence of human of my profession, I don’t always was murdered inside a Saudi better and agreeing what should contact group of likeminded rights abuses. There is no place for enjoy reading what the media diplomatic property – and a be done where it is not. countries to lobby in unison when neutrality in this struggle. says about me. Indeed, a politician talented young journalist, Lyra Thirdly, my special envoy, Amal media freedom comes under We are on the side of those who stands up for journalists McKee, was shot dead by Clooney, has convened a panel of attack. Our aim is for this to be who seek to report the truth and might occasionally feel like a make mistakes. Journalists are perfected by the suffocating tools ranked the freest in the world – dissident republicans in Northern experts to advise countries on how a rapid response mechanism, bring the facts to light. We stand turkey voting for Christmas. And not immune from the temptations of suppression or censorship. The have created the very best setting Ireland – it would be easy to to strengthen the legal protection helping Foreign Ministers and against those who suppress or of course, I need to say, it may be of hyperbole or excess. open exchange of ideas through for their talents to thrive. succumb to fatalism. of journalists. I would encourage ambassadors to react as one censor or exact revenge. my only chance, newspapers also But those of us who are a free media allows the genius But we must resist that. all governments to drawn on the when abuses take place. After the killing of Francisco sometimes on the receiving end of a society to breathe, releasing The challenges faced by Because if we act together, we can advice of the panel and respond to Finally, I invite every country Romero Diaz, his newspaper of criticism we should also reflect the originality and creativity of the journalists shine a spotlight on abuses and its recommendations. represented here to sign the carried the headline: ‘Pain, Fear and “Those of us who on the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, entire population. In other countries life is tougher impose a diplomatic price on those For our part, the British Global Pledge on media freedom, Impotence’, and declared: ‘The voice are sometimes on who said: “The media are a mirror As the great thinker, John - but journalists are succeeding who would harm journalists or lock government will ensure that resolving that we will work together of a journalist has been silenced.’ In through which we see ourselves Stuart Mill wrote: “The peculiar against the odds. In Venezuela, we them up for doing their jobs. whenever we propose or amend a as a coalition to promote this cause the end we all face a choice. the receiving end of as others perceive us, warts, evil of silencing the expression just heard from Luz Mely Reyes, So today, I want to announce law, we will consider the potential and meet again next year. Ignore the threats and we criticism we should blemishes and all… Such criticism of an opinion is that it is robbing who has defied the Maduro regime five practical steps the British impact on press freedom. Earlier tolerate the stifling of independent also reflect on the can only help us to grow, by calling the human race… if the opinion by co-founding an independent government will take alongside today, my colleague, UK Foreign Conclusion voices and the dangers of attention to those of our actions and is right, they are deprived of the news website, Efecto Cocuyo. our partners. Minister, Rt Hon. Harriett Baldwin, Colleagues, the struggle for media unaccountable power. But defend wisdom of Nelson omissions which do not measure opportunity of exchanging error In Kazakhstan, Gulnara Firstly, we will join other announced that our Department freedom is being waged day after our values and nations will flourish Mandela, who said: up to our people’s expectations.” for truth; if it’s wrong, they lose Bazhkenova runs the website governments to establish a new for International Development will day, not in conference centres like from the free exchange of ideas. So, if we are wise, we what is almost as great a benefit: Holanews, which exposed how Global Media Defence Fund, to be spend up to £15 million on new this, but by independent journalists By coming to this conference, ‘The media are politicians will treat the media as the clearer perception and livelier fish stocks in the Ural river had administered by UNESCO. This will programmes to promote media in authoritarian states; by vigilant each and every one of the 1,000 a mirror through a critical friend. Our officials might impression of truth produced by its been devastated by poisoning. take forward the UN Plan of Action freedom across the world.4 bloggers who expose corruption; people here has made that choice. tell us what we want to hear; the collision with error.” In Peru, Gustavo Gorriti of We have pledged to do what it which we see media tell us what we need to Societies which embrace free IDL Reporteros has brought takes – and no less – to ensure that ourselves as others hear, providing unvarnished reality debate make a disproportionate to light a series of corruption instead of being silenced, the plural perceive us, warts, whether we wish it or not. contribution to the advance scandals involving business, the and varied voices of a free media of human knowledge. The ten government and the judiciary. are nurtured and encouraged as blemishes and How a free media helps nations with the freest media in But sadly, in many countries the most important contribution all… Such criticism society the world have produced 120 the situation continues to to the open societies that are the But a free media does more than Nobel Laureates between them deteriorate. In China, automated foundation of human progress. can only help us just criticise failure and deter – 3 times as many as Russia and censorship and the Great Firewall to grow, by calling wrongdoing: it also nurtures and China combined. block access to thousands of References: attention to those nourishes the progress of ideas. Norway, with only 5 million news websites, with millions 1 https://www.transparency.org/ Throughout history, humanity has people, has won 13 Nobel of people employed to censor 2 https://rsf.org/en/ranking of our actions and achieved its swiftest progress Prizes. With great respect to my content, fake social media posts https://en.unesco.org/un-plan- omissions which whenever we have allowed ideas Norwegian friends, Norwegians and manipulate online debate. action-safety-journalists to be freely debated, tested and are no more pioneering or The first person to establish 3 https://www.gov.uk/ do not measure challenged. inventive than anyone else. They a website in China focused on government/news/uk-aid-bold-new- up to our people’s No discovery was ever have flourished because their human rights was an activist support-to-promote-media-freedom- expectations.’ “ achieved, and no invention open society and free media – called Huang Qi. He was jailed around-the-world--2

honesty among elected leaders and address abuses DEFENDING MEDIA FREEDOM IN THE COMMONWEALTH in our public services matter. of media freedom. These assertions may seem Following the brutal so obvious as to be trite. But the murder of Jamal objective of the world’s rising Khashoggi, Canada authoritarianism is to undermine imposed sanctions the very idea of objective facts, of on 17 people. As This is the address by the forces of nature, preserving conclude that journalists are the objective truth. We need to fight an extension of the Canada’s Minister of it requires a persistent unending enemy; quite the contrary. back. pledge, we are also Foreign Affairs at the Global struggle against the vines and A free and independent As Mariana Katzarova so launching a Media Conference for Media weeds that are constantly working media in all of its disputatious, memorably and movingly said Freedom Coalition Freedom in London. to undermine it from within and cantankerous glory is one of the yesterday, quoting her dear that will connect Thank you very much, Jeremy overwhelm it from without. Today cornerstones of liberal democracy. friend, the assassinated Russian governments [Hunt, the United Kingdom’s there are signs all around us that the Reminding ourselves and each journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, with civil society

Secretary of State for Foreign jungle is growing back.” other of that fundamental reality what matters is the information organizations Images copyright Global Conference for Media Freedom / FCO Photographer Marcel Grabowski. and Commonwealth Affairs], for I agree with that so profoundly. is why it is so useful for us to and not what you think about it. and members of that extremely kind introduction. I There is no part of our liberal come together today. The truth, Anna’s tragic death reminds us the press to save Hon. Chrystia do want to thank you, Jeremy, for democratic garden that is more to be sure, is that it is harder to be that Russia is one of the most journalists and having the very important idea of threatened by the jungle’s a politician, to be a government, dangerous places in the world for media workers at Freeland, MP hosting this conference. resurgence than the free press. The in a country with a free and journalists to work today. That, risk. Fund housed at UNESCO. Media Freedom Conference with is the Canadian I think all of us, as Amal Clooney danger is often specific and physical. independent media. by the way, is not an accident. It’s This Coalition and the Media Of course, as Amal has just the UK and we are honoured to Minister of Foreign was honest enough to admit, faced Many of you have probably But that’s the point. By holding quite deliberate. Freedom Contact Group are described, we are launching serve as next year’s host and look Affairs. From 2015 to some skepticism in doing this. But seen on the floor above us, the us - their governments - accountable, Anna’s wonderful defence of cousins to the rapid response the independent panel of legal forward to you being with us in 2017, she served as it is incredibly important and I’m so poignant wall of remembrance journalists make us better than we the truth echoed a great line, one mechanism launched during experts to support and advance Canada, Jeremy. grateful to you for having the idea that bears the names of the many would otherwise be. Facts matter. of my favourites about journalism, Canada’s G7 presidency last year media freedom worldwide. Listening to the testimony of Canada’s Minister of and for following through, for inviting journalists who have lost their Truth matters. Competence and from [Manchester] Guardian to address malign disinformation. Canada is very excited by this the brave and brilliant journalists International Trade, Canada to work with you, and I lives in recent years. Let us take a Editor, C.P. Scott. Nearly a century On World Press Freedom Day work and we are delighted that our gathered here, it was easy for me overseeing the do want to thank the magnificent moment to remember them and ago, he said “comment is free but this year, Canada announced own Irwin Cotler, a distinguished yesterday to be scared or frankly successful negotiation British team of public servants who salute their courage. facts are sacred.” These are lofty C$12 million for the organization Canadian human rights lawyer and to get depressed, but let’s choose have done a fantastic job in bringing The troubling reality, as we “A free and words and important ones. Journalists for Human Rights. former Minister of Justice (and I instead to be inspired. of Canada’s free trade this to life. You guys are a terrific have been hearing yesterday independent One of the things Jeremy and Today, I am announcing another would say my personal conscience Let’s be inspired by Anas Anas agreement with the model of public service. and today, is that journalists and I hope to do with this conference C$10 million annually to promote - if he feels we are lagging on the from Ghana who spoke to us European Union, I do also want to thank Amal for other members of the media are media in all of is to buttress these essential and and protect democracy. human rights front, Irwin is very yesterday from behind a curtain CETA. She was first her great comments and her great increasingly the target of abuse its disputatious, important ideas with some specific This funding will focus on quick to phone or email me) will of beads because he would be in work. In every newsroom I worked and attack. This must stop. collective and practical steps. supporting electoral processes, serve on the panel. danger if he exposed his face. elected as a Member in as a reporter, an adage was that Journalists must be able to do cantankerous The first is the Global Pledge reinforcing democratic practices I outline these actions, not as an Let’s be inspired by Luz Mely of Parliament in July “the better the journalist was, even their work safely and without fear glory is one of the for Media Freedom. We must seek by combatting disinformation and exhaustive list, but as examples of Reyes of Venezuela who, together 2013. An esteemed better the lawyer needed to be.” of reprisal. I’d like to pause and cornerstones of accountability for crimes against strengthening civic engagement. some first concrete steps we can with her colleagues, decided - as journalist and author, This autumn we will celebrate address the elephant in the room, journalists. That is why Canada An initial one million dollars will go take together. Canada has been she so eloquently put it - not the 30th anniversary of the fall of the seeming paradox of elected liberal democracy. has used sanctions as a tool to to the new Global Media Defence delighted to co-host this year’s to wait for her own funeral but she was educated at the Berlin Wall. For those of us who politicians coming together to Reminding ourselves instead to create some fireflies to Harvard University lived through that time as I did - my support a free press. We politicians help light up the darkness of the and each other of before continuing her kids can’t believe I’m that old - it may seem to be surprising Maduro dictatorship. studies on a Rhodes was a euphoric moment and one champions for the media and that’s that fundamental We all need to defend our where it was tempting to imagine because of the inherent structural reality is why it is so independent press - even, Scholarship at the that liberal democracy was both conflict between the press and the and perhaps especially, when University of Oxford. inevitable and eternal. That was government. useful for us to come it criticizes us - as a central She worked for the such a seductive idea, but it has The job of journalists, after all, together today. The institution of democracy. Financial Times, The proven to be an illusory one. is to hold our feet to the fire—and We need to fight for the open Instead, it is clear today that as someone who is regularly truth, to be sure, is society against the closed one. Washington Post and liberal democracy and the rules- on the receiving end of that that it is harder to We need to fight for the The Economist, before based international order are under treatment, I can assure you it is be a politician, to be complexity of democratic truth serving as Deputy greater threat than at any time not a very pleasant experience. I’m rather than the beguiling simplicity Editor of The Globe and since the Second World War. As sure all the politicians in this room a government, in a of authoritarian rhetoric. Robert Kagan argues in his recent are nodding in hearty agreement. country with a free Then and only then will we Mail and then joining book, The Jungle Grows Back, “If But it would be a terrible mistake have weeded our democratic Canadian-owned the liberal order is like a garden, for any politician, smarting and independent garden, and will we have kept the Thomson Reuters. artificial and forever threatened by perhaps from that discomfort, to media.” jungle from growing back.

such as Pizzagate3 and now the POLICY RESPONSES TO DISINFORMATION: A PUBLIC rising tide of measles epidemics in the face of concerted anti- vaccination campaigns. There are HEALTH APPROACH several features of the Internet that enable such wildfires, for example the decentralised, Disinformation is defined chatbots, and AI (Artificial long-observed, albeit nefarious, unmediated nature of content as “false, inaccurate or Intelligence) manipulation. human motivation that we could creation and sharing, the capacity misleading information • In surveys focusing on this expect to see played out in every for anonymity, and the role of designed, presented and area, such as that conducted new communication technology personal networks in sharing promoted to intentionally by the Reuters Institute for as they have developed over the ‘trusted’ information. cause public harm or for the Study of Journalism, we centuries. Before we leap in to say that profit.”1 see that citizens associate Digital technologies thus don’t ‘something must be done’, it is At the Oxford Internet Institute the term ‘fake news’ just with cause disinformation, but they worth noting that these new at the University of Oxford, we poor journalism. may well facilitate its spread. forms of information campaign conduct field-leading research • Perhaps most importantly, New manifestations of may look alarming, but that Professor into the societal implications of the term ‘fake news’ has disinformation have rapidly evidence of their effects is hard is digital technologies. The Institute been used to dismiss developed in the past ten years. to come by. For example, we can Victoria Nash focuses on many topics with unfavourable coverage The potential to spark and observe the use and scale of disinformation, and particularly • measures targeting citizens not contain banned or illegal Associate Professor, urgent policy relevance and by politicians such as US spread ‘digital wildfires’ has been automated social media accounts by concerted campaigns to shift and civil society (e.g. content; Deputy Director and we aim to bring evidence and President Donald Trump. around since the earliest days (bots4) spreading disinformation public opinion by state and non- Croatia and France have • it may be a mix of truth and Senior Policy Fellow intellectual rigour to bear on live of the Internet. We can recount in election campaigns, but we state actors. There is a huge introduced new media lies; at the Oxford Internet policy issues that relate to the Instead it is useful to refer to a variety of harms resulting from don’t yet know who, if anyone, variety in the approaches that literacy campaigns and the • it may be opinion or be Internet. The Institute conducts the problem of ‘disinformation’. this, such as panic-mongering voted differently as a result. It is governments are adopting to regulation of journalism presented as humour; Institute at the a series of long-standing Disinformation is of course not during the aftermath of Hurricane methodologically challenging to tackle these problems. via accreditation has been University of Oxford. In projects on the effects of digital new; the most exaggerated forms Sandy in the US or the terrorist produce rigorous evidence of Colleagues at the Oxford established in the United In addition, it is not even the latter role, she is technologies on government and of political propaganda can be attacks in Nice; as well as longer- effect, but unfortunately, it’s all too Internet Institute recently produced States and Tanzania). clear that banning or flagging responsible for leading democracy, including a major found as far back as Ancient running conspiracy theories easy to blame online ‘fake news’ an inventory of government disinformation will be effective. research programme investigating Rome, with Julius Caesar using for unexpected political outcomes responses to malicious uses of Within this inventory, we can Indeed, it may even make the department’s the role of computational his accounts of the barbarity of his such as the United Kingdom ‘Brexit’ social media (which goes beyond observe some very different the problem worse either by engagement in digital propaganda on elections. opponents in the Gallic Wars to referendum result or the election of just disinformation), providing approaches: in Singapore, drawing more attention to the policy matters. Her Like many others, we are thus underline the relative benefits of “New manifestations US President Donald Trump. insights into tools employed by 43 government actors will be content (known as the ‘Streisand .6 7 research focuses very interested in the discussions Roman rule. of disinformation There is some evidence that different countries since 2016 responsible for deciding what effect’ ) or enabling distributors that took place at the 48th One of my favourite historical suggests disinformation effects For example, the inventory report content is factual, whilst the of such content to claim that on broad issues of Commonwealth Parliamentary examples of calculated ‘fake have rapidly may not be as significant as we identified: approach in the United Kingdom their views are persecuted or Internet governance Association (CPA) British Islands news’ campaigns, was identified developed in the think. For example, research • measures targeting social recognises the need for censored, adding fuel to claims of and regulation. and Mediterranean Regional by The Economist. The New suggests that at least in the media companies (e.g. government to set frameworks such conspiracy. Conference held in Guernsey in York Sun newspaper claimed past ten years. The United States, more people still Brazil, Germany and South as fact-checking organisations. Even more crucially, issues May 2019. I note from continuing in 1835 that giant bat men and potential to spark get their news from TV; and Korea have established laws It is worth noting that of human rights arise. If content media coverage that the term temples made of sapphire had and spread ‘digital looking at the United States requiring firms to take down these strategies for tackling is not in itself illegal, should it be ‘fake news’ is still popular, but we been observed on the moon election, supporters of Hillary illegal content). disinformation do face some removed or even down rated in our choose not to use this term and by John Herschel through his wildfires’ has been Clinton were far more likely than • measures targeting challenges. In the long history of social media feeds and searches? recommend much more careful new telescope. This made use around since the supporters of Donald Trump to offenders (e.g. Egypt, content regulation (which dates How do we balance and protect use of terminology in this area. of the fact that actual reports of be on Reddit or Twitter.5 In order Indonesia and Kuwait can back at least to the publication the full range of human rights at This is because: observations from the telescope earliest days of the to produce a clear evidence legally prosecute offenders, of the Catholic Church’s Index stake in tackling disinformation? • Fake news doesn’t cover the would take months to make their Internet. We can base for the effects of online and there are Bills in Ireland Librorum Prohibitorum in 1559), This would include not just the full spectrum of content and way back from South Africa to the recount a variety of disinformation we would need to prosecute not only those we have gathered a number of right to freedom of expression behaviour that is concerning US, and in the meanwhile, enabled to understand what contribution who create content but who well-tested tools – for example, but also the right to information, (e.g. false and true the New York Sun to dramatically harms resulting from small aspects of our daily media circulate it). censorship, licensing, prosecution the right to participation and information can be blended increase its readership, making this, such as panic- experience make to particular • measures targeting for holding or creating certain rights to protection from harm; together, whilst we are also the paper briefly the most widely users, in different contexts, a government capacity (e.g. content, and more recently, these need to be considered interested in phenomena read in the world.2 mongering during research process that would be the United Kingdom, the filtering out the ‘bad’ or asking and balanced in the construction such as astroturfing, bot These examples should the aftermath of very challenging to deliver. United States and Canada companies to take it down. of any proportionate regulatory networks, misleading memes be sufficient to remind us that Hurricane Sandy in Despite the current gaps have held parliamentary and However, online disinformation framework. and opaque political adverts). the Internet doesn’t cause in our understanding of effect, congressional hearings or content may not easily suit such Personally, I have been • In the future, we will also disinformation, and that a desire the US or the terrorist governments around the world are inquiries to review the need strategies because: impressed by the outlook of the see more use of deep fakes, to manipulate or mislead is a attacks in Nice.” concerned by the growth of online for political action). • it may be untrue but need European Union’s High-Level

