UK Parliament Study Programme 2023
House of Commons
Where elected MPs represent the public, legislate, and scrutinise the Government.
This year's flagship interparliamentary knowledge exchange programme for officials working in sister Parliaments: The UK Parliament Study Programme, has successfully completed. The programme enables parliaments to exchange, share and build knowledge on issues of mutual concern and to build and sustain professional networks between the UK Parliament and other Parliaments overseas.
This year, we welcomed eight talented participants from around the world, representing Anguilla, Canada, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Seychelles, and Western Australia. Their diverse perspectives enriched our discussions and deepened our understanding of parliamentary practices worldwide.
Over the six-month programme, around 80 staff across both Houses of Parliament collaborated to deliver five online sessions on a wide range of issues related to running a Parliament. These sessions covered best practice and provided insights into amongst other topics: legislative processes, governance, engagement, culture and standards.
Participants joined us for a week-long, in-person visit to Westminster, providing networking opportunities and an immersive exploration of our parliamentary system.
David Hirst, Deputy Head of the Interparliamentary Relations Office in the House of Commons said:
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and contributors who made this programme a resounding success and look forward to welcoming a new cohort of participants in 2024.”
James Maina Macharia, Media Relations Officer in the National Assembly of Kenya said:
“This is a fantastic program which is a such a high point of my career as a Parliamentary Officer.”
Global Managing Director at The Coca-Cola Company (Retired ) views expressed are my own independent and do not reflect on any company views.
1yThe Government & House of Commons needs to undertake an urgent review and look to make cost cuts to its obvious overheads and budgets to support the people and funding for public services. What has become clear is that the House of Lords is a totally redundant place which costs a fortune, pushes back on much needed new laws to tackle todays issue and not allow its interference in passing new laws to tackle urgent U.K. issues. The most recent is the current laws to tackle illegal migration and this back and forth legislation passing between the Houses of Parliament which is the lead needs to stop wasting public time and money . The Home Secretary needs this legislation passed without changes and put in place now. The savings of this abuse of our laws by illegal migrants would help fund new pay rises and lower inflation rather than paying for 5 star hotels . Would U.K. citizens get such accommodation in other countries ?NO. The PM needs to start the process to remove this duplication of effort and pass laws that are needed now along with a people’s vote and