Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Bill

18 December 2024 · 11 other contributors

Opened by Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Stephen Doughty raised concerns about commonwealth parliamentary association bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Bill aims to change the legal status of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to allow it to continue operating across the Commonwealth.
  • The Bill also ensures the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) can maintain its unique mandate under the Geneva Conventions and operate in line with international humanitarian law.
  • The House supports the work of both the CPA and ICRC and has agreed upon written arrangements setting out their privileges and immunities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Stephen Doughty Labour (Co-op) Cardiff South and Penarth

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. This is an important Bill with huge unity across the House. The CPA has been seeking change in its legal status for over two decades, and this Bill will ensure that it can continue to operate fully across the Commonwealth. It also allows the ICRC to maintain its unique mandate under the Geneva conventions and operate in line with international humanitarian law. We support the work of both organisations and have agreed written arrangements setting out their privileges and immunities.

Other contributors (11)
  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    The Bill will ensure the CPA’s headquarters remain in the UK, allowing it to operate fully across the Commonwealth. It also allows the ICRC to continue its humanitarian work around the world under strict adherence to principles of neutrality and independence.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    The Bill will support the CPA in building links between UK and Commonwealth communities, such as a recent visit from Barbadian Parliamentarians that strengthened ties with Reading’s Barbadian community.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    The Bill is important for resolving issues affecting the CPA and ICRC, supporting UK foreign policy objectives. It will help strengthen democratic institutions in Commonwealth member states.

  • Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green

    Mr Charalambous supports the Bill, emphasising its importance for fostering good relations across the Commonwealth. He highlights that elevating CPA's status will provide parliamentarians with credibility and authority on the international stage to engage openly with colleagues in conflict zones. This change also benefits ICRC by providing it with necessary immunities and privileges to operate effectively.

  • Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton

    Ms Harding welcomes the Bill, stressing its significance in safeguarding the missions of CPA and ICRC while ensuring they maintain their relationships with the UK. She advocates for deeper trust and partnerships with allies and underscores the importance of setting an example in supporting international humanitarian law through institutions like the Commonwealth.

  • Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    The Member supports the Bill, highlighting its importance for the Commonwealth and UK's role globally. He emphasises the Bill’s contribution to upholding values such as human rights, democracy, good governance, and respect. The MP also acknowledges the work of the Parliamentary Private Secretary and expresses gratitude towards Baroness Chapman and noble Lords for their contributions.

  • John Slinger Lab Rugby

    Intervened to express concern about coping without Adam Jogee, indicating support for the Bill and its implications for the Commonwealth's role.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    The Member supports the Bill but expresses disappointment that it does not extend to include the Intelligence and Security Committee. He praises the independence of staff working in such organisations and calls for a future legislative vehicle to apply similar protections to the ISC.

  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

    Mundell supports the Bill as it addresses issues of resentment among Commonwealth countries regarding CPA's structure. He emphasises the importance of focusing on key issues such as climate change and LGBT+ rights while acknowledging challenges posed by actors like Russia and China in the Commonwealth.

  • Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Jogee interjected to support Mundell's call for urgency and focus on using CPA as a tool for soft power. He believes this approach has support across the House.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Doughty responded to questions about hostages held by Hamas and ICRC funding. He provided details on the UK's commitment to support the ICRC, confirming increased funding plans for 2024.

Shadow Response

Wendy Morton

The Opposition supports the Bill, which makes legal changes to support the CPA and ICRC. We hope the Government will continue supporting both organisations, particularly in democratic institution-building work.

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