“Ultimately, we should be thinking FAKE NEWS AND THE PHENOMENON far more about OF ‘NO PLATFORMING’ how we support a healthy information ecosystem, rather than just how we Introduction was limited and that there may hear one of the most significant get rid of ‘fake The topic of the presentation not just be one ‘truth’. female intellectuals of the last news’. This would was ‘Fake News and No Today, students are liable to century. “The ‘no-platforming’ platforming’. This article will take a dislike to the views of a campaign against Germaine Greer entail a much more illustrate how the increasing person even before they have reflects a deeper sickness afflicting ambitious policy trend of ‘no platforming’ heard them speak. In her book, Western universities. While the speakers can lead to a form of ‘Why we get the wrong politicians’, stated aim is to reduce harm, the framework that fake news: if certain subjects or the writer, Isabel Hardman, end result is enforced ignorance,” goes far beyond viewpoints are circumscribed, puts the general trend to abuse wrote Lehmann.2 simply tasking social the information people are politicians for their political Speakers who ‘no platform’ getting is fake. A particular views in this broader context: ‘It other speakers are part of the media platforms Victoria Schofield area of concern in the current coincides with a general struggle same phenomenon. Some with better is an historian and discussion is ‘no platforming’ on in Britain to debate respectfully and years ago, the former British commentator on university campuses. fully, with even university students Parliamentarian, broadcaster moderating of their ‘No platforming’ on university retreating into ‘safe spaces’ and and writer, George Galloway ‘no international affairs, content.“ campuses is happening at a time ‘no platform’ policies simply so they platformed’ his Israeli counterpart, with specialist in students’ lives when, as young do not have to encounter ideas when he walked out of an Israel- Working Group (HLWG) on Fake To me, this starts to sound For further information about the 4 Bots are automated scripts that knowledge of South people, they should be eagerly they find uncomfortable. Arguing Palestine debate held at Christ News and Online Disinformation.8 like a public health approach. Oxford Internet Institute please visit generate and replicate social media Asia, having travelled listening to alternative viewpoints. and disagreeing is too much effort: Church College, Oxford. What The EU HLWG have not rushed to A public health approach is www.oii.ox.ac.uk. content. All of us who are slightly older will much better to hate, resent and, in is significant is that he was widely in the region. recommend top-down regulation system-wide, recognising that 5 Pew Research: The Modern agree that this is a new variation extreme cases, abuse and attack.’1 She is a contributor but to look at interventions across no single interventions will be This article is based on a News Consumer, July 2016. of censorship. If people can’t listen When UK Member of “ ‘No platforming’ on the whole social and technical enough to address a problem with presentation by the author at the 6 Bradshaw, S., Neudert, L-M., to BBC World TV, BBC to alternative viewpoints, their Parliament, Jacob Rees-Mogg, system that makes disinformation deep-seated social, political and 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary & Howard, P.H (2019) Government World Service and a thought process is essentially MP went to address students at university campuses possible. The EU HLWG are just as economic roots. Association (CPA) British Islands Responses to Malicious use of Social being censored. The same is true Bristol University, he was heckled variety of newspapers is happening at a interested in how you can disrupt Ultimately, we should be and Mediterranean Regional Media. with the ‘safe space’ movement and pushed about by those who the political economy that underpins thinking far more about how we Conference in Guernsey from 19 7 ‘The Streisand effect’ is a and journals. She has which is prevalent in the United did not want him to speak. One time in students’ the market for disinformation as support a healthy information to 22 May 2019 which discussed phenomenon whereby an attempt written many books States of America. The demand may not agree with Jacob Rees- lives when, as young they are in stopping the spread of ecosystem, rather than just the impact of ‘fake news’ and digital to hide, remove, or censor a piece on topics such as the for ‘safe space’ is also a form of ‘no Mogg’s views, but that does not obviously fake content. The EU how we get rid of ‘fake news’. disinformation on media freedoms in of information has the unintended platforming’, often by young people mean that those who did want to people, they should Kashmir conflict and HLWG propose five pillars of action: This would entail a much more the Commonwealth. consequence of publicizing the whose minds should be rather listen to him, should have been be eagerly listening the history of the ambitious policy framework that information more widely, usually more robust than they apparently prevented from hearing him to alternative • To enhance the transparency goes far beyond simply tasking References: facilitated by the Internet. It is named Black Watch regiment. are as they grow to adulthood. speak by those who did not. As of the digital information social media platforms with better 1 Report of the High-level after American singer Barbra She is Chair of the When I was at university in it happened, he literally battled viewpoints. All ecosystem; moderating of their content. Given Group on Fake News and Online Streisand, whose attempt to suppress the 1970s, we eagerly joined through the crowd of protesters Oxford Union Literary of us who are • To promote and enhance that disinformation seems unlikely Disinformation 2018. photographs of her residence in clubs and societies to listen and was able to give his speech. media and information to go away any time soon, the only 2 ‘Bat men on the moon’, from California inadvertently drew further and Debating Trust to a wide range of opinion to In 2015, the writer, Germaine slightly older will literacy approaches; question is whether states will the New York Sun, 1835. Cited in public attention to it. (OLDUT) and Chair of educate ourselves; we wanted Greer was ‘no platformed’ by the agree that this is • To develop tools that ultimately have the appetite for Standage, T. (2017) The True History 8 European Union’s High-Level the Editorial Board to try to understand fully about University of Cardiff because can empower users and such a broad scale of potentially of Fake News, The Economist. Working Group (HLWG) on Fake the complex issues of the her ‘misgendering trans women a new variation of The Round Table: journalists to engage in a costly measures. 3 Pizzagate is a widely discredited News and Online Disinformation – day – Palestine, the civil war and denying the existence of of censorship. If fast-moving information conspiracy theory that went viral report is available at https://ec.europa. The Commonwealth in Lebanon, civil rights in the transphobia views on feminism’ did people can’t listen environment; during the 2016 United States eu/digital-single-market/en/news/ Journal of International United States, apartheid in not suit the extreme feminists. But, • To safeguard the diversity Presidential election that contained final-report-high-level-expert-group- Affairs. South Africa, communism in the as was pointed out by journalist, to alternative and sustainability of the news false claims linking high-ranking fake-news-and-online-disinformation. Soviet Union – all topics about Claire Lehmann, the fact that she viewpoints, their media; officials of the Democratic Party which we thought we knew was prevented from speaking • To evaluate success through with an alleged human trafficking something, but, when we heard (she withdrew because of all the thought process is continuous research in and child sex ring involving a pizza another side of the argument, complaints) deprived students at essentially being collaboration with platforms. restaurant chain. we realised that our knowledge Cardiff from the opportunity to censored.”

ideology which supports French National Front, Marine Le not exposed to the opposing that ‘no platforming’ sets us on terrorism, protecting those who Pen, who may have extreme right arguments others might have. If the path to living in a world of might become susceptible to wing views but is nonetheless someone suddenly expresses fake news. The digital world in radicalisation and supporting an elected politician, or one of a view one doesn’t like, he or which we live has made it easier. sectors and institutions where the co-leaders of the AFD – she can be ‘unfriended’. This is We must realise that students there are risks of radicalisation. If Alternative for Germany. Yet another form of ‘no platforming’, who receive their education on too broadly interpreted, the effect again, even if one does not agree which, can have a devastating campuses where mobs of ‘no can be detrimental. with their views, the belief of the impact for young people, platformers’ dictate the agenda Take the case, again, of the Trustees is that the students have engendering feelings of rejection of what others listen to, can be Oxford Union whose officers - the right to listen to them and and exclusion. expected to bring those same students in their late teens, early be in a position to make up their The World Wide Web has anti-liberal, anti-progressive twenties - have the right to invite own minds, which is all part of the had tremendous advantages in values into the workplace, and, whoever they wish to speak. Since educative process. disseminating information. But if they become politicians, into the Oxford Union has charitable In the present digital age, the the trouble is everything on offer government. status, it is answerable to the dangers of the echo chamber is optional. A vast amount of As Claire Lehmann has noted: UK Charities Commission which are becoming exacerbated information is available but only ‘While the stated aim of this is conscious of upholding the by several factors: through for the links that one clicks on are approach is to reduce harm, the PREVENT strategy, and so a new example, social media platform, going to be informative, and so end result is enforced ignorance. procedure has had to be instituted Twitter. There is the tendency to nuanced information can easily No-platforming does not change whereby there is a memorandum of ‘follow’ people whose viewpoints be missed. When I worked in people’s hearts and minds, it understanding between the OUS one agrees with in preference the BBC World Service on a intimidates people into silence. It is and OLDUT – the Oxford Literary to those one might disagree programme called Outlook, the an anti-Enlightenment movement.’ Debating Union Trust which owns with. This means alternative format provided for four voices – the buildings – which each new opinions are absent from the one voice giving one point of view, For further information about the author President has to sign, confirming narrative, which provides a fake another view giving an opposing visit www.victoriaschofield.com or that he or she will inform OLDUT image of what other people are point of view, and a third voice contact her on Twitter @rvschofield. “Even the Oxford applauded for doing so, with in black and white, lest anyone questions, does not get invited. of any ‘controversial’ speakers (i.e. thinking. There is also a herd providing something in the middle comments on YouTube like: question the Union’s liberal The other driving force those who would incite people to mentality: if friends are ‘following’ with one’s own voice wrapping up This article is based on a Union – founded in ‘Well done George, Don’t’ debate approach towards debating. behind no platforming is our break the law), that he or she may certain people, then there is the and bringing the feature together, presentation by the author at the 1823 and where all with devils.’ But, as illustrated by Yet, despite the Oxford Union’s political correctness. In January want to invite. tendency to follow suit and avoid as well as highlighting any 48th Commonwealth Parliamentary another commentator, this cannot longstanding reputation for free 2019, the Russian comedian, But, while being answerable to the possibility of being publicly viewpoint that had been missed Association (CPA) British Islands manner of topics be considered a healthy approach speech, there are those who still Konstantin Kris, was invited to the UK Charities Commission, the ridiculed for following people – and I remember the prospect and Mediterranean Regional have been debated - to dialogue: ‘I think this is wrong. wish to circumscribe who is given speak at a charity event at the Trustees have to be careful not to with an alternative viewpoint. The of being shamed by the Editor, Conference in Guernsey from 19 has had to reinforce He may not agree with the state of a platform. In 2018, there was an School of Oriental and African prevent the OUS from inviting the same applies to Snapchat and for producing an unbalanced to 22 May 2019 which discussed Israel, but how will you ever make attempt to prevent the American Studies (SOAS) in London broader category of ‘controversial Instagram. In relation to Facebook, package, as an experience one the impact of ‘fake news’ and digital its identity as the progress without debate?’ Media Executive, political figure, but, when confronted with the speakers’, for example, the French one is ‘friends’ with people of wanted to avoid. disinformation on media freedoms in ‘bastion of free Even the Oxford Union – strategist and co-founder of ‘behavioural agreement form’ politician and President of the like-minded viewpoints and so In conclusion, it is my belief the Commonwealth. founded in 1823 and where Cambridge Analytica, Steve he had been requested to sign, speech’. So concerned all manner of topics have been Bannon, from entering the Union. giving his agreement to a ‘no References: was Genevieve Athis, debated - has had to reinforce Again, one may not agree with tolerance policy with regards 1 Isabel Hardman, Why we get its identity as the ‘bastion of free his views (economic nationalism, to racism, sexism, classism, the wrong politicians, p. 75. Atlantic the President of speech’. So concerned was reduction of immigration, ageism, ableism, homophobia, Books, 2019 the Oxford Union in Genevieve Athis, the President of restricting free trade with China) biphobia, transphobia, xenophobia, 2 Claire Lehman, www.abc.net. Trinity Term 2019, that the Oxford Union in Trinity Term but it is important for students to Islamophobia or anti-religion or au/news/2015-10-27/lehmann- 2019, that she and her fellow understand that people with such anti-atheism’ he felt compelled to greer-and-the-no-platforming- she and her fellow officers and standing committee views exist, otherwise they are withdraw from the programme. Of scourge/6887576 The University said officers and standing believed that a clause should living in an echo chamber of their course, it is important that peoples’ the talk would be re-scheduled. be inserted in the Oxford Union own opinions and in a world of sensibilities should be respected 3 The Prevent strategy, launched committee believed Rules indicating that free speech censored and hence ‘fake’ news. but it can sometimes be at the in 2007 by the UK Government seeks that a clause should was one of the Oxford Union’s I should also add that one of the cost of freedom of speech. to stop people becoming terrorists or be inserted in the objectives. What is noteworthy is prerequisites of inviting guests There is also the challenge of supporting terrorism both in the UK not so much that such a clause to speak at the Oxford Union is platforms narrowing because of and overseas. It is the preventative Oxford Union Rules was not in the rules before – that they have to agree to being the times in which we live. The strand of the government’s counter- indicating that free probably because upholding questioned and to have their UK Government’s PREVENT terrorism strategy, CONTEST. the principle of free speech was views challenged. Any speaker strategy3 has the necessary 4 Claire Lehmann, www.abc.net. speech was one of taken for granted - but that, in who wants a prepared list of objective of preventing young au/news/2015-10-27/lehmann- the Oxford Union’s the current climate, the President questions submitted to him or her people from becoming radicalised: greer-and-the-no-platforming- objectives.“ believed that it had to be spelt out in advance, or who will not take in terms of challenging any scourge/6887576

