Girlguiding UK: British Overseas Territories

Referring to a trip to the Falkland Islands paid for by the Falkland Islands Government at the end of 2023, Alexander Stafford mentioned meeting with Girl Guides who expressed deep concern about the future of their movement due to potential cuts. He argued that cutting off organisations such as Girl Guides would have a devastating impact on young girls in territories like the Falkland Islands. The hon. Member for Rother Valley highlighted the importance of Girlguiding UK to Armed Forces families and how it helps with transitions to new countries, providing support during deployments. My right hon. Friend is making an incredibly powerful argument. She paints a rosy picture of what girl guiding was and how it treated her, which is very good; I completely agree with her. However, as I am sure she knows, last year Girlguiding UK went through the biggest rebranding exercise in 113 years. It has changed lots of things, including the uniforms and the logo, to create a new identity to 'address outdated perceptions holding us back', according to its press release. Does my right hon. Friend share my concerns that Girlguiding UK sees the overseas territories as outdated and is therefore trying to refresh the brand by throwing off parts of the British territories? Is she concerned that it is not doing what it should be doing and looking after our British girls?

The MP highlighted the importance of Girlguiding in providing structure, guidance, and leadership for young girls across British Overseas Territories. She argued that modern communication technologies make it easier to manage different legal structures in these territories compared to 100 years ago. Nokes also emphasized the role of Girlguiding in fostering confidence and public speaking skills among young girls, citing examples from her visits during Parliament Week.

Does the right hon. Lady agree that we all need to do as much as we can to promote youth organisations, and particularly uniformed organisations like the Girl Guides, in overseas territories and at home? They promote discipline, respect for genders and the sort of values that are often stereotyped and not reflected on television screens, but which we need to inculcate among our younger generation.

Ms Cummins congratulated the hon. Member for Strangford on securing the debate and expressed concern over Girlguiding UK's decision to remove overseas territories from its programme without consultation. She noted that 618 Girl Guides and 182 volunteer leaders currently operate in these territories, emphasising the impact this decision would have on young people.

Girlguiding UK provides a vital growing space for girls across the UK, allowing them to develop skills and confidence. Lilian Greenwood shared concerns about the closure of British Girlguiding Overseas and its impact on 618 Girl Guides in overseas territories and their 182 volunteer leaders. She urged the Government to continue engaging with Girlguiding to find a solution that ensures girl guiding remains available for girls growing up in UK overseas territories.

I support the hon. Member's efforts to achieve his goals, expressing concern about Girlguiding UK's decision to sell centres in overseas territories and the UK, including Waddow Hall in Lancashire.