Backbench Business

Noted that Front-Bench spokespeople will be called at the end of the debate.

Mrs Bradley supported Mr Duddridge's position and outlined three key points: governance arrangements, inter-parliamentary organisations' roles, and the work CPA leads on modern slavery. She urged for swift legislative action to address the issue and praised CPA UK’s leadership in tackling modern slavery globally.

The speaker disagrees with his colleague's view that the issue does not impact major global issues such as Russia's influence in Africa. He highlights the importance of engagement with Commonwealth Speakers and discusses how not acting on this issue undermines our credibility in other countries, especially South Africa and Ghana. Mundell also emphasises the straightforward steps required to change the CPA’s status without requiring government funds.

Clarke supports changing the CPA's status from a UK charity to an international inter-parliamentary organisation before the upcoming meeting in Accra, Ghana. He provides examples of issues that arise due to the current charitable status and discusses the consequences if no change is made. Clarke also highlights the importance of maintaining equal partnerships within the Commonwealth and the impact of observer status at the United Nations.

We must acknowledge the damage of British colonial history and promote peace, sustainability and change through the Commonwealth. The Scottish Government are working on efforts to decolonise development and appointed a decolonisation officer within an independent Scotland Department of International Development. They also pledged £2 million towards loss and damage caused by climate change in Malawi as reparation for past damage.

The CPA should not remain a UK charity but instead become an international interparliamentary organisation to reflect the Commonwealth's vision of equality. The CPA’s status as a UK charity reinforces outdated views and hinders collaboration among equals, especially those from Africa. Failure to change this status may lead to the organisation fragmenting.

The Commonwealth must enforce adherence to its values on justice, democracy and human rights. For example, when Ugandan President Museveni clung to power after a flawed election in 2021 and signed anti-LGBTQ laws this year, the Commonwealth failed to act. Homosexuality remains criminalised in two-thirds of Commonwealth countries, highlighting the need for stronger action.

The UK Government missed an opportunity during their chairmanship from 2018 to 2022 by not ensuring Commonwealth nations received necessary vaccines and aid. The UK’s decision to cut bilateral aid for Pakistan is particularly concerning, sending the wrong message to our partners.

The Commonwealth must adapt to become an organisation fit for the 21st century. Changing the CPA’s status before its annual meeting is a crucial step in achieving this goal and aligning with other parliamentary organisations worldwide.

West supports keeping CPA in Westminster, citing its importance for promoting good governance, democracy, and human rights. She mentions the Queen’s Green Canopy project as an example of Commonwealth collaboration on climate change issues.

Acknowledged the importance of CPA in supporting democracy and human rights across the Commonwealth. The UK Government is committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution for the organisation's status issue, including legislative means if necessary. Progress has been made through ongoing discussions between FCDO officials and CPA International.

Called on the minister to detail the work that has happened between FCDO and CPA since March, indicating a lack of awareness about progress being made in meetings.

Suggested holding a Speaker’s Conference for tea and cake to thrash through issues regarding CPA's status. Noted that there have not been many meetings or significant progress since March.

Asked the minister to consider using ten-minute rule Bills, even though no sitting Fridays remain in this session, to allocate time for discussion on CPA's status issue.

Proposed tabling a ten-minute rule Bill at the end of business every day until the summer recess to make use of potential windows of opportunity.

Suggested taking Monday’s business as an opportunity for discussion regarding CPA's status issue.

Acknowledged the UK Government's commitment to the Commonwealth but highlighted that inaction on the CPA status issue could be seen as destabilising forces trying to disrupt the Commonwealth.

The debate has been positive and focused on respecting fellow parliamentarians in the Commonwealth. The speaker emphasised the importance of changing the status of the organisation from a UK charity to an international inter-parliamentary organisation, highlighting the need for parliamentary time to be allocated promptly.

The right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale pointed out the international ramifications of not changing the status of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, warning about undermining Britain's credibility with nations seeking trade agreements.

The right hon. Member for Staffordshire Moorlands highlighted issues related to restricting the work of the organisation and emphasised the need to respect the requests made by Commonwealth parliamentarians.

The hon. Member for Rochford and Southend East argued that with a will, there is a way, suggesting creative solutions to enable the Westminster delegation to participate in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, thereby showing sensitivity towards the opinions of Commonwealth parliamentarians.