Following the ‘Brexit’ vote, there and has established itself as a in countries categorised as ‘not of NATO costs – which no one IN DEFENCE OF MULTILATERALISM: has been a lot of soul searching geopolitical superpower. free’, and out of a possible score of can deny, while at the same time about the failures of domestic The other big story is the 100, two thirds of countries scored proposing solutions which are totally policy – why were those outside emergence of the other BRICS less than 50 on the Corruption counterproductive: a trade war or A VIEW FROM THE UK the major cities feeling particularly (Brazil, Russia, India, China and Perception Index (CPI).7 US disengagement from a shared disempowered? Why were some South Africa). First conceived of in Britain may have the fifth largest defence alliance. of those with the most to lose from 2001 by Goldman Sachs during economy today, but the inexorable So it is true that the UN has rupturing economic relationships an economic forecasting exercise, rise of the emerging economies been much stronger than the with Europe amongst some of the the BRICS together contain three with larger populations could see us League of Nations in providing ‘Brexit’ is an attempt to tackle successful trading nation with an was very heaven. It felt like the most inclined to vote Leave? But billion people – over one third drop down to 10th in 2050, behind a forum for resolving disputes domestic problems by altering our Empire which stretched across completion of the liberation of May not so much attention has been of the world’s population – and Indonesia and Mexico.8 This is peacefully and that the WTO has, relationship with our European the globe bringing cultural as well 1945. The bipolar world and the paid to international policy. account for between 25-30% of simply not under our control. This up until now, prevented the ‘beggar neighbours. Some feel that as financial exchange. threat of nuclear war, which that The fact is that the world in global GDP.2 The grouping has is not to say we cannot adopt both thy neighbour’ policies which this is doomed to fail because Perhaps unsurprisingly, the had meant, was lifted. We were 2019 is not as it was in 1945 – or evolved from a popular concept domestic and foreign policy stances dogged economies in the 1930s, our economy and security is so proportion of our economy which certain we could be safer, and some indeed 1913 or 1989. Yes, we to a formal grouping – holding which are positive and constructive - but it’s also true that big issues like integrated with our neighbours is traded remained constant of us on the Left looked forward are not in a bipolar world, but nor their first summit in 2009 – and we can. But as the psychotherapists how to govern the internet and and we should therefore between 1900 and 2000. In 1900, optimistically to the development of are we in a world which can be present a direct challenge to the say: the art of growing up is coming tackle climate change effectively concentrate on avoiding it or exports constituted 24.9% of new economic models, negotiating dominated by the Americans. hegemony of the G7 nations. to terms with the world as it is, not as have not been cracked. And that, getting the least-worst option the economy and in 2000, it was a path that would take seriously the The biggest international Progress on human well-being we would like it to be. especially post-2008, a sense while tackling with renewed vigour back at 24.9%. But the degree of Eastern European commitment to story is the rise of China. Forty paints a mixed picture. On the one These big prospective changes of insecurity has brought to the Helen Goodman, the discontents – about housing, interconnectedness today seems equality and the West’s enterprise years ago, China was a struggling hand, we have seen a discernible also explain why countries beyond fore strong men – Trump, Putin MP is the UK Shadow unstable jobs and incomes, and far more immediate and intense – and openness. Russia was invited middle-sized power with a poor, improvement in people’s lives over the victors of the Second World and Ji and right-wing populists – Minister for Foreign rapid cultural change which at the click of a button we can be to the G7 meetings in London. We inefficient and stagnant economy. the past three decades. According War are discontent with the Matteo Salvini and Viktor Orban and Commonwealth brought this populist wave. Others in touch with people thousands discussed the possibility of using Since the implementation of to the UN Development Programme governance arrangements of the whose proposals are to build up believe that through the projection of miles away; huge movements co-ops and the Yugoslav model. major economic reforms in 1979, (UNDP) data, between 1990 and existing institutions – why, for walls, whether physical, legal or Affairs and a Member of a ‘Global Britain’ we can rebuild of people flow – some motivated However, Yugoslavia was it has experienced a staggering 2017 nearly every country in the example, China set up the Asian metaphorical, against outsiders. of the UK Parliament. our prestige and renew our by economic opportunities, others the first country in the 1990s to economic transformation. world (with a few notable exceptions, Infrastructure Investment Bank ‘Brexit’ is our own special Before her election, international relationships. But forced by war, desperation and collapse in a bloody and violent According to the World Bank, such as Syria and Yemen) has to rival the International Bank for national brand of populism in Helen worked in what if the domestic discontents climate change. war; refugees from its horrors China’s Gross Domestic Product seen a net increase in their Human Reconstruction and Development the UK. This then is the hostile are part of the unfolding of We, in the UK, are fortunate for began arriving in London and we (GDP) growth has averaged Development Index (HDI) scores (IBRD - part of the World Bank environment in which we are the office of the international developments? the last 75 years to have lived in a were shaken from our optimism. nearly 10% a year - the fastest and life expectancy.3 World Bank Group) and why there are calls to seeking to tackle our problems. Czechoslovak Prime After all, Britain is not the largely peaceful and prosperous The political right claimed sustained expansion by a major Data also indicates a continued expand the UN Security Council. Minister between only European country facing environment. This is frequently victory – market liberalism was economy in history.1 It is now the (albeit slowing) decrease in poverty But it’s not just a question of What do we want to achieve 1990-91. She has tough economic competition attributed to the very successful declared to be both the cause and world’s second largest economy levels, with the percentage of people whether the right people are sitting at in UK Foreign Policy? from the Far East; or large-scale institution-building in the immediate the destination of this new world as measured by nominal GDP living in extreme poverty globally the table. An even bigger question is Citizens regard the first duty of represented the Bishop immigration; or the pressure aftermath of the Second World – the alpha and the omega – even falling to a new low of 10% in 2015.4 whether we have the right institutions government as being to provide Auckland constituency on its youth from an apparently War (WWII), in which we played in China, Deng Xiaoping was “The biggest On the other hand, there is tackling the right problems. security and stability. This does not 9 in County Durham since ungovernable internet and social a significant part: the United following its tenets. international plenty to overshadow this progress. The Bretton Woods Institutions of course mean that foreign policy 2005, winning three media. And if this is the case, Nations (UN), the UN Declaration Again, of course, their According to the UNHCR, the UN were far sighted and strong, but needs to be an exercise in crude what does it mean for the way we of Human Rights, North Atlantic confidence was overblown. The story is the rise of Refugee Agency, the number of they were established to tackle the nationalism such as ‘America First.’ consecutive elections. conduct our foreign policy? Treaty Organisation (NATO) and rise of religious fundamentalism China. Forty years people fleeing war, persecution world’s problems in 1945 and as There is a huge appetite for policies In the last Labour This essay aims to look at three the economic institutions – the – of Islam as a political force in and conflict exceeded 70 million we have seen, these are changing. which bring security and stability but Government, Helen things: the nature of the modern International Monetary Fund the Middle East and Christian ago, China was a in 2018.5 This is the highest Let me give some examples: the are also socially responsible. served as Deputy world, what we want to achieve in it (IMF) (to which we had recourse Evangelicals in the US – pushed struggling middle- level that UNHCR has seen in its internet; climate change; the impact Two points are worth making and thirdly at the levers we can pull ourselves in 1976), the World Bank, back against the idea or possibility almost 70 years. There is also still transnational corporations have on here. Firstly, security and social Leader of the House and the resources we can bring to the General Agreement on Tariffs of one totalising ideology. sized power with plenty to be done on human rights human rights; drugs; migration and responsibility are not necessarily and as a Minister at the bear to achieve our aims. and Trade (GATT) which developed The advent of climate change a poor, inefficient and democracy. The Universal the rights of refugees. in conflict. We can afford to spend Department of Work into the World Trade Organisation and the collapse of the markets in and stagnant Declaration of Human Rights turned We are often enjoined to defend 2% of our national income on and Pensions. The Modern World (WTO) - and, of course, the 2008 show both that we have not 70 in 2018, yet in the past two the rules-based international order defence and 0.7% on overseas Interconnectedness beyond European Union (EU). achieved a secure and sustainable economy. Since the years alone, we have seen nearly and explain its benefits and virtues. aid; we can share our intelligence national boundaries is not a new One of the high points in this way of life and that developments implementation 700,000 Rohingya Muslims forced This is usually in response to a resources with our NATO allies phenomenon. Once England was period came on 9th November across the globe affect our day to flee state oppression in Myanmar, populist attack from US President and run a BBC World Service part of the Roman Empire, then 1989. I can remember watching to day lives. Badly regulated US of major economic over one million Uighur Muslims Donald Trump. President Trump which broadcasts truthful fact- we were ruled from Scandinavia; the TV coverage of the crowds mortgage markets means queues reforms in 1979, it detained in re-education camps in is particularly irritating, because based news into closed countries even as the Kingdom united breaking the Berlin Wall and writing outside Northern Rock (a bank has experienced a Xinjiang and over 300 human rights he is good at identifying actual like North Korea. We can do both. and grew we were part of the in my diary – “this is the most in the UK); the destruction of the defenders have been murdered.6 weaknesses – Chinese theft of Secondly – and it flows Roman Catholic Church. Later important day of my life.” Those Amazon rainforest brings floods in staggering economic According to Freedom House, intellectual property or European from this socially responsible we became a phenomenally were heady days, to be young Cumbria, in the north of England. transformation.” 37% of the world’s population live countries’ failure to pay a fair share policy framework – promoting

development and tackling climate what it was, so we need to find were, the dilemma. Could we hope warheads.14 There is an argument will never be able to shake off its almost entirely for the backward- This would go further than 8 PwC, The World in 2050 – The change effectively will increase a new balance. An interesting to persuade the Chinese that if to be had about whether we devote colonial roots and is therefore looking domestic audience whose the UK Prime Minister’s – Long View: How will the global economic our security, because they will study recently published by the they are to move from global power too much or too little resource to dismissed as a relic that is not support the Government fears very welcome – initiative on order change by 2050?, https://www. increase the security of others UN Association11, looking at to global leadership, they need to our military and what the balance fit for modern times. Others see losing to Nigel Farage (the Leader modern slavery and protect pwc.com/gx/en/issues/economy/the- and promote a shared worldview. international perceptions of the adopt more liberal global norms? should be between conventional, such criticism as unfair and argue of the Brexit Party). the rights of indigenous world-in-2050.html Rt Hon. Emily Thornberry, MP, UK, found that a relationship in Simply to pose the questions is nuclear and cyber resources. For that the Commonwealth is a very Instead I think we should start people whose land is stolen 9 The Bretton Woods Institutions the UK Shadow Secretary of State which the two countries are seen to invite a negative answer. Britain the purposes of this analysis I am different institution to what it was a grown-up discussion about the and exploited, with recourse are the World Bank and the for Foreign and Commonwealth as too close reduces our prestige. is no longer big enough to effect going to assume a steady state. in the 1970s. The Commonwealth modernisation of international to an international tribunal. International Monetary Fund (IMF). Affairs spoke at length about this If we merely follow the US – major change through a series of The UK’s soft power is gives us an opportunity to institutions to tackle 21st century This could also provide for They were set up at a meeting of 43 to the Institute for Government there’s no point in anyone asking bilateral relationships. This may remarkable, and our history has express what Lord Rickets called problems. These are inherently environmental protection. countries in Bretton Woods, New recently: “[We should] champion for our help in influencing them. even be true with small and middle- given us positional power in key ‘convening power’.16 shared and they are not amenable Building international Hampshire, USA in July 1944. Their certain values as well as The UK Labour Party is sized countries like say Vietnam. institutions: permanent member of The Commonwealth consists to national solutions. The current institutions takes time and it is a aims were to help rebuild the shattered commercial interests” and “by committed to NATO membership Relatively speaking, we may have the UN Security Council; executive of 53 countries and contains 2.4 framework is biased towards shared enterprise. But we should post-war economy and to promote putting values back at the heart and the two per cent12 and this more leverage, but they too are tied directorships in the IMF and IBRD; billion people17 – one third of the protecting free trade and financial be inspired by the example of international economic cooperation. of our diplomacy [we will] help to essay is not about defence policy but in to regional organisations and a key role for the Governor of the earth’s population – of which investments at the expense of those who went to Bretton Woods 10 BBC Politics, Jeremy Corbyn: transform what Britain is seen to refashioning the relationship so it is power structures – Association of Bank of England in the Bank for more than 60% are under the age people and the environment. in 1944 before WWII was over. It Labour leader’s speech, BBC, stand for as a country.” positive without being subservient South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) International Settlements. of 29. As of 2017, the combined These are the items I would put is never too soon to begin. Let us September 2018, https://www.bbc. The UK Leader of the on trade (e.g. chlorinated chicken and China, in the case of Vietnam. We also have strong GDP of the Commonwealth was at the top of the agenda: not leave it until it’s too late. co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-45653499 Opposition, Rt Hon. Jeremy from the USA) or culture (our In other words, given the alliances through NATO and US$10.4 trillion and bilateral intra- • Strengthening the legal 11 Jess Gifkins, Samuel Jarvis Corbyn, MP has said “Labour children shouldn’t be exposed to UK’s place in the world the way the Anglosphere. The Joint Commonwealth trading costs are obligations on nation states References: and Jason Ralph, ‘Global Britain in will speak for democratic values ‘bad’ cartoons. Britain has much to make Britain safer and more Intelligence Committee (on which on average 19% less than those to meet the climate change 1 The World Bank, The World the United Nations’ (United Nations and human rights” and “will be higher standards for children’s stable is to contribute to the I served in humble capacity as between non-member countries.18 objective of temperature rise Bank in China, April 2019, https:// Association-UK, 2019) driven by progressive values and television than the US, with less development of a safer and more a junior civil servant during the The Commonwealth boasts limited to two degrees celsius www.worldbank.org/en/country/ 12 At their summit in Wales in 2014, international solidarity.”10 violence and more rounded and secure international environment 1983 Iran-Iraq War) still relies five G20 economies (Australia, and – critically – making china/overview#1 NATO leaders agreed to a guideline of Whatever the rights or wrongs diverse characters. The US film through the introduction of new on shared intelligence with the Canada, India, South Africa and trade obligations in the WTO 2 Agencies, 10 facts about BRICS, spending no less than 2% of national of the misadventure of Iraq – it moguls would like to swamp our TV norms, better international legal United States, Canada, New the UK) and four out of five of subservient to this, rather South China Morning Post, September GDP on defence, of which at least 20% clearly did not make the British stations). This is not about ‘Brexit’, frameworks and institutions which Zealand, Australia and the UK. the Five Eyes intelligence alliance than as at present having a 2017, https://www.scmp.com/news/ should go on major equipment, including people more secure. So, we want but it is worth noting that the current do tackle at source underlying Perhaps the most important are Commonwealth Members ‘trade override’. world/article/2109490/10-facts- research and development. At the time to pursue security, stability and government as part of its ‘Brexit’ causes of power imbalances. is the English language – spoken (Australia, New Zealand, Canada • Introducing a clear about-brics only three countries met the 2% target; all social responsibility. preparations has increased the Furthermore, this is not just a by approximately 20% of the and the UK). And of course, international legal framework 3 Human Development Reports, the rest pledged to “move towards” it by The prime security alliance the number of diplomatic positions in question of relations between nation world’s population.15 World class members of the Commonwealth for internet governance. Human Development Data (1990- 2024. The Economist, 14 March 2019. UK enjoys is through NATO – itself European countries by 50. states: it is also about preventing universities such as Oxford, club also populate the other major Currently the free for all 2017), UNDP, http://hdr.undp.org/ 13 If you say that someone is riding based on shared interests and This, of course, is part of a more a big beast jungle where private Cambridge and the London international institutions, such as resembles the 16th century en/data# roughshod over a person or their views, values. Key to this for us has been general re-focussing which will actors – banks, new technology universities attract international the UN General Assembly. law of the sea as pirates 4 The World Bank, Decline of you disapprove of them because they the US-UK ‘special relationship’, be required if the UK leaves the firms, extractive industries – ride students from across the world. The Commonwealth Charter abound – there are no Global Extreme Poverty Continues but are using their power or authority to do and this has been put under EU. An assessment and review roughshod13 over countries and The UK has renowned cultural lists human rights, international shared controls on terrorism, Has Slowed: World Bank, September what they want, completely ignoring that considerable pressure lately. Firstly of the impact and significance of their citizens. It is important to have a resources and media influence peace and security, democracy, child protection, IP or tax and 2018, https://www.worldbank.org/en/ person’s wishes. by revulsion among the public the change means working that positive and proactive stance in order through the BBC World Service. sustainable development and as more and more economic news/press-release/2018/09/19/ 14 Hans M. Kristensen and Matt at the aftermath of the Iraq War; bit harder to be heard elsewhere. to avoid foreign policy descending Under the UK Labour Party, gender equality as among its activity moves to the web decline-of-global-extreme-poverty- Korda, Status of World Nuclear Forces, then by the election of Trump who Individual bilateral relationships into endlessly reactive crisis some sources of soft power core values. While it certainly more and more human continues-but-has-slowed-world-bank Federation of American scientists, May seems to embody most of what the matter. But I hope just two management. were enhanced significantly and has its limitations and baggage, activity takes place in an 5 UNHCR UK, Worldwide 2019, https://fas.org/issues/nuclear- British Left dislikes about the US, examples will illustrate that alone consequently, we are well respected if approached as an equal and anarchic value free vacuum. displacement tops 70 million, UN Refugee weapons/status-world-nuclear-forces/ and little of what it does like, and they cannot deliver our aims. What are the levers we can for our overseas aid programme, voluntary association of states • Tackling financial crime; Chief urges greater solidarity in response, 15 Dylan Lyons, How Many People finally by ‘Brexit’ – which potentially China is a global power and pull and the resources we our debt forgiveness initiative and rather than a post-colonial money laundering; tax June 2019, https://www.unhcr.org/uk/ Speak English, And Where Is It Spoken?, means that when the US want to as we have noted, it is growing can bring to bear to achieve climate change leadership. We toy, the Commonwealth’s vast evasion; bribery and news/press/2019/6/5d03b22b4/ Babbel Magazine, July 2017, https:// contact Europe the first phone they rapidly. But the truth is we are our aims? have a large and highly regarded network and sheer size can act an corruption needs more worldwide-displacement-tops-70- www.babbel.com/en/magazine/ ring is no longer going to be the conflicted. We want and need the The UK has significant resources - diplomatic service, the power of important network within which than the current voluntary million-un-refugee-chief-urges-greater- how-many-people-speak-english-and- one in King Charles Street (at the trading opportunities offered. This it is the fifth largest economy in the connectivity and the network of we can build progressive alliances approach as exemplified by solidarity.html where-is-it-spoken/ UK Foreign and Commonwealth will help our economic stability, but world. Our ranking is projected to Commonwealth nations. and networks. the OECD codes. 6 Amnesty International, Amnesty 16 The Foreign Policy Centre, In Office). this is tempered by our concerns fall to 10th in 2050, but we’ll still be a But our history is also a liability. • Strengthening the International Annual Report 2017/18, Defence of Multilateralism, SoundCloud, What this tells us is not that over Chinese political culture and wealthy country in the top quartile. Almost every former colony has Conclusion enforcement mechanisms https://www.amnesty.org/en/ July 2019, https://soundcloud.com/ we no longer share objective human rights record. We look for We have considerable military resentments as well as warm In this environment, the idea of the ILO and the Human latest/research/2018/02/annual- foreign-policy-centre/in-defence-of- interests with the US or that our opportunities to co-operate – like strength. The UK has the largest memories. The tension between of ‘Global Britain’ – a Britain Rights Council and report-201718/ multilateralism strong cultural and historic ties are climate change - but sometimes military budget in the EU, has a this chequered colonial past and reaching out across the world introducing new norms for 7 Transparency International, 17 Commonwealth Secretariat, worthless – but that, perhaps like the conflicts become sharp - as navy bigger than the French, Italian how we move beyond it is played to influence events seems to be the protection of migrants. Corruption weakens democracy, Fast Facts on the Commonwealth, The a marriage that’s gone through a when we look at developments in and German Navies combined – out in an unusual context: The a throwback to the 1950s – an • Introducing a UN Binding January 2019, https://www. Commonwealth, February 2019, http:// bad patch, the relationship needs Hong Kong or investment from and possesses the fifth largest Commonwealth. idea constructed on the fantasy Treaty of Human Rights and transparency.org/news/feature/ thecommonwealth.org/fastfacts a bit of work. It’s not going to be Huawei. These bring into relief, as it military stockpile of nuclear For some, the Commonwealth of England as a seafaring nation Transnational Corporations. cpi_2018_global_analysis 18 Ibid.

PUTTING ROAD SAFETY ON THE New Commonwealth Road Safety Initiative launches to halve road fatalities and serious injuries by 2030 COMMONWEALTH AGENDA Every year over 210,000 people are killed in road crashes and millions more are seriously injured in Commonwealth countries. Today road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children Every day 3,700 people are killed Commonwealth have a key role to by 2030. The CRSI’s report to and young people aged 5-29 years. This is a major challenge for in road crashes around the world. play to reduce the epidemic of road be released in December 2019 Commonwealth countries as over 60% of their populations are Tragically road traffic injuries are deaths that cause so much avoidable will strongly endorse the World under 30. Improved road safety must become a major priority for now the leading cause of death human misery and unnecessary Health Organization’s ‘Save LIVES: Commonwealth countries concerned to protect the wellbeing and for children and young people economic losses. We can help to road safety technical package’ health of their children and young people. aged 5-29 years.1 This is a major formulate effective national road an evidence-based inventory Road safety in the 53 countries of the Commonwealth is very challenge for the Commonwealth safety policies and legislation; we of priority interventions with a diverse. Fatality rates in road crashes range from 3 to 35 per 100,000 as over 60% of its combined can support adequate levels of focus on speed management, population. However, in nearly all Commonwealth countries fatality population is under 30. funding for road injury prevention; leadership, infrastructure design and injury rates are rising rather than falling. In 2015, Commonwealth • setting a Commonwealth target to halve road deaths and Promoting safety for young we can ensure accountability of and improvement, vehicle countries strongly supported the United Nations Sustainable serious injuries by 2030; people is therefore a major governments and public authorities safety standards, enforcement Development Goals (SDGs) which include commitments to road • prioritising road safety as a key focus issue for child and Jim Fitzpatrick, focus of the recently launched to meet road safety targets; and we of traffic laws and post-crash safety. Urgent action is now required to ensure that road deaths and adolescent health; Commonwealth Road Safety can engage with the community to survival.3 Experience shows that if serious injuries across the Commonwealth are halved by 2030. MP is the United • adopting the Safe System Approach to road injury prevention in Initiative (CRSI) which, under the help make roads safe for all those countries take decisive action to The new Commonwealth Road Safety Initiative (CRSI), hosted Kingdom Member of high, middle, & low-income Commonwealth countries; patronage of HRH Prince Michael we were elected to serve. implement the WHO’s Save LIVES by the Towards Zero Foundation (a UK registered charity), • action to promote safer roads, safer vehicles, and safer road users; Parliament for Poplar of Kent, is developing a framework The challenge in many recommendations significant injury under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Michael of • promoting good governance and road safety; and Limehouse in for joint action on road injury Commonwealth countries today reduction will follow. Kent (pictured right), was launched in May 2019 in London, • promoting workplace road safety; prevention aiming to halve road is to apply basic road safety laws; In February 2020, the 3rd Global UK and will address the action needed to prevent a decade of east London and he • building multi-sector Commonwealth partnerships for road safety; deaths and serious injuries by 2030. for example, to wear seat belts, use Ministerial Conference on Road predictable and preventable death and serious injury on the roads serves as the Chair • integrating road safety within the Sustainable Development Goals. The 53 countries of the motorcycle helmets, to prevent Safety will be held in Stockholm, of Commonwealth countries. The CRSI has brought together a The CSRI will also be hosting a High-Level Side Event at the of the UK All-Party Commonwealth record over drink driving, and to enforce them Sweden4 to assess current progress distinguished panel of road safety experts to prepare a report of 3rd Global Ministerial Conference in Sweden for Ministers and Parliamentary Group for 212,000 traffic deaths every year effectively. Minimum safety standards in road safety and set new priorities recommendations for Commonwealth countries. Building on delegations from Commonwealth countries and are also planning to but according to World Health are also required for both used and for 2030. This will be followed by established Commonwealth commitments to youth, health, and Transport Safety and as organise a side event at the Rwanda CHOGM in June 2020. Organisation estimates, the number new vehicles. Better road design and a UN special General Assembly the SDGs, the CRSI will highlight the importance of: Parliamentary Advisor For more information visit www.commonwealthrsi.org. of fatalities exceeds 500,000 management must also prioritise debate on road safety that will adopt to the Commonwealth when adjusted for under reporting.2 the safety of pedestrians and a resolution based on the outcome Road Safety Initiative. Across the Commonwealth levels bicyclists. This is especially important of the Stockholm conference.5 when the leaders ‘further affirmed commitment. As a former UK Road groups dedicated to road safety all the incentive we need to call of road injury differ enormously. as vulnerable road users including These important events next year the Commonwealth’s convening Safety Minister, I know well how have been set up, such as the on Governments to make a road Fatality rates in road crashes range motorcyclists now account for over will provide a new mandate for power as an enabler of experience effective setting targets for casualty Australian Parliamentary Friends of injury prevention a priority issue on from 3 per 100,000 population in half of global road traffic deaths. global road safety. But they also sharing’. Among Commonwealth reduction can be. That is why I very Road Safety and the UK All-Party the agenda of the next CHOGM the best performing countries to To encourage a new level of give Commonwealth countries an countries there is considerable road much hope that at the next CHOGM Parliamentary Group on Transport 2020. And beyond that I hope that above 30 in the worst. However, in Commonwealth commitment to opportunity to reassess their own safety expertise and greater scope 2020 in Kigali as the leaders review Safety, which I have the honour to in the decade ahead we can count nearly all Commonwealth countries effective road injury prevention road injury prevention priorities and than ever before to encourage progress on their commitments serve as Chairman. on Parliamentarians across the fatality and injury rates are rising the CRSI has brought together a take on a global leadership role. implementation of the policy to SDG 3, they consider this time I believe it would surely Commonwealth to demonstrate rather than falling. distinguished panel of road safety The Commonwealth has a measures recommended by the setting a Commonwealth target be an excellent role for the the leadership needed to make all This is very disappointing experts to set out an agenda for justified reputation in promoting CRSI and the WHO. To encourage to halve road deaths and serious Commonwealth Parliamentary our roads safe. given that road safety is now action aiming to halve deaths and effective collaboration as was Commonwealth collaboration on injuries by 2030. Association to encourage the included in the UN’s Sustainable serious injuries from road crashes highlighted at the 2018 CHOGM road safety it will be necessary, Political leadership in growth of similar cross-party References: Development Goals for both however, to obtain recognition of Government and in Parliament is a initiatives to promote road safety 1 See: https://www.who.int/ health and cities (SDGs 3.6 the issue by the Commonwealth vital ingredient to successful road and the exchange of legislative violence_injury_prevention/road_ & 11.2). The Commonwealth itself. This will be best secured by safety policies. And this is best good practice. That could be a safety_status/2018/en/ Heads of Government (CHOGM) including the subject on the agenda achieved when there is a wide basis timely and strong CPA contribution 2 See: http://www. meeting in London last year of the next CHOGM to be held in of parliamentary support across to the aim to halve road deaths and commonwealthrsi.org/about ‘reiterated their commitment to June 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda. different political parties. One way serious injuries by 2030. 3 See: https://www.who.int/ achieving the health-related goals At last year’s CHOGM in London, to encourage this consensual I know that many violence_injury_prevention/publications/ of Agenda 2030, particularly Goal the Commonwealth adopted a approach is to establish All Party Parliamentarians see for ourselves road_traffic/save-lives-package/en/ 3’, so stronger efforts to tackle the target to halve incidence of malaria Friends Groups. These are typically the tragic loss of life of our 4 See: www.roadsafetysweden.com growing scourge of road injury by 2023 and to accelerate global not official legislative Committees constituents in road crashes and 5 See previous UN General especially among young people is efforts to achieve a 90% reduction but serve as a focal point to raise the suffering caused to bereaved Assembly resolution on road safety now an urgent necessity. by 2030. This, of course, is a awareness of an issue on a non- relatives. Trying to prevent these adopted in April 2018: https://www. Parliamentarians across the welcome and important public health party basis. A number of such sad experiences should give us un.org/en/ga/

BUILDING A ‘FUTURE-READY’ PARLIAMENTARY WORKFORCE Parliamentary staff development programme in Canada enhances skills for Professional Development Programme for Parliamentary Staff with McGill University Commonwealth Parliaments programme includes a one-week residency seminar followed in collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association by expert-moderated online courses and is attended by senior parliamentary staff from across the Commonwealth. The programme Over the last decade, the world has are met. For this reason, it is “While the turnover offers parliamentary staff the opportunity to obtain a Professional witnessed a rise in a significant important that parliamentary staff Development Certificate in Parliamentary Management and covers number of ordeals pertaining be provided with professional of Members of a diverse range of topics including: Parliamentary Administration, to civil wars, acts of terrorism, development opportunities such Parliament is both Parliamentary Research and IT, Parliamentary Committees, Public the rise of populism and the as the McGill University’s School Financial Management and Corporate Management of Parliaments. exploitation of power in which of Continuing Studies programme a natural and Keynote speakers at the programme included Professor Rick democratic institutions and beliefs for parliamentary staff to better necessary element Stapenhurst; former Clerk of the Canadian Senate and Clerk of the have come under attack. These meet the needs and challenges of of democracy, high Parliaments, Mr Paul Bélisle; Executive Director of the African Centre experiences have greatly impacted Parliaments in the 21st century. for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed Draman; and Executive and transformed the work of Experience shows that a turnover presents a Director of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST) Parliaments across the world. ‘one size fits all’ approach to risk of institutional in Kenya, Professor Nyokabi Kamau. The CPST organised the 2018 Ms Inna Popova- It is said that it is only by parliamentary capacity building Parliamentary staff from 14 Commonwealth Parliaments* CPA Parliamentary Staff Development programme with the Parliament Roche is the strengthening democracy at programmes does not work. memory loss. have undertaken a staff development programme at McGill of Kenya in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya which was attended by Director of the Career home and standing together in Learning about the first principles Parliamentary staff University, Montréal, Canada which has been organised by McGill 15 parliamentary staff from CPA Branches. its defence that democracies underlying Parliament of one The following CPA Branches were represented at the programme and Professional are the ‘corporate University’s School of Continuing Studies in collaboration with the can protect their values and country or area is not sufficient Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Created in response to this year funded by the CPA Headquarters Secretariat: Australian Development (Non- preserve their ability to expand since these do not necessarily memory’ of the voiced needs of parliamentary staff, Programme Coordinator, Capital Territory; Bangladesh; Belize; Cook Islands; Manipur; Northern Credit Programs) at freedom globally.1 Now, more translate entirely to the context of Parliament. Building Professor Rick Stapenhurst from McGill University officially opened Territory; Ontario; Scotland; Sierra Leone; Trinidad and Tobago; McGill University’s than ever in the Commonwealth, other countries or regions. the residency seminar and described the programme as “a unique and Western Cape. The CPA Pakistan, Nigeria (Federal) and Kenya Members of Parliament play To help prepare and sustain the capacity of staff Branches self-funded their participants on this year’s programme. School of Continuing tool that builds on the skills and capacity of senior parliamentary staff an important role in ensuring parliamentary institutions for ensures that the to help them better serve their Parliaments.” Studies in Canada. that Commonwealth values of the challenges of tomorrow, Originally founded by the World Bank and McGill University in *11 participants were funded by the CPA Headquarters Secretariat and democracy and good governance the McGill staff development demands and needs collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and 4 were funded by individual CPA Branches (Kenya, Nigeria Federal and amongst others continue to be programme is aimed at giving of all Members and other international partners, this intensive professional development Pakistan). Please contact the CPA or McGill about future programmes. upheld and are protected against parliamentary staff a better the Parliament are authoritarian regimes that engage understanding of the roles and in corruption and encroach on responsibilities of Parliaments met. For this reason, about remembering something many Parliaments across the McGill programme had very little and Technology Council and civil and human rights. However, worldwide and greater insights it is important that new, but about reflecting on past Commonwealth. The participants’ or no knowledge of the CPA Presidential Advisory Council of this great responsibility cannot into the workings of their own experiences and discovering keen interest in these topics Benchmarks. Rwanda. be executed effectively without Parliaments. parliamentary the ways in which previous was reflected in their post- It is also important to Participant presentations the support of dedicated, Created with the input and staff be provided experiences relate to what is course feedback recommending mention that parliamentary staff (narratives) as well as in-class well-trained professional close collaboration of senior with professional being taught in order to achieve increasing the amount of time undertaking this programme and online discussions are parliamentary staff. With the parliamentary staff from across the meaningful learning (Taylor, 2006). allocated for these sessions are privileged to hear from some of the key components increasing need to safeguard Commonwealth, the programme development The parliamentary staff to give opportunity for greater distinguished international to the programme - they allow against the gradual erosion of was designed to promote opportunities programme addresses diversity of dialogue as ‘participants were very experts throughout the duration participants to revisit and share democracy that is taking place critical thinking and reflection, parliamentary contexts and goes interested in sharing their own of the programme, including their experiences and engage Ms Bénite across Commonwealth and wider to encourage participants to such as the McGill beyond traditional face-to-face experiences’. the former Clerk of the in self-examination. “Such Dibateza is the world, upskilling and building the exchange ideas and challenge University’s School ad hoc training by embracing As part of the programme, Canadian Senate and Clerk of construction of narratives with Programmes Assistant capacity of parliamentary staff has assumptions, and to translate of Continuing sound adult learning principles, parliamentary staff are Parliaments, Mr Paul Bélisle; peers and instructor is another at the Commonwealth become a necessity. newly acquired knowledge experience-based learning also introduced to the CPA Executive Director of the Centre important factor in the learning that While the turnover of into action. The objective of the Studies programme strategies and pedagogical Recommended Benchmarks for Parliamentary Studies and ensues” (Taylor, 2006), because Parliamentary Members of Parliament is both a programme is not to merely for parliamentary approaches. Adult learners are for Democratic Legislatures and Training (CPST), Professor “narratives allow us to combine Association (CPA) natural and necessary element provide more information or motivated to learn and apply learn about the importance of Nyokabi Kamau who hosted – in conscious memory – our Headquarters of democracy, high turnover train participants on a specific staff to better what they learn when concepts conducting self-assessments and the 2018 Residency course as knowledge, sensations, feeling and Secretariat. presents a risk of institutional parliamentary procedure, but meet the needs and activities are relevant, how this practice can enhance the part of the staff development behaviours supporting underlying memory loss.2 Parliamentary to enable them to develop new practical and contextualized. In performance and effectiveness of programme in Nairobi, Kenya; neural network integration” staff are the ‘corporate memory’ perspectives and make their own and challenges of support of this, the programme their respective Parliaments. This Executive Director of the (Cozolino, 2002). The McGill and of Parliament. Building the meaning by building on their prior Parliaments in the offers parliamentary staff the topic consistently sparks a lot of African Centre for Parliamentary CPA programme participants capacity of staff ensures that knowledge and experiences, as 21st century.“ opportunity to engage in several interest and generates questions Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed often report that discussions with the demands and needs of all well as that of their peers from stimulating discussions on from programme participants Draman and Dr Elaine Ubalijoro, their peers are some of their most Members and the Parliament other Parliaments. Learning is not major topical issues that affect who, prior to participating on the member of the National Science valuable learning experiences.

their knowledge and skills whilst to make our parliamentary For further information about learning from many rich and practices more innovative. funding for the parliamentary staff diverse cultures that make up Last but not least, the development programme with McGill the modern Commonwealth. brilliant moderators and University, Canada, in collaboration The CPA is an international wonderful mentors made this with the Commonwealth organisation with over 17,000 programme excellent and Parliamentary Association (CPA) parliamentary staff from some of more effective.” please contact [email protected]. the world’s largest and smallest • “This is a very valuable Parliaments and Legislatures. programme for those who Further Reading: Images: McGill University School of Continuing Studies. These assemblies form part of work in Parliaments. It • Cozolino, L. (2002). The the Association’s 180 Branches. introduces and reinforces Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: The parliamentary staff currently best practices, new ideas Building and Rebuilding the Human participating in the 2019 cohort and alternate ways of Brain. New York, NY: Norton. of the programme through CPA’s thinking. The result is change • Taylor, K. (2006). Brain function sponsorship represent diverse are glowing in their praise for members of staff and, I am in parliamentary institutions and adult learning: Implications for Parliaments from eight out of the this initiative, here is what some certain that it will make us and service improvements to practice. New Directions for Adult nine CPA Regions. participants have said about the more efficient and effective.” MPs and citizens.” and Continuing Education, 110, 71 In the fulfilment of the tenth programme: • “The program is a rich source • Stapenhurst, F., Popova-Roche, value listed in the Commonwealth • “I learned a lot! It is going of inspiration to parliamentary When asked ‘How did you see I., Ehsani, P. (2018). Evidence Charter, the CPA recognises to provide me with a better staff towards qualitative the programme having an impact based programs for Members ‘the importance of … promoting understanding of the functions output/outcome in the in making your institution more of Parliament and parliamentary education, learning and sharing of Parliament. It also made me discharge of our responsibility efficient and effective?’ a participant staff in N. Kamau, B.P. Brightone cultures’3 and is committed to realise that I have a lot more and enriching democracy.” answered the following: (Eds.), Harnessing the Capacities bringing parliamentary staff and to learn. I enjoyed hearing • “Participation in the • “I have a strong believe in of Parliamentary Training Institutes experts together to exchange about the differences of other programme enabled me learning and development for (PTIs) for Enhanced Parliamentary “Since 2012, over The writing-to-learn approach various self-reflective activities ideas in order to better implement jurisdictions compared to to learn from world class staff so when you give staff Practices and Democracy in the 21st is another form of narrative, which can encourage awareness and and advance good practices mine. We are all truly unique!” professionals and access regardless of their level these Century (pp. 52-60). Nairobi, Kenya: 150 participants is used in the programme through growth, learning experiences across the Commonwealth. • “Excellent networking to experiences in other opportunities for learning Parliament of Kenya Press. with parliamentary written assignments, online such as these are most effective Drawn from the survey of the opportunity, thought Parliaments that are not and development particularly discussions, and the final research when they take place within a past programme participants provoking, lots to take away documented elsewhere.” practical learning and References: experience ranging paper at the end of each course. supportive relationship (Taylor, conducted by McGill University, and think about, excellent • “It was a remarkable development, you’re going to 1 Freedom in the World (2019) from five to twenty Writing is a powerful tool for 2006). Therefore, one-on-one here are some examples of communication from the programme; it was a strengthen your organisation, 2 Global Parliamentary Report— years from over self-discovery and reflection as it mentorship is an integral and improvements implemented by CPA.” tremendous experience you’re going to build that Parliamentary oversight: Parliament’s allows one to describe and capture unique part of McGill’s programme participants in their Parliaments • “More such programmes for not only for me but for all knowledge and that capacity power to hold government to account 40 countries have thought in a more precise and for parliamentary staff. At the following programme completion: the parliamentary staff should participants for sure. Being a and give your organisation IPU (2017) completed the concrete form and is a further step beginning of the programme, each • A structure for the Committee be initiated by CPA.” parliamentary administrator, a better opportunity going 3 Charter of the Commonwealth in to the “process of integration, … participant is assigned to a mentor Secretariat division. • “The in-depth knowledge I I found everything important forward to do better.” (2013) McGill University’s assessment and recalibration of (one of the programme instructors), • Data sharing systems, public have gained from this one- for us in this programme. Professional perception” (Taylor, 2006). who accompanies, encourages, engagement initiatives week residential seminar I Sharing of experiences Participants are required motivates, and guides the mentee (virtual tour of Assembly). will definitely pass on to other opened new horizons for us Development to pass five online courses throughout the duration of the • Improved quality of research Programme. The to be awarded a Professional programme and beyond. work. Commonwealth Development Certificate in Since 2012, over 150 • Introduced a Code of Conduct Parliamentary Management upon participants with parliamentary for Parliamentary Staff. Parliamentary completion of the programme. experience ranging from five • Managed to link Association (CPA) One of the course assignments to twenty years from over 40 Parliamentary Committees to requires participants to write countries have completed the Researchers. Headquarters about and explain the way their McGill University’s Professional • Developed a Draft Secretariat has Parliaments function. This activity Development Programme. The Communication Strategy for successfully funded encourages participants to Commonwealth Parliamentary the National Assembly. express in writing all the things Association (CPA) Headquarters • Introduced an orientation/ 34 parliamentary staff they implicitly know about their Secretariat has successfully training programme for new from Commonwealth Parliament, helps make their funded 34 parliamentary staff Directors at the Assembly. implicit assumptions explicit and from Commonwealth Parliaments The programme has since Parliaments on this re-evaluates their assumptions, on this programme since 2017. been extended to managers programme since approaches and beliefs. Parliamentary staff who and supervisors. Though writing-to-learn, participate in this programme Alumni from the programme 2017.” co-construction of narratives and have the benefit of developing from across the Commonwealth

12th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Canada Region meet in Nova Scotia Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region takes place in Trinidad and Tobago to discuss inclusion and supporting women entrepreneurs on theme of ‘Women in Leadership’ The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Commonwealth Parliamentarians from (CWP) Canada Regional meetings took place across the region met for the 12th Regional from 12 to 15 July 2019 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Conference of the Commonwealth Women The CWP Canada Regional Chair, Hon. Parliamentarians (CWP) Caribbean, Americas Laura Ross, MLA (Saskatchewan) chaired the and the Atlantic Region hosted by the meetings which took place ahead of the 57th Images: Nova Scotia Legislature. Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago on 13 and CPA Canada Regional Conference in Nova 14 July 2019. Scotia later the same week. Delegates to the Images: Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. The 12th CWP Caribbean Regional CWP Canada Regional Conference were Conference was chaired by Hon. Jeannine hosted by Hon. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, MLA, Giraudy-McIntyre, MP, President of the Deputy Speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislature Senate of St Lucia and Chair of the Regional and CWP Nova Scotia Branch Representative. CWP and saw updates on the activities of the The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians CWP across the region. At the CWP Regional (CWP) Canada Region held an outreach Conference, delegates heard from experts programme for Members visiting local businesses at two training sessions on gender-based and organisations as well as a regional meeting budgeting and on gender-based harassment. and workshop sessions. Workshop topics Amongst the attendees at the CWP Regional included women entrepreneurs and supporting Conference were: Hon. Shirley Osborne, MLA, then in business; the six signature traits of inclusive Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Montserrat; leadership; and ‘Inclusion Is Not Just A Buzz Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George, MP, Speaker of Word!’. The meetings provided Members with the House of Representatives at the Parliament the opportunity to hear about activities over the of Trinidad and Tobago; Hon. Senator Alincia previous year, and to think about priorities for the Williams-Grant, President of the Senate of Antigua upcoming year. and Barbuda; and Hon. Laura Tucker-Longsworth, The CWP Canada Chair gave her report MP, Speaker of the Parliament of Belize. emphasising the importance of the CWP Canada Regional Steering congratulated the CWP Canada Regional Chair, Hon. Laura The 12th CWP Caribbean Regional Committee continuing their efforts to promote CWP in Canada on Ross, MLA on the excellent work of the CWP Canada Region Conference was held in Trinidad and Tobago a variety of platforms, including social media. The importance of in promoting greater female inclusion in Parliaments. The CPA ahead of the 44th CPA Regional Conference of the Caribbean, continuing to build ties with other groups who promote the role of Canada Regional Chair also presented the CWP ‘She Should Run’ Americas and Atlantic Region. women in Legislative Assemblies was also emphasised. booklet, a framework campaign for schools to encourage young The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Akbar Khan (who women’s political participation, to the CPA Vice-Chairperson and was attending the CPA Canada Regional Conference) the CPA Secretary-General at the regional conference. Focus on encouraging young women into leadership positions for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians in the Australia Region Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians in Queensland celebrate the first The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Australia Region have held the latest event in their highly successful ‘Stepping- women elected to the Legislative Assembly Up’ programme aimed at encouraging young women to aim for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) at the leadership positions. On 17 June 2019, the CWP Representative at Parliament of Queensland have celebrated the 90th anniversary the Parliament of New South Wales, Jenny Aitchison, MP hosted the of the election of the first women Member of the Queensland ‘Stepping Up’: Young Women’s Leadership Workshop, the second Legislative Assembly, Irene Longman. th www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . workshop to be held at the Parliament of New South Wales since the Images: CWP Australia Facebook page. Irene Longman was elected on 11 May 1929 to represent the seat CWP-initiated program was launched in May 2016. of Bulimba and held the seat until 1932. Irene was one of the first trained Members of the New South Wales Parliament nominated 55 kindergarten teachers working in Queensland. She had a long career in young women considering a career in politics to participate and early childhood education. At age fifty-two, Irene was nominated to run Hon. Leslie Williams, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of for the state seat of Bulimba as a National Party candidate. She was Image: Parliament of Queensland Facebook page. New South Wales, welcomed participants to the Members’ an experienced organiser as a member of the Queensland Women’s Dining Room. Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones, MLC; Ms Steph Electoral League and as President of the Queensland branch of the Cooke, MP; Ms Felicity Wilson, MP; Hon. Ms Abigail Boyd, MLC; National Council of Women (1920 – 1924). and Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC all provided informative insights for Current and past women Members of the Queensland the young women at the event into their political journeys during Parliament were joined by Hon. Curtis Pitt, MP, current Speaker of the ‘Pathways to Politics’ panel discussions. the Queensland Legislative Assembly to celebrate the anniversary. For more images of CWP activities and events please visit

Commonwealth Parliamentarians focus on gender sensitive scrutiny of legislation Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Asia Region discuss impediments and at Westminster Workshop challenges facing women in politics at 5th CPA Asia Regional Conference in Pakistan

Forty Commonwealth Parliamentarians from 25 Legislatures from A seminar for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) all CPA Regions attended the Westminster Workshop on Gender has been held for women Members at the 5th Commonwealth Sensitive Scrutiny hosted by the CPA UK Branch from 17 to 19 Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Regional Conference. The June 2019 for a full programme of shared learning on gender regional conference was held from 29 July to 2 August 2019 in Images: CPA UK Branch.

sensitive scrutiny of legislation and budgets. Islamabad, Pakistan. The seminar was attended by the Speaker of the Images: CPA Pakistan Branch. The programme was designed to facilitate the sharing of National Assembly of Pakistan, Hon. Asad Qaiser and the Chairperson knowledge and expertise between Legislatures and focus on of the CPA International Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Lifaka, MP, how individual Parliamentarians can become leaders in their own Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon. Parliaments. Over the course of the three-day programme, the Delegates discussed the challenges and impediments against delegates engaged with a variety of speakers including other women in politics in the region and a wide range of connected topics Parliamentarians, academics and experts in civil society. The including the male dominant party structures; general seats versus conversations were rich and diverse, bringing together many different reserved seats for women; and prioritising women issues as national view points and approaches on how to ensure legislation and issues. Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, Federal Minister of Pakistan and CPA budgets are properly scrutinised through a gender sensitive lens. Asia Regional Representative on the CPA International Executive The CPA UK Branch was delighted to welcome Amelia Kinahoi Committee spoke about the role of women in Pakistan in politics and Siamomua, Head of Gender at the Commonwealth Secretariat, by the first Women’s Budget Statement which was introduced her experiences as both a Speaker and Minister in Pakistan. who gave the keynote speech in which she spoke about the at the Australian Federal Government level in 1984 and required Hon. Munaza Shireen Mazari, Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights spoke about Commonwealth Charter which recognises gender equality as government departments and agencies to outline how their policies Hassan, MNA, women’s empowerment; and Hon. Jalia Bintu, MP spoke about her one of its key principles. She spoke about the importance of impacted women. CWP Steering experience as a women Member of the Parliament of Uganda. ensuring that no citizen of the Commonwealth gets left behind Rt Hon. Maria Miller, MP spoke about her role as the first Committee Ahead of the CWP Asia Region seminar, a specially convened and that all Parliamentarians must be aware of the implications of and only Chair of the UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Member for the Asia meeting of the Pakistan Women’s Parliamentary Caucus legislation they work with. She highlighted that it is vitally important Select Committee. The Committee selects laws to scrutinise and Region spoke about was held with senior delegates and was also attended by the as a ‘Connected Commonwealth’ to share learnings as well as produces reports which the UK Government must respond to. This the work of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson, challenges. work also forces these issues up the news agenda. Image: CPA Headquarters Secretariat. Pakistan Women’s Hon. Dr Dato’ Noraini Ahmad, MP (Malaysia) and former CWP The programme enabled delegates to explore different methods Kate Faragher of Bespoke Skills spoke about the importance of Parliamentary Chairperson and current CPA President Designate, Rt Hon. of scrutinising legislation and budgets through Committee inquiries preparation, effective questioning and teamwork when addressing Caucus; Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda. and by engaging with civil society groups. A recurring theme of the witnesses during Committee sessions. Delegates explored the session discussions focussed on increasing the representation best approaches to asking questions, including using clear and of women and minority groups in Commonwealth Parliaments to specific language, and ordering questions and follow up questions Left: The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Mr Akbar ensure that gender sensitive scrutiny is robustly facilitated and at effectively. Khan attended the 5th CPA Asia Regional Conference and was delighted to meet with the top of the agenda. In addition, cross party approaches were Rt Hon. Nicky Morgan, MP spoke about her role as the Chair of former Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson, Ms Kashmala explored with speakers offering their views on the importance of the UK Parliament’s Treasury Select Committee which scrutinises Tariq in Pakistan who is continuing to campaign for women’s rights in her role as Federal well-resourced, evidence-based, cross-party working groups to expenditure, administration and policy of the Treasury, Revenue and Ombudsperson for the Protection Against Harassment of Women in the Workplace. challenge policy and ultimately improve the lives of all those who live Customs, and associated public bodies in the UK, including the in countries around the world. Bank of England. Tara Cheyne, MP, Government Whip for the Australian On the final day, the programme included an interactive Capital Territory, spoke about the trajectory of gender sensitive Committee exercise which allowed the delegates to practice their Election successes of Commonwealth budgeting in Australia. She highlighted the cultural shift caused techniques for questioning witnesses at committee inquiries. Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, MP of The Gambia chaired the proceedings Women Parliamentarians recognised and delegates volunteered as Committee Members to question in Bermuda the witnesses about measures to protect employees from sexual Image: CPA Bermuda Branch.

harassment in the workplace. Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) from the www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . The final session of the Workshop explored knowledge gained CPA Bermuda, Montserrat and Trinidad & Tobago Branches and shared. Key pledges from delegates included establishing together with parliamentary staff and staff members from the Women and Equalities Committees, working closely with CPA Headquarters Secretariat gathered in the margins of colleagues to establish gender sensitive scrutiny of legislation the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Parliamentary and budgets, and commissioning Gender Sensitive Audits in their Strengthening Seminar in Bermuda in May 2019 to recognise respective Legislatures. that the Parliament of Bermuda now has 25% women Members of Parliament following its most recent elections, up To find out more about the Westminster Workshop on Gender Sensitive from 19.4% in previous elections. Scrutiny, please visit www.uk-cpa.org or email [email protected]. For more images of CWP activities and events please visit

250 | The Parliamentarian | 2019: Issue Three | 100th year of publishing The Parliamentarian | 2019: Issue Three | 100th year of publishing | 251 Parliamentary AUSTRALIA Report THIRD READING: AUSTRALIA Electoral Legislation Amendment used to be voluntary, allowing candidates to impacts of election commitments that would NEWS AND LEGISLATION FROM COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS (Modernisation and Other Measures) provide information where they believed it have a material impact on the Commonwealth Act 2019 was appropriate. Schedule 1 of this Bill seeks Budget, and provides an indication of the total The legislation amends the Commonwealth to enforce that checklist as a compulsory impact a party’s election platform would have Electoral Act 1918 to make completion of a requirement for every person nominating as a on the Commonwealth Budget for the current qualification checklist compulsory in relation federal candidate. This compulsory requirement and next three financial years, if those election to candidate nominations, and makes other is not just important for administrative purposes commitments were enacted as announced.’ changes. but also ensures that the Australian public can Mr Hawke noted that ‘only the proposal During the 45th Parliament (2016-2019), have faith that, regardless of their choice of to change the timing of the post-election a number of Senators and Members had candidate, these issues have been squared report requires change to legislation. The Joint to resign their position because they had away in some capacity by the time people get Committee of Public Accounts and Audit dual citizenship which is in breach of section to the polls. Where answers are not provided to and the Presiding Officers have agreed to the 44(i) of the Constitution. If a person has dual the required questions, the nomination would be change in timing for the publication of the report. citizenship, then they ‘shall be incapable of invalid. Similarly, where more than one answer is The delayed publication not only is intended being chosen or of sitting as a Senator or a provided to a required question, that nomination to accommodate the changed scope of these Member of the House of Representatives.’ It would also be invalid.’ reports by the Parliamentary Budget Office but has always been an individual candidate’s Dr Chalmers explained that ‘completing is also expected to enhance the visibility of the responsibility to ensure that they are compliant this checklist does not automatically guarantee post-election report by moving the timing closer with this section of the Constitution. a candidate is eligible for federal office. The to the resumption of parliamentary sittings.’ The Special Minister of State, Hon. Alex Parliament and the judiciary rightly remain The Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Dr Hawke, MP, explained that the legislation paramount in these cases for important Andrew Leigh, MP, noted that Labor will makes a number of changes to the Electoral constitutional reasons. But what this compulsory support the legislation. Dr Leigh commented Act to ‘include an obligation for persons wishing checklist does ensure is that all candidates that ‘it has been Labor that has led the way on to nominate as candidates in elections to for federal office consider their circumstances medium-term costings, recognising that for provide information, in the form of a checklist, carefully and provide evidence wherever many policies it’s important to understand the relevant to their eligibility under section 44 of ambiguity exists. Providing deliberately false implications not just over the four years but also the Constitution.’ Mr Hawke stated that the or misleading information will rightly attract over the decade. This is particularly true with legislation ‘will make completing the checklist a a penalty under the Criminal Code, where grandfathered reforms, such as Labor’s changes mandatory requirement for all candidates at the either a maximum penalty of imprisonment to capital gains and negative gearing, where the next federal election. The checklist is consistent for 12 months or a fine of $12,600, or both impact over the 10 years is materially different with the form previously established by simultaneously, can apply.’ from the impact over four years. It’s important, regulations and used at the recent by-elections. too, when we’re thinking about long-term Information provided in the checklist is also Parliamentary Service Amendment policies and the issues typically raised in the consistent with the form used by current (Post-election Report) Act 2019 Intergenerational report, that we aren’t simply Senators and Members of Parliament which The legislation amends the the Parliamentary confined to thinking about fiscal costs over a Prime Minister Morrison achieves stunning is published on the respective parliamentary Service Act 1999 to change the deadline for four-year window.’ citizenship registers.’ publishing the post-election report of election In relation to the PBO, Dr Leigh stated that it electoral victory for the ‘quiet Australians’ Page 254 The Shadow Minister for Finance, Dr Jim commitments, from before the end of 30 days ‘is an equal status coster to the Treasury, a point Chalmers, MP, commented that ‘as Members after the end of the caretaker period for a sometimes missed by those opposite. Labor UGANDA UNITED KINGDOM CANADA here would be very well aware, the issue of general election to the later of either 30 days established it. We are proud of the institution Uganda Finance Minister PM resigns and UK Parliament Federal Parliament adjourns section 44 eligibility has plagued this Parliament. after the end of the caretaker period for the it’s become. It’s helped the Parliament and the In May last year, the Joint Standing Committee general election to which the report relates or 7 public develop a deeper understanding of the With thanks to our Parliamentary presents Budget speculates on Prorogation ahead of Fall Election on Electoral Matters, JSCEM, issued its report days before the first sitting day of either or both budgetary impacts on policies being considered. Report and Third Reading Page 258 Page 260 Page 262 on these eligibility issues. The Committee Houses of the Parliament after the general Its independence and focus on transparency contributors: Mohammed Katamba recommended the Australian Government election to which the report relates. The post- have improved the information and data (Parliament of Uganda); Paras Ramoutar (Parliament of Trinidad INDIA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO THIRD READINGS investigate measures and strategies to mitigate election report is prepared and published by the available to the public. The PBO also produces and Tobago); Stephen Boyd the impact of section 44 on this Parliament, Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO). regular reports on important fiscal issues, which First Session of the new 17th High Court decision upholds Australia Federal (Federal Parliament of Australia); Dr particularly when such confusion and chaos was The PBO is required to prepare and release shine a light onto key questions around budget Jayadev Sahu (Parliament of India); Lok Sabha in India parliamentary processes Page 253 taking hold. Importantly, the Committee noted a post-election report on election commitments sustainability and ensure that the public has a Erin Virgint (Federal Parliament of that the power of the Parliament and the High shortly after a federal election. The Special strong idea of who is bearing the heavy lifting for Canada); Luke Harris (Parliament of Page 264 Page 267 New Zealand); and Michael Berry New Zealand Court in these matters should be respected.’ Minister of State, Hon. Alex Hawke, MP, fiscal changes.’ (Parliament of the United Kingdom). Dr Chalmers stated that ‘a checklist commented that ‘the report presents the budget Page 256

Albanese becomes new involved in small and family Mr Morrison noted that In relation to national security, PRIME MINISTER MORRISON ACHIEVES STUNNING Leader of the Opposition business, whether you’re the Ministry maintains record Mr Morrison commented that Hon. Anthony Albanese, someone who set yourself up representation of women in ‘our experienced Foreign Affairs ELECTORAL VICTORY FOR THE ‘QUIET AUSTRALIANS’ MP, became the Leader of as a tradie, whether you’re the Cabinet, including Senator and National Security Ministers The Prime Minister, Hon. at times would just ignore policy and leadership. Former seat of Warringah to former the Opposition unopposed. a pensioner, whether you’re Hon. Marise Payne as Minister in Senator Hon. Marise Payne Scott Morrison, MP, and his dissent. For example, the then Liberal Foreign Affairs Olympian skier Ms Zali Steggal. Mr Albanese was first elected young or old, whether you live for Foreign Affair; Senator Hon. as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Coalition Liberal/National Shadow Treasurer, Hon. Chris Minister, Alexander Downer, Ms Steggal campaigned to the New South Wales inner in a city or a region, or a remote Bridget Mckenzie as the first former Army Reserves Brigadier Government, has come from Bowen, MP, in response to commented that ‘talking of on being economically metropolitan seat of Grayndler community, you feel included female Minister for Agriculture; Senator Hon. Linda Reynolds behind to win the Australia criticism from retirees about miracles, there wasn’t a single conservative but socially in 1996. He is 56 and has a in society. And that is the Labor Senator Hon. Michaelia Cash as Minister for Defence, Hon. Federal Election held on 18 the proposal to end refundable outbreak of Coalition disunity progressive. Mr Abbott has held Bachelor of Economics from agenda very much.’ as Minister for Employment, Peter Dutton, MP as Minister May 2019. Mr Morrison was franking credits told them that for five and a half weeks. For Warringah since 1994 but fell Sydney University. During the Mr Albanese will be Skills, Small and Family for Home Affairs and Senator not expected to win and he if you do not like the policy five long weeks Morrison kept out of favour with his electorate Rudd/Gillard Governments, he supported by new Deputy Business; Senator Hon. Linda Hon. Simon Birmingham as himself called his victory vote for someone else. And under control a parliamentary on policies such as same-sex was a Cabinet Minister from Leader, Dr Jim Chalmers, MP, Reynolds, CSC as Minister Minister for Trade, Tourism and a miracle. During the past they did. Australian voters party that has, for six years, marriage and action on climate 2007 to 2013. He held various who was first elected to the for Defence; Senator Hon. Investment will help guide our six years the Coalition was told Labor that they are not behaved like a drunken family change. Mr Abbott, in conceding portfolios including Minster for Queensland seat of Rankin Anne Ruston as Minister for country through the uncertain dogged by infighting and interested in redistributive forced together at Christmas defeat, said he would rather Infrastructure and Transport in 2013. Labor’s leaders in Families and Social Services; times and global economic internal dissent. Mr Morrison policies and bigger spending. extolling the perceived failings be a loser than a quitter, which and was Deputy Prime Minister the Senate will be Senator and Hon. Karen Andrews, MP, headwinds. They will be was elected as Leader in By demonstrating their support of each other.’ was probably a veiled reference for three months in 2013. Mr Hon. Penny Wong as Leader as Minister for Industry, Science supported by Hon. Alex Hawke, August 2018 replacing the for Mr Morrison, Australians Late on election night, to the former Prime Minister, Albanese, in addressing the and Senator Hon. Kristina and Technology. MP, as Minister for International then Prime Minister, Hon. supported lower taxes Mr Morrison said he always Hon. Malcolm Turnbull who Labor caucus for the first time, Keneally as Deputy Leader. National Party Member, Development and the Pacific and Malcolm Turnbull who was and clearly demonstrated believed in miracles and immediately quit his seat when stated that ‘in the election Senator Keneally is a former Hon. Michael McCormack, Assistant Minister for Defence removed in an ugly leadership their conservatism. Labor’s claimed the victory for the he lost the support of his party campaign, it has to be said, and Premier of New South Wales. MP, remains the Deputy helping drive our Pacific ‘step up’ contest. Mr Morrison was the confidence going into the ‘quiet Australians’. He stated in August 2018. I say it unequivocally today – I Prime Minister and Minister agenda.’ third Coalition Prime Minister in election made its loss not just ‘tonight is about every single The billionaire Clive Palmer accept my share as a senior New Prime Minister for Infrastructure, Transport In relation to the environment Australia in just over five years. devastating but humiliating. Australian who depends on their formed the United Australia Shadow Minister in the show, Morrison announces new and Regional Development. and energy, Mr Morrison The opinion polls heavily Mr Morrison ran essentially Government to put them first. Party and spent an estimated for the fact that we weren’t look Ministry Mr Morrison commented that stated that ‘Hon. Sussan Ley, favoured the opposition a sole election campaign That is exactly what we are going AUD$60 million on campaign successful. I think the senior Shortly after the Federal Election, ‘the Deputy Prime Minister will MP, will return to Cabinet as Labor Party to win. But Prime warning ‘don’t risk Labor’. He to do. Our Government will come advertising but failed to win a Members, all of us, have to the Prime Minister, Hon. Scott continue in his role delivering Minister for the Environment Minister Morrison ran a simple repeated over and over again a together after this night and we seat anywhere. However, the accept responsibility, that those Morrison, MP, announced his our $100 billion National with a focus on practical and but highly effective campaign simple but effective message will get back to work. That is our preferences from his 3.5% of many millions of Australians new Ministry. Mr Morrison stated Infrastructure Programme, local environmental outcomes claiming that a vote for Labor ‘don’t give your hard-earned task and that is my undertaking the national vote helped the who rely upon us and the tens of that ‘Australians have re-elected including the National Water as well as waste reduction would mean higher taxes and money to Bill Shorten to spend’. to Australians from one end of Coalition government to be thousands of people who have our Government to get back Grid, supported by Hon. and recycling, assisted by getting Bill Shorten. Labor in Mr Shorten was often referred the country to the other. I said I re-elected. worked on our campaigns, need to work and get on with the job Alan Tudge, MP, who has Hon. Trevor Evans, MP. Hon. contrast ran a campaign full to as ‘the Bill Australia can’t was going to burn for you and I For the new 46th Parliament, us to do better next time. And of delivering for all Australians been promoted to Cabinet, to Angus Taylor, MP, will continue of policy detail and promising afford.’ In contrast, Labor was am – every single day.’ the House of Representatives today we resolve to do just that.’ as they go about their own continue his work of congestion as Minister for Energy and his redistributive change. At the often tied up in policy detail In politics, there is no prize chamber increased to 151 In outlining his approach as lives, pursuing their goals and busting in our cities and portfolio will take on Emissions same time, Labor was highly and in the end could not cut for coming second and so it was seats up from 150 in the 45th Opposition Leader, Mr Albanese aspirations for themselves, their implementing our plan for Reduction to ensure we have confident in its vision and through. Mr Morrison fronted for the Leader of the Opposition, Parliament. At the start of commented that ‘people have families and their communities. Australia’s future population.’ a strong focus on lowering the media on a Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, to the 45th Parliament in 2016, conflict fatigue. They don’t want My Government’s new Ministry The Economic Ministers Australians’ power bills and daily basis and concede defeat and congratulate the distribution of seats was to see us yelling at each other brings together the experience remain the same with Hon. meeting our 2030 emissions strategically Mr Morrison. Mr Shorten also Liberal/National Coalition for the sake of it. They want and stability of service in key Josh Frydenberg, MP targets. Mr Warren Entsch, targeted key announced that he would step 76, Labor 69, one Green and solutions, not arguments. They portfolios, while bringing in new returning as Treasurer and MP, will also serve as Special seats. His down from his position as the four independents. In the want unions and business to Members that will add their own Senator Hon. Mathias Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef.’ unpopular Leader of the Opposition which new Parliament, the Coalition be able to work together in the experience, skills and passion to Cormann returning as Minister Mr Morrison stated Ministers were he has held for six years. His slightly increased its majority to common interest. They want an the job ahead.’ for Finance. Mr Morrison that ‘a key focus for all conspicuous by dreams of becoming Prime 77 seats, Labor 68, one Green economy that works for them, Mr Morrison commented that noted that ‘the Economic of my Ministers and their their absence, Minister were over. and five independent Members. not the other way around. Labor the Ministry will be tasked with team will also be supported Departments will be lifting but this was In contrast, Mr Morrison’s The Senate of the 46th supports economic growth as delivering our commitments by Hon. Michael Sukkar, performance on government not a problem. successful leadership and Parliament comprises 35 the core part of our agenda. to: create 1.25 million more MP, as Assistant Treasurer service delivery. This will In addition, management of the campaign Coalition, 26 Labor, nine Because jobs are always first, jobs over the next five years; and Minister for Housing to include congestion busting on there were has strengthened his position Australian Greens, two second, and third priority of this maintain budget surpluses implement our First Home Loan regulatory and bureaucratic no inter-party and authority. His victory, Pauline Hanson’s One great party. Not just any job, and pay down debt; deliver Deposit Scheme, as well as roadblocks, making better outbreaks. The although narrow, is one of the Nation, two Centre Alliance, good jobs, with fair pay, and fair tax relief for families and more affordable housing and use of technology and better past six years most impressive in Liberal one Independent and one conditions’. He emphasised small businesses; guarantee Senator Hon. Jane Hume integrating service delivery of Government Party history. Jacqui Lambie Network. The the need to bring Australians increased funding for schools, taking to the role of Assistant across portfolios. The goal is has seen the In other election news, Government does not control together commenting that ‘so hospitals, medicines and roads; Minister for Superannuation, to make it easier to deal with Coalition, at the former Australian Prime the Senate and will need 39 that whether you’re a trade and keep Australians safe, Financial Services and and access the Government times, heavily Minister, Hon. Tony Abbott, votes to pass legislation. union member, a non-union including online, and keeping Financial Technology.’ services Australians rely on.’ divided on MP, lost his blue-ribbon Liberal member, a someone who is our borders secure.

hopes to see this reviewed in the next phase of that that’s a democratic provision, and I think the gun law reforms. that it’s fantastic.” THIRD READING: NEW ZEALAND Mr Ian McKelvie, MP (National) In speaking to the Bill as a whole, Ms commented that the Government’s buy-back Swarbrick said it was “important to put on the The Arbitration Amendment Bill asked, “So why all this effort? Simply, arbitration scheme should accept illegally obtained record for the sake of Hansard the Green Party’s The Arbitration Amendment Bill, a Member’s is a very cost-effective and timely method of weapons as well: “I accept that that won’t be supreme support for all of these brilliant policy Bill in the name of Mr Andrew Bayly, MP resolving commercial and other disputes. In part of this Bill - it wouldn’t be possible to be points.” (National), to improve laws relating to arbitration essence, it reduces the caseload on courts.” part of this. But I think it needs to be seriously Similarly, Ms Nicola Willis, MP (National) proceedings and to bring them closer to Amendments to the Bill were proposed considered as we go forward, as to how we supported the reform to the process by international legislation, passed its Third in order to align arbitration law more closely get these guns that are illegally owned in New which universities may change their name: Reading on 1 May 2019 with unanimous with international standards. Ms Golriz Zealand - and there will be many more of them “This reflects recent events in New Zealand support in the House. Ghahraman, MP (Green) explained how this as a result of this - out of circulation.” where one of our - if not our most - premium The Bill’s amendments to the Arbitration could have other benefits: “So we’re doing this The Minister of Police, Hon. Stuart Nash, universities, Victoria University of Wellington, Act 1996 include: giving arbitration clauses for New Zealand, but we are going to get this MP (Labour), indicated that work was under decided that it would go about changing its in trust deeds the same effect as arbitration very attractive outcome as well, that we will be way on an Arms Amendment Bill (No 2), which name. Unfortunately, the university council agreements; defining the grounds for setting so up to date and so effective in arbitration that will make further amendments to the Arms attempted to make that change without the aside an arbitral award; and confirming the we may actually become a hub for this type of Act and is expected to be brought before support of its community, with a significant consequence of failing to raise a timely dispute resolution internationally.” Parliament in June 2019. He said: “That Bill will proportion of students and alumni opposed to objection to an arbitral tribunal’s jurisdiction. One of the few major disagreements during address some long-debated questions around that change and with staff divided on it.” Given the technical nature of the Bill, the the Bill’s passage concerned the conflict Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, as we have heard, this is an issue that’s been a gun register, the licensing regime, the system However, Opposition spokesperson on Justice Committee received independent between New Zealand’s principle of open and Parts) Amendment Bill well traversed in the past.” of police vetting, the fit and proper person test, Education, Hon. Nikki Kaye, MP (National) advice from legal experts, including from justice and the privacy that would be desired for The Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, Ms Golriz Ghahraman, MP (Green) storage requirements, and penalties, amongst commented: “While we may have supported recently retired High Court judge, Hon. Paul international arbitration proceedings. “Without and Parts) Amendment Bill was introduced to explained: “The expedited process that other matters.” one Supplementary Order Paper within this Heath, QC. making changes, we will remain uncompetitive the New Zealand Parliament following the 15th we’ve taken has been appropriate in assuring The Bill was passed with 119 votes to 1 legislation, we are opposing it on the grounds, The Select Committee Chair, Mr Raymond as a chosen destination, and this represents a March 2019 terrorist attacks at Al Noor and members of the public, who actually were and received the Royal Assent on 11 April actually, for what the Minister mentioned at the Huo, MP (Labour) explained that in so doing real commercial loss of opportunity”, argued Linwood mosques in Christchurch, an act of shocked that we live in a community where this 2019. A Royal commission of inquiry has been beginning of his speech. This is an incredibly they were “not only honouring the sector but Mr Bayly. However, Mr Fletcher Tabuteau, violence that resulted in the deaths of 51 people. type of military-style weapon was so easy to established to investigate the events leading up ideological piece of legislation.” also getting some of the fundamental principles MP (NZ First) disagreed: “New Zealand is The legislation, which by leave of the House obtain, that actually change is coming and it’s to the Christchurch attacks. Ms Kaye’s colleague, Ms Denise Lee, MP right, because, as Chief Justice, Rt Hon. Sian a legal system where its foundation and its was passed within an expedited time frame, being done now.” (National) also said of the Bill: “it’s quite simply Elias stated in her two letters to the Justice premise is very much about an open, public aims “to remove semi-automatic firearms from However, Mr David Seymour, MP The Education Amendment Bill (No 2) a crude dismantling of previous National Party Committee, this Bill, although a Member’s Bill, legal system. So I echo the words of those circulation and use by the general population in (Leader, ACT) said: “I urge caution. I urge The Education Amendment Bill (No 2), reforms - that’s straight out what it’s about.” did touch upon some important issues dealing who have spoken tonight, yet again, and New Zealand … by prohibiting semi-automatic public consultation. I urge that we do our job introduced on 13 September 2018, amends Opposition Members spoke also against the directly with a court function.” acknowledge that whilst there might have been firearms, magazines, and parts that can be used as a Parliament and truly honour the victims of the Education Act 1989, the Education Act school starting age component of the Bill. Hon. The Bill enjoyed broad support across the some advantageous pecuniary advantage to to assemble prohibited firearms.” this tragedy by defending our democracy and 1964, and the Education (Update) Amendment Tim Macindoe, MP (National) stated: “let’s not House, with Members agreeing that it was especially dual commercial entities who were The Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Jacinda our due process of public consultation and Act 2017 and clarifies the functions, duties, take away from parents the right to choose, and, important to provide an alternative to the court interested in using the arbitration system here Ardern, MP (Labour) had announced within parliamentary scrutiny and making good laws, and powers of specified education entities. At in particular, let’s acknowledge the fact that for system. “[Arbitration] is usually quicker, it is in New Zealand, that is not New Zealand. We days of the attacks that the country’s gun laws because if gun control is important, it’s important the Bill’s Third and final Reading, the Minister of many parents it’s an economic necessity apart usually more cost-effective, and it is usually less would not have wanted those proceedings to be would change, and she commented at the to do it right.” Education, Hon. Chris Hipkins, MP (Labour) from anything else. There are so many families rancorous”, said Mr Michael Wood, MP (Labour). undertaken in private.” Bill’s Third Reading: “I could not fathom how The Bill includes changes in what will be the noted that the legislation: “ends the previous now, where the parents need to be able to go to Mr Duncan Webb, MP (Labour) One issue that arose during the Select weapons that could cause such destruction and first tranche of a wider review of New Zealand’s Government’s policy of lowering the school work, that if the child is just a little bit short of his highlighted also that “the court systems Committee’s consideration of the Bill was large-scale death could have been obtained gun laws. It provides an amnesty period starting age to include four-year-olds … requires or her fifth birthday and it works for them, let that absolutely do not work for everyone. Sometimes the so-called ‘quick-draw’ procedure, through legally in this country. I could not fathom that.” for firearms to be surrendered to licensed private schools to be safe places for students, happen.” they don’t work because of the complexity and which one fast-acting party could engineer Members from across the House noted dealers or to the police. This will tie in with a in line with the requirements on State and Ms Jan Tinetti, MP (Labour), in speaking size of disputes which arbitrations - as Mr Bayly the appointment of the arbiter of its choice. A that the changes were ‘long overdue’, ‘a Government buy-back scheme. The Prime State integrated schools … [and] ensures that to advice from the Advisory Group on Early noted - relate to, but also for a whole lot of other number of submitters asked that provision for long time coming’ and ‘needed for many Minister explained that those who still require the Teaching Council, in making decisions on Learning in 2015, countered: “Those people disputes which may be smaller and require more this procedure be repealed. While the Select years’. References were made also to the weapons for legitimate purposes, such as for matters related to the profession, makes those said very clearly that we cannot let young people simple procedures.” Committee favoured this repeal, it reported that unsuccessful attempts at gun law reform hunting or for pest control: “have told us what within the context of Government policy.” start school before the age of five. Even five can Other Members spoke of the need to an amendment to this effect was outside the in New Zealand following the Aramoana is fair and legitimate use, and they have told us There was wide support for the Minister’s be considered very early on a global standard. remove any opportunities to ‘game the scope of the Bill. However, in a novel move, the massacre, in 1990. that they, by and large, with very few exceptions, amendment set out on Supplementary Order Now, when we’ve heard it can be just as long system’ through this Bill. Mr Chris Penk, MP Committee secured the Business Committee’s The Finance and Expenditure Committee, support what we are doing here today.” Paper 224, which, Ms Chlöe Swarbrick, MP as eight weeks, actually, eight weeks in the life (National) stated: “If we are to encourage agreement for the Committee of the Whole which worked within a shortened report-back A proposed amendment in the name of (Green) explained: “implemented into this of a five-year-old is quite a length of time and members of our society - whether it’s natural House to be authorised to consider the period of seven days, received more than Opposition police spokesperson, Mr Chris piece of legislation the requirement that any actually can make a big, huge difference in the persons, or corporate bodies, or whatever amendment. Using this authority, the Committee 13,000 submissions and heard oral evidence Bishop, MP (National) was ruled out of name change of any university is no longer a development of a child.” form a legal person might take - to engage of the Whole House adopted the amendment, from 22 submitters. Mr Mark Patterson, MP order. The amendment would have created decision that is to be made just by a Minister The Bill passed its Third Reading on 9 May in this constructive way, then we should do and the quick-draw procedure was abolished. (NZ First) said: “There has been some criticism an exemption for competitors in international of Education but it is to be made by the 2019 with 63 votes to 57. everything possible to make the law better for The Bill received the Royal Assent on 7 May of the process. It has been very truncated, but, target-shooting sports. The National Party still entirety of this House, this Parliament. I think that purpose.” The Bill’s sponsor, Mr Bayly, 2019.

of exports has out of 10 young people with UGANDA FINANCE MINISTER PRESENTS BUDGET AND TARGETS also changed no work. positively with “The informality of the INCREASING WEALTH AND IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS OF UGANDANS exports of light Agriculture and Services In May 2019, the Parliament of Unlike the years before the expenditure necessary to carry macroeconomic management; manufacturing sectors implies that about Uganda considered, debated Public Finance Management on services of government, the Charter of Fiscal products 80% of our labor force is in the and passed five Budget bills, Act 2015 came into effect, before the consideration, Responsibility; the Budget exceeding informal sector, and therefore in preparation for the eventual Parliament and Legislators now approval and coming into Framework Paper; the roles traditional not optimally employed,” said approval of the national budget have a more direct involvement effect of the Appropriation Act. of the Minister of Finance and merchandise. Kasaija adding that “With most and presentation of the budget in the preparation of the With this system, the Budget Secretary to the Treasury in the National Ugandans engaged in the rural speech for the financial year national Budget as well as the bills would be introduced budgeting process; virements, grid electricity economy, it is of paramount 2019/2020. contents of the Budget speech. in Parliament after the multiyear expenditures, connections have importance to increase labour The Bills included: the The Minister of Finance, presentation of the Budget supplementary budgets and increased to 1.3 productivity in agriculture and Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, Planning and Economic speech in June of the year. This excess expenditure. million customers, aggressively promote agro- 2019; the Value Added Tax Development, Hon. Matia old system meant that figures, Further, the Act and the rural processing which in the end (Amendment) Bill, 2019; the Tax Kasaija presented the national projections and proposals of provides for bank account electrification will be the basis for Uganda’s Procedures Code (Amendment) Budget for the financial year the Government in the Budget management, management access rate rising industrialization and further job Bill, 2019; the Income Tax 2019/2020 on 13 June 2019, on speech were new to not only of expenditure commitments, Fiscal Responsibility, three education increasing from from 1% in 2001 to creation.” (Amendment) Bill, 2019; the the same day his counterparts the Parliamentarians but also the raising of loans by the months after the first sitting 7.5% in 2013 to 13.6% in over 13% in 2019. He said that income Stamp Duty (Amendment) in the neighbouring countries to the country. Minister, management of of a new Parliament and after 2017. In addition, the annual Many new factories have inequality has widened Bill, 2019; these Bills were that make up the East African The Public Finance government debt, authority the general elections, for growth in formal employment been opened in the course between rural and urban areas, presented to the House on 28 Community (Burundi, Kenya, Management Act changed the to receive monetary grants parliamentary approval. This has averaged 9.8% between of the last financial year with considering that wealth has March 2019. The Bills, which Rwanda, South Sudan and Budget cycle and provided and assets management. It Charter provides a statement 2010 and 2017, higher than the result that the proportion not been created faster in rural are presented and passed Tanzania). for more involvement of also establishes accounting indicating the measurable the average growth of the of Ugandan products in communities in comparison to every year, make alterations in Previously, after the Budget Parliamentarians in the Budget standards and Audit objectives for fiscal policy for economy during the same supermarkets has increased urban areas. taxes and provide government speech, the Parliament making process. Members now Committees. a period of not less than the period. from 15% to 45%. The On malnutrition and with avenues to raise revenue of Uganda would meet to have a direct input into what The Bill/Act was introduced next three financial years and The structure of the Government’s target is to reach unhealthy lifestyles, Minister required to fund the national consider the vote on account, gets into the national Budget, in an effort to improve public should be consistent with the economy has changed. 50% by the year 2020. Kasaija said that this requires budget. The Appropriation Bill to approve funds to allow for as figures and tax proposals financial management and was National Development Plan. The share of industry in Further the Minister also improving the nutrition provides how government will the withdraw of money from are considered and approved meant to consolidate all laws On 13 June 2019, the the economy is now 21% highlighted some of the major status of Ugandans through spend collected funds. the Consolidated Fund Account beforehand. The Act among related to the management Minister of Finance, Hon. compared to 11.3% in 1986. development challenges coordinated actions, mass for the purposes of meeting the others provides for fiscal and of public finances, including Matia Kasaija, on behalf the Services have increased to faced by the country, singling sensitisation and education the Budget Act, 2001 and President of Uganda presented 48.7% from 32% over the same out unemployment, income and lifestyle awareness. the Public Finance and to the Uganda Parliament period. In contrast, the share of inequality and malnutrition The Minister said that the Accountability Act, 2003. the national Budget under agriculture has reduced from and unhealthy lifestyles. He Budget for the financial year The law also meant that the the theme: ‘Industrialization over 50% in 1986 to 22% in said that the universalisation 2019/2020, which amounts to parliamentary calendar would for Job Creation and Shared financial year 2018/19. of health and education has over UShs34 trillion was meant require adjustment to make Prosperity’. Export performance meant that about 600,000 to provide interventions aimed provision for scrutinising the has been excellent, with people join the job market at increasing the wealth and Ministerial policy statements Highlights of the Budget diversification leading to every year, creating the need improving the livelihoods of all and the Budget figures during speech non-traditional cash crops for new jobs and leaving four Ugandans. the period before 1st July. Uganda’s economy has earning Uganda The Act also requires the recovered and picked up US$2.84 billion Minister of Finance to present momentum, growing at over last financial year, to Parliament a Charter of 6% per annum over the last compared to the two years. With the progress traditional cash in economic growth, average crops, which Left and above right: The incomes of Ugandans have earned US$0.79 Uganda Minister of Finance, increased to US$825 per billion. Planning and Economic person in financial year Trade with East Development, Hon. Matia 2018/19, compared to US$800 Africa Community Kasaija, MP (also Member in 2017/18, notwithstanding partners has of Parliament for Buyanja in the increase in the population significantly Kibaale district) presents the size to 39 million Ugandans. improved, national Budget for financial The quality of Uganda’s generating a year 2019/2020 to the labour force has dramatically surplus of US$557 Parliament of Uganda, improved, with the proportion million last year. 13 June 2019. of the labour force with tertiary The composition Images: Parliament of Uganda/CPA Uganda Branch. of Uganda/CPA Images: Parliament

and defeated by 309 votes to UK PRIME MINISTER RESIGNS AND UK PARLIAMENT 298. Unlike Sir Oliver Letwin’s amendment to a Business SPECULATES ON PROROGATION PROCESS motion in March 2019, this attempt to give precedence to Outside 10 Downing Street on as leader of the Conservative General Election, departing from Parliament without the consent backbench business failed. the morning of 24 May 2019, Party on Friday 7 June 2019. the usual twelve-month cycle. of the Upper House. Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP To select a new leader, the Except for dissolution, At the end of prorogation Parliamentary Buildings announced that she would Parliamentary Conservative which ends a Parliament and in the United Kingdom, the (Restoration and Renewal) be standing down as Prime Party vote in a series of precedes a General Election, new parliamentary session Bill Minister of the United Kingdom. ballots to whittle down a parliamentary session can begins with the State Opening The Bill was introduced into In her speech, she said that the nominated candidates only be ended by prorogation. of Parliament. The Queen the House of Commons on “I have done everything I can until only two remain. The The origin of prorogation lies formally opens Parliament and 8 May 2019 and establishes to convince MPs to back [the final two candidates then within the United Kingdom’s delivers the Queen’s Speech in the statutory bodies that Government’s negotiated face an election amongst monarchical system, in which the House of Lords chamber. will be responsible for the Withdrawal Agreement for the Conservative Party it is a Royal prerogative to This Speech is written by the works for the restoration and leaving the EU]. Sadly, I have membership. In this contest, prorogue Parliament. Although UK Government and sets out renewal of buildings within the not been able to do so. I tried which began in June 2019, prorogation remains a Royal their legislative agenda for Parliamentary estate. three times. I believe it was right ten candidates stood in the prerogative, it is exercised the forthcoming session. Both This was instigated by to persevere, even when the first round. After another four by the Crown on advice of Houses will begin debating the resolutions passed by the odds against success seemed rounds of voting, the final the Privy Council. In modern Speech later that sitting day. House of Commons and high. But it is now clear to me two contenders, Rt Hon. practice, the decision to House of Lords in January and that it is in the best interests Boris Johnson, MP and prorogue the UK Parliament is Opposition Day debates: February 2018 respectively, of the country for a new Prime Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP, taken by the Government of the taking control of the which stated that work should Minister to lead that effort.” faced an election among the day, given the politically neutral Parliamentary timetable commence on the Restoration In the previous six weeks, party membership to be the role of the UK’s constitutional For an Opposition Day debate, and Renewal of the Palace of talks took place between next Conservative leader monarchy today. which took place in the House Westminster. The resolution the Government and the and therefore, the UK Prime Prorogation ends the of Commons on 12 June 2019, stated that “immediate steps Opposition Labour Party to Minister. proceedings in both Houses the Leader of the Opposition, should be taken” to establish find a possible compromise Whilst this election amongst of Parliament in the United Rt Hon. Jeremy Corbyn, a shadow Sponsor Body that could lead to a revised the Conservative Party Kingdom. The effects include MP, tabled a Business of the both Houses of Parliament by Conservative leadership 1(b) gives precedence to any and Delivery Authority to Withdrawal Agreement being membership takes place, that primary legislation which House motion. The motion (see The Parliamentarian 2019 contenders, he said “When we motion from any individual MP manage the project. This Bill put before the House of Theresa May remained Prime has not completed its passage would suspend Standing Order Issue Two for report). face the suggestion by some over Government business, establishes them as statutory Commons. However, these Minister. The next Conservative in Parliament falls, except in No. 14(1) (which provides This Opposition motion was leadership contenders that and section 1(c) states that it bodies and enables them to talks ended with no agreement. Party leader was announced cases where the House of that government business cross-party, having signatures Parliament be prorogued and is for … Mr Speaker to decide take on the responsibility for On 21 May 2019, Mrs May the week commencing 22 July Commons has agreed to ‘carry- shall have precedence) and from Leaders of other parties shut out of the process, we are whether that motion is brought delivering this historic project. delivered a speech on a ‘new 2019 after which Theresa May over’ a Bill to allow proceedings provide that precedence represented in the House of forced to take action.” before the House over other The Bill allows Parliament to Brexit deal’, which most notably resigned, and the new leader, on it to continue in the next shall be given to a motion Commons, namely Rt Hon. Sam Gyimah, MP (Con) motions. In essence, sections have a clear role in approving announced that the Withdrawal Rt Hon. Boris Johnson MP was session. All other parliamentary relating to the Business of Sir Vince Cable, MP (Liberal spoke in favour of the motion, 1(b) and 1(c) say that an the design, cost and timing of Agreement Bill would include invited to form a Government by business before either House the House in connection with Democrats), Caroline Lucas, saying “it strikes me that there individual MP and the Speaker the Restoration and Renewal a requirement for the House of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. also falls. Parliament cannot matters relating to the United MP (Green Party), Rt Hon. are two principles at stake - two Members of the House project. The Sponsor Body will Commons to vote on whether formally meet; questions cannot Kingdom’s withdrawal from the Anna Soubry, MP (Change today. One of them is the - can override Government fund the Delivery Authority and to hold a second referendum. Prorogation of the UK be tabled, and Committees European Union. UK – The Independent Group), convention in this House that business.” hold it to account. She faced opposition from MPs Parliament cannot formally meet during The motion also provided Liz Saville Roberts, MP the Government should be able Tim Loughton, MP (Con) The Bill has completed across the House following The UK Parliament is now in prorogation. The Government that, should more than one (Plaid Cymru) and Rt Hon. Ian to control the Order Paper, and supported the Secretary of its passage through the the speech and the Leader of one of its longest parliamentary cannot pass any primary motion relating to the Business Blackford, MP (SNP). the other is the constitutional State, asking him: “Did my House of Commons and is the House of Commons, Rt sessions in history. On 7 May legislation, including approval of the House be tabled, the In setting out his case, Rt principle of whether the Right Hon. Friend hear anything now progressing through the Hon. Andrea Leadsom, MP, 2019, the current session for further (financial) supply. Speaker should decide Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, MP Government can prorogue in the 30-minute speech by House of Lords. Meanwhile resigned from the cabinet. became the longest by sitting As a result of the Parliament which motion should have (Labour), Shadow Secretary of Parliament in pursuit of their the Right Hon. and learned progress has been made on Following speculation of a days since the English Civil War Acts 1911 and 1949, should precedence. This was similar State for leaving the European policy objectives...I believe Member for Holborn and St the Restoration and Renewal rule change within the 1922 (1642-51), beating the record the House of Lords reject a in effect to the amendment Union, said, “it is a first and that the latter principle is the Pancras (Sir Keir Starmer), programme and the related Committee of Conservative and sitting for 295 days. The Bill passed by the House of which passed the House of limited step to ensure that weightier one and the one we or can he see anything in the Northern Estate programme, backbenchers to permit 2017-19 session is unusual for Commons, a new session Commons in March 2019 Parliament cannot be locked should bear in mind when we motion, that remotely gives a which includes the relocation another confidence vote crossing three calendar years. can enable a UK Government (tabled by Rt Hon. Sir Oliver out of the Brexit process over vote today.” positive or constructive solution of the House of Commons within a year (following the The 2017-19 session was to reintroduce the same Bill, Letwin, MP), which gave the coming weeks and months. Opposing the motion, the or way forward to the Brexit into a temporary chamber for previous confidence vote held established by the Government and (provided that a year has precedence to backbench It paves the way for Parliament Secretary of State for Exiting impasse, rather than just more the duration of the project in a in December 2018), Mrs May to ensure there was adequate elapsed since its Second business and allowed time to take further action, including the European Union, Rt Hon. of what Members do not want?” renovated Richmond House – announced her resignation time to pass Brexit-related Reading in the Commons) for the European Union to prevent [a] no deal [exit].” Stephen Barclay, MP (Con) At the end of the debate, previously the occupied by the and formally stepped down legislation following the 2017 it can become an Act of Withdrawal (No. 5) Bill to pass Referencing comments made gave his view that “section the motion was divided on Department of Health.

CANADA FEDERAL PARLIAMENT ADJOURNS AHEAD OF FALL ELECTIONS On 20 June 2019, the House of Indigenous language banning the use of solitary which makes considerable Commons adjourned, followed rights as Aboriginal rights confinement. changes to environmental by the Senate of Canada on 21 protected under section 35 • C-48, Oil Tanker assessments and June. The Canadian Parliament of Canada’s Constitution Moratorium Act, which regulations. will likely resume sitting following Act, 1982. bans tanker traffic off the the 43rd Federal Election. Under • Bill C-92, An Act respecting northern coast of British Committee Activity the Canada Elections Act, the First Nations, Inuit and Columbia. Committees were very election is scheduled to take Métis children, youth and • C-59, An Act respecting active throughout May and place on 21 October 2019. families, which affirms that national security June 2019, presenting over Indigenous people have matters, which sets out 120 reports in the House of Legislation jurisdiction over child and a wide range of national Commons. Some of these Before adjourning for the family services in their security and oversight reports included: summer, 24 Government Bills communities. reforms. Namely, the Bill • Taking Action to End received Royal Assent. Among • C-93, An Act to provide establishes the National Online Hate (Standing those Bills were: no-cost, expedited record Security and Intelligence Committee on Justice and • S-203, Ending the Captivity suspensions for simple Review Agency and sets Human Rights) of Whales and Dolphins possession of cannabis, out its composition, • Clean Growth and Specifically, the Commissioner Act, which bans keeping which provides no-cost mandate and powers. Climate Change in • The Health of LGBTQIA2 • Parliamentary Privilege: after serving in the Senate of determined that her use of her and breeding cetaceans record suspensions for Furthermore, it enacts the Canada: How Canada Communities in Canada Then and Now (Standing Canada since 2012. title in door-to-door canvassing, - including whales, people who in the past have Intelligence Commissioner Can Lead Internationally (Standing Committee on Committee on Rules, As of 10 July 2019, the recorded telephone calls, dolphins and porpoises - in received a simple marijuana Act, which outlines the (Standing Committee Health) Procedures and the Rights standings in the Senate were: and letters of endorsement captivity. The Bill also bans possession conviction. duties and functions of the on Environment and • Regulations Respecting of Parliament) Independent Senators Group for her husband’s campaign using such animals for • Bill C-83, An Act to amend Intelligence Commissioner. Sustainable Development) the Non-Attendance of • Open Banking: What it 59, Conservative Party of for municipal councilor entertainment. the Corrections and • Bill C-69, An Act to enact • Democratic Strain and Members by Reason Means for You (Standing Canada 30, Liberal Party of contravened the Code. • C-91, Indigenous Languages Conditional Release Act the Impact Assessment Act Popular Discontent in of Maternity or Care for Senate Committee on Canada 9, Non-affiliated 6; Act, which aims to reclaim, and another Act, which and the Canadian Energy Europe: Responding to the a New-Born or Newly- Banking, Trade and there is also one vacancy. revitalize, strengthen makes a number of Regulator Act, to amend the Challenges Facing Liberal Adopted Child (Standing Commerce) Motion on climate and maintain Indigenous changes to the criminal Navigation Protection Act Democracies (Standing Committee on Procedure • Northern Lights: A Wake- Changes in the House of emergency On 17 June 2019, the House languages in Canada. justice system, including and to make consequential Committee on Foreign and House Affairs) Up Call for the Future Commons of Commons passed a motion The Bill also recognises amendments to other Acts, Affairs and International • Statutory Review of the of Canada (Special On 6 May 2019, a by-election put forward by Environment Development) Copyright Act (Standing Committee on the Arctic) was held in the riding of and Climate Change Minister, • Improving Diversity and Committee on Industry, • Sexual Harassment and Nanaimo-Ladysmith, British Inclusion in the Canadian Science and Technology) Violence in the Canadian Columbia. Green Party Hon. Catherine McKenna, , declaring that Canada is in Armed Forces (Standing • Shifting Paradigms, Armed Forces (Standing candidate Paul Manly, MP, MP a “national climate emergency Committee on National (Standing Committee on Senate Committee on won the seat, making him the which requires, as a response, Defence) Canadian Heritage) National Security and second Green Party MP elected to a federal seat. This seat was that Canada commit to meeting • A Parallel Debating • Medical Cannabis and Defence) previously held by the New its national emissions target Chamber for Canada’s Veterans’ Well-Being • Venezuela: An Uncertain Democratic Party. under the Paris Agreement.” House of Commons (Standing Committee on Transition (Standing On 20 June 2019, (Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs). Senate Committee on Mark died after Procedure and House On 13 June 2019, the Foreign Affairs and Warawa, MP Sergeant-at-Arms battling cancer. Mr Warawa On 4 July 2019, the Canadian Affairs) House of Commons Standing International Trade) served the British Columbia Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Justin • A Lifetime of Dedication: Committee on Justice and • How did we get here? riding of Langley-Aldergrove Trudeau, MP, appointed Patrick Helping Senior Women Human Rights voted to strike a A concise, unvarnished from 2004-2019. McDonell as the Sergeant-at- Benefit from their Lifelong Committee Member’s remarks account of the history of Arms of the House of Commons. Contributions to Canadian to a witness from the official the relationship between The Sergeant-at-Arms is Society today (Standing record. The Committee said the Indigenous Peoples and Conflict of Interest On 10 July 2019, Conflict responsible for many aspects Committee on the Status remarks were “discriminatory, Canada (Standing Senate of Interest and Ethics of the operation of the Chamber of Women) hurtful and disrespectful.” Committee on Aboriginal Commissioner, Mario Dion of the House of Commons, • Aquatic Invasive Species: Senate Committees Peoples) found that performs ceremonial functions A National Priority also presented a number of Anita Vandenbeld, contravened the Conflict and works closely with the (Standing Committee on substantive reports leading up Changes in the Senate MP of Interest Code for Members Director of the Parliamentary Fisheries and Oceans) to the summer adjournment, On 18 April 2019, Senator including: Hon. Ghislain Maltais retired, of the House of Commons. Protective Service.

th Left: The President of India, FIRST SESSION OF THE NEW 17 LOK SABHA IN INDIA Shri Ram Nath Kovind proceeds to the Central Hall In the General Elections held Ministers the same day and Later, the Speaker pro tem along requested Members to raise of the Parliament of India in April-May 2019 to constitute requested the Prime Minister with the Members of the Panel of such issues that are relevant to to address the joint sitting the 17th Lok Sabha, the ruling and the Council of Ministers Chairpersons administered the the Government of the country of Parliament accompanied Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to continue till the new oath to the Members. and the Government to respond by the Prime Minister, Shri secured 303 seats out of 542 Government assumes office. The first two days of the to such issues with a sense of

Image: Parliament of India/CPA India Branch. of India/CPA Image: Parliament Narendra Modi and senior seats for which elections On 25 May 2019, the Election House were devoted to taking responsibility, taking full care Parliamentarians. were held. Elections for one Commission of India submitted the oath or affirmation by the of Member’s sentiments. He parliamentary constituency a copy of the Notification issued Members. The Prime Minister, said that Members may have Government should reduce the had been cancelled by the by it in the Official Gazette Shri Narendra Modi was the divergent views and ideology, centrally-sponsored schemes Election Commission. The BJP containing the names of first to take the oath as a their policies too may be and give powers to the with 303 seats surpassed its Members elected to the House Member of Lok Sabha followed divergent, but all have come to States to formulate schemes previous record of 282 seats in of the People to the President by Members on the Panel of this House with a mission to according to their needs and to 2014. This is the first time that a of India. With the issue of Chairpersons, the Council of make the nation prosperous spend funds thereon. non-Congress party has come such notification the House is Ministers and then Members and progressive. Effort Shri Pinaki Misra (BJD) said to power at the centre for the deemed to be duly constituted. State-wise in alphabetical should be made to maintain the Bill providing the reservation is inspired by the basic spirit of every poor will have electricity Seconding the motion, Dr second term consecutively. The A new Council of Ministers order. On the first day, 320 decorum in the House and set of seats for women in Lok Sabha Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas aur connection; no poor will be Heena Gavit (BJP) said all Congress Party won 52 seats headed by the Leader of the Members took the oath and a precedent for others across and Legislative Assemblies Sabka Vishwas. compelled to defecate in the sections of society have voted as against 44 in the previous BJP Parliamentary Party, Shri 214 Members on the second the globe. He assured to carry should be passed. He asked for The Government, in open; every poor will have for the Prime Minister in large Lok Sabha. The total strength Narendra Modi was sworn in by day. The rest took the oath on out the solemn responsibility special assistance for the State order to pave the way for the access to medical facilities; numbers and the vote is a of BJP-led coalition, the the President of India on 30 June subsequent days. entrusted upon him and of Odisha as it had been hit by golden future of New India, every village in the country will positive vote, pro-incumbency National Democratic Alliance 2019 at Rashtrapati Bhawan. On 20 June 2019, Shri Om expected cooperation from four major cyclones. Kunwar has resolved to make rural be connected by roads; river vote. (NDA) is 351 seats as against The first session of the Birla, MP was unanimously all in running the House in an Danish Ali (BSP) requested the India strong and empower Ganga will flow uninterrupted, Initiating the discussion, its previous tally of 336. The newly constituted Lok Sabha elected as the Speaker of impartial and uninterrupted Government to give more focus urban India; to enable the and pollution free; India Congress Party Leader in Lok United Progress Alliance led by commenced on 17 June 2019. the House. There were 13 manner. The Speaker said it is on the farmers, poor and the entrepreneurial India attain new will be close to becoming a Sabha, Shri Adhir Ranjan Congress (UPA) has secured The House met at 11 o’clock motions before the House his responsibility to protect the youth of the country. Shri Nama heights; to make all systems US$5 trillion economy; India Chowdhury alleged that 90 seats. A record 78 women with the playing of the National proposing the name of Shri concerns of everyone without Nageswara Rao (TRS) narrated transparent and enhance the will be progressing towards the NDA Government has candidates have been elected Anthem. Members stood in Om Birla for the post of office having any regard to their the various developmental prestige of honest countrymen joining world’s three largest only renamed the schemes to the Lok Sabha as against 62 silence for a short while to mark of Speaker of Lok Sabha. The numbers. works launched by the further; to build infrastructure economies; an Indian will unfurl launched by the earlier UPA in the previous one. The House the solemn occasion of the first motion moved by the Prime On 20 June 2019, the Government of Telangana. for the 21st century and mobilize the tri-colour in space, entirely Government. He also took on has 265 first time Members. sitting of the new Lok Sabha. Minister, Shri Narendra Modi President of India, Shri Ram The NCP Member, Dr th all resources for creation of a on the strength of indigenous the Government on issues of The 16 Lok Sabha was Dr Virendra Singh, a senior and seconded by the Defence Nath Kovind addressed the joint Amol Ramsing Kolhe hoped powerful India. The Government resources; and India will economy and unemployment. dissolved by the President Member of Lok Sabha, was Minister, Shri Raj Nath Singh sitting of both the Houses of that given the magnitude has already taken many provide leadership to global Elaborating the various of India, Shri Ram Nath appointed as pro tem Speaker was unanimously adopted and Parliament assembled together of the mandate, the dignity decisions aimed at the welfare development with a new zeal achievements made during the Kovind on 24 June 2019 on and administered the oath in Shri Om Birla was chosen as in the Central Hall of Parliament. of the Opposition Party and of farmers, soldiers, students, and confidence. Congress Government period, the recommendation of the the morning of 17 June by the Speaker. The Speaker pro tem Congratulating the newly the autonomy of institutions entrepreneurs, women and The Lok Sabha had a two- he said the Congress rule Union Council of Ministers. President of India. The Speaker then invited Shri Om Birla to elected Members of Lok Sabha, must be maintained. Dr Kirit other sections of society and day discussion on the Motion brought green revolution to The President also accepted pro tem signed the Roll of occupy the Chair. The Prime Shri Kovind said more than 610 P. Solanki (BJP) highlighted have also started implementing of Thanks on the President’s increase food grain production the resignation of the Prime Members at the commencement Minister and the Leaders of million voters India set a new the achievements of the them. The President listed Address on 24-25 June 2019. and also the Food Security Act. Minister, Shri Narendra of the sitting and took his seat some parties conducted Shri record by casting their votes Government in areas like various initiatives of the Moving the motion in the Shri T R Baalu (DMK) Modi and his Council of in the House. The Speaker Om Birla to the Chair. The and enhanced the credibility of electrification, housing, health, Government in areas like Lok Sabha, the Minister of accused the Government of pro tem congratulated and Leaders of parties in Parliament India’s democracy in the world. banking, direct benefits transfer, health, education, infrastructure, State for Animal Husbandry not delivering on the promises welcomed all the Members who including the Prime Minister The participation of women etc. Shri P.K. Kunhalikutty housing, sanitation, water and Fisheries, Shri Pratap made by it during 2014 have been elected to the Lok felicitated Shri Birla on his in elections has been almost (IUML) said the Government conservation, fisheries, Chandra Sarangi highlighted general elections. Professor Sabha and expressed hope election as Speaker. equal to men while millions of has failed to solve any of the agriculture, etc. The President the success of several Sougata Roy (TMC) raised that the Members will help the The Lok Sabha Speaker, youth have voted for the first problems the country faced said the government accords developmental initiatives and the incidents of alleged mob Chair in maintaining the high Shri Birla thanked all the time. People have given a very during its last tenure. the top most priority to national schemes by the Modi-led lynching, huge unemployment tradition of the House, thereby parties for reposing their clear and strong mandate after Shri Ganesh Singh (BJP) security and effective steps are government. He highlighted the and bad shape of Public Sector strengthening the edifice and faith in him in taking up the assessing the performance said the manner in which the being taken to tackle terrorism positive atmosphere created Undertakings. Shri Mithun the roots of democratic polity. challenging job. He believed of the Government during its country has progressed in the and naxalism.1 as a result of the direct transfer Reddy (YSR Congress) asked The Secretary-General that in view of the massive first tenure. The Government, last five years was not seen in The idea of New India will of benefits of various schemes the Government to implement of Lok Sabha, Smt. Snehlata mandate, the accountability of while fulfilling the basic needs the last 55 years. Adv. A. M. Ariff be realized by the year 2022. In to the targeted people. He the provisions of the Andhra Shrivastava laid on the Table the Government has grown far of the countrymen, is moving (CPI-M) said the idea of ‘one the New India farmers’ income said the President’s address Pradesh Reorganization Act a list, containing the names of more this time and expected the forward towards realising country, one election’ is totally th will be doubled; every poor is a reflection of the conviction and accord special category Shri Om Birla, MP, Speaker Members elected to the 17 Government to act with more their aspirations of building a anti-federal and undemocratic. will have a pucca (concrete) and commitment of the Modi status to Andhra Pradesh. of the Lok Sabha Lok Sabha, submitted by the accountability, transparency strong, safe, prosperous and Shri Ram Kripal Yadav (BJP) roof over his head; every poor Government. Shri Vinayak Bhaurao Raut Election Commission of India. and openness. The Speaker all-inclusive India. This journey drew attention to a new action- will have access to clean fuel; (Shiv Sena) wanted that the

264 | The Parliamentarian | 2019: Issue Three | 100th year of publishing The Parliamentarian | 2019: Issue Three | 100th year of publishing | 265 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT INDIA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO plan formed for the development of 112 aspirational districts of the HIGH COURT DECISION UPHOLDS PARLIAMENTARY country. Shri P. Raveendranath Kumar (AIADMK) urged the PROCESSES IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Central Government to allocate It is the first in Trinidad and the immunity and privileges of and the general elections, set take away the jobs of nationals, the more funds to the State of Tobago, and probably in Parliament into its Constitution. to be held in 2020. as they are expected to provide Tamil Nadu. the Caribbean or the wider The Member of Parliament, Trinidad and Tobago Prime cheap labour. Shri Dharambir Singh Commonwealth. Trinidad and Dr Roodal Moonilal, would now Minister, Dr Keith Rowley Trinidad and Tobago is just (BJP) thanked the President Tobago’s Attorney-General, have to wait for the hearing of his recently said that those 22 miles away from Venezuela for rightly emphasising the Faris Al-Rawi has lauded substantial motion challenging Venezuelans who work, would and many Venezuelans came importance of water. Shri the decision of High Court the composition of the not pay taxes or contribute to Trinidad and Tobago by boat. Mohammad Azam Khan (SP) Judge, Justice Jacqueline Parliamentary Committee which to the National Insurance Several Venezuelans were said many political parties and Wilson who had refused to produced the report against Scheme. There is also concern drowned passing through the Governments have contributed grant an injunction to stop him. Through the lawsuit, the about children’s enrolment in harsh waters of the Gulf-of-Paria towards development of the the parliamentary debate on Member is seeking declarations the education system. between the two countries. It nation over a period of time the Privileges Committee’s against the Committee as well The Minister of National has been alleged that several and no one can claim that report relating to contempt as financial compensation over Security was contributing Venezuelans have been charged development has taken place allegations against Oropouche its handling of his case. to a debate in the Senate of with a number of crimes including during the last five years only. East MP, Dr Roodal Moonilal. The contempt of Parliament Trinidad and Tobago on a murder, prostitution and human Shri M. Selvaraj (CPI) The Attorney-General allegations against Dr Roodal private motion presented by the trafficking, and many citizens wanted the centre to give noted that that the decision Moonilal stemmed from a series Opposition Leader in the Senate, in Trinidad and Tobago are attention to the water crisis preserved the immunity and of statements he made in the Senator Wade Mark in which expressing alarm as the country’s faced by Tamil Nadu state. Shri privileges of the Parliament House of Representatives on he called for the Immigration crime rate continues to escalate Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) said as enshrined under the 9th and 10th October 2018. The (Amendment) Regulation 2019 to to catastrophic proportions it is very sad that only four per Constitution. “It is an important main grounds of Dr Roodal be annulled by mid-June 2019. daily. Many people fear, and cent Muslims have got elected decision because it says that Moonilal’s substantive lawsuit The Venezuelan Ambassador probably believe, the presence of to Lok Sabha and not even a under threat under the BJP rule. no mention has been made agenda and the government Parliament can regulate its against the Committee is that to Trinidad and Tobago, Carlos Venezuelans would continue to single one is from the BJP. Shri Shri Prataprao Jadhav (Shiv about the programmes and and the opposition has to work own practices, processes and neither Laventille West MP, Perez had initially signalled that further enhance the crime figures. Tokheho Yepthomi (NDPP) Sena) asked the Government the policy directives to be together to fulfill the dream of Members. If Parliament cannot Fitzgerald Hinds nor the House Venezuelans, who came to In mid-June 2019, the asked the government to give to review the Crop Insurance pursued in the coming five a strong, safe, developed and hold discipline amongst its of Representatives Speaker, the country in response to the Ministry of National Security priority to the road sector in the Scheme as it has been more years. Shri Bhagwant Mann inclusive nation. Members, we are going to invite Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George economic crisis in his homeland, announced that all Venezuelans North-Eastern States. Professor beneficial to the insurance (AAP) requested the Central The Prime Minister said chaos into our equation,” the should have been allowed to were entitled to claim residency now coming to Trinidad and Rita Bahuguna Joshi (BJP) said companies than farmers. Smt. Government to sanction that the Union Government Attorney-General said. participate as they are involved or citizenship, but the Minister Tobago would have to acquire women centric policies of the Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal) more industries for Punjab to has taken many pro-people The Attorney-General in his complaints and because of National Security had denied visas to visit from the Embassy government have contributed suggested for creating an All provide employment to the decisions within weeks of taking claimed that it would have set both Members had previously this statement. In this case, of Trinidad and Tobago in to economic, political and social India Judicial Service. Smt. youth. Shri Indra Hang Subba charge. Shri Modi urged the a legal precedent which would made statements against him Venezuelans would not be able Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. empowerment of women in a Preneet Kaur (INC) called (SKM) believed creation of the people to take concrete steps have allowed Parliamentarians when the issue of privilege was to vote in elections, adding that The Opposition United big way. upon the Agriculture Minister Ministry of Jal Shakti will help to save water. Reiterating the to mount legal challenges first raised. citizens could only vote after National Congress, led by former Participating in the discussion to increase the subsidy on in resolving the issue of water Government’s resolve to continue to frustrate the work of the In the report, which was they had acquired five years of Trinidad and Tobago Prime on 25 June 2019, the DMK underground irrigation pipe scarcity in the country. its fight against corruption, he Committee. “That would have tabled, the Committee claimed residency and acquired citizenship Minister, Hon. Kamla Persad- Member, Shri Dayanidhi Maran scheme and start a total Replying to the Motion of urged everyone to work towards respectfully made a mockery that Dr Roodal Moonilal’s of Trinidad and Tobago. Bissessar, now the Leader of raised the issue of water crisis debt waiver scheme for the Thanks on the President’s creating a New India. The Prime of the separation of powers comments were threatening There continues to be debate the Opposition, is also on record prevailing throughout the farmers of Punjab. Shri Thol Address to Parliament, the Minister asked for a collective argument and it would mean that in nature and brought the on all sides of the economy, warning the Government that country, particularly in Tamil Thirumaavalavan (VCK) Prime Minister, Shri Narendra endeavour to make India a five on every whim and fancy of any House into public odium. The including from the trade unions, allowing in Venezuelans would Nadu. The Kerala Congress opposed the proposal of Modi, said the President’s trillion-dollar economy. sitting Parliamentarian, the court Committee also suggested that saying that Venezuelans would be a disaster in the country. (M) Member, Shri Thomas simultaneous election on the address envisions a New India, After a debate lasting 13 process can be invoked to stop he should be asked to apologise. Chazhikadan wanted the ground of accountability. Smt. as dreamt by millions of Indians. hours 47 minutes, the Motion Parliament’s autonomy,” he said. Government to increase Meenakashi Lekhi (BJP) said The people of India have of Thanks was passed by the “Although we have not gotten Venezuelans cannot vote in the minimum support price the clear mandate reflects re-elected a stable Government Lok Sabha after disapproving the reasons of the judge as yet, Trinidad elections (MSP) of natural rubber. Shri the leadership of the Prime once again, after evaluating its all the amendments. The Rajya what flows is the acceptance that Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister Hasnain Masoodi (NC) wanted Minister and organisational performance. Highlighting the Sabha also passed the Motion injunctive relief on allegations of of National Security, Hon. elections to Jammu and Kashmir capabilities of Party President, vision of the Union Government, of Thanks after a long debate. a breach of fundamental rights Stuart Young has stated that Assembly to be held without any Shri Amit Shah. the Prime Minister said that do not trump the Constitution the 16,523 Venezuelans who delay. Shri Jayadev Galla (TDP) Shri N.K. Premachandran the Government believes in References: as a whole. The Constitution were given one-year temporary observed any attempt to weaken (RSP) regretted that the public welfare and modern 1 A Naxal or Naxalite is must be read as a whole,” visas to stay and work in the institutions built over many entire Presidential speech infrastructure. He said that the a member of any political the Attorney-General said, as country, would not be able decades will cripple democracy. revolves around the so-called Government never diverted organisation that claims the legacy he claimed that Trinidad and to vote in the forthcoming Smt. Mahua Moitra (TMC) achievements of the five years from the development path, of the Communist Party of India, Tobago was among a handful local government elections alleged that the Constitution is of NDA-I Government and nor diluted the development founded in Calcutta in 1969. of nations which incorporated scheduled for later this year,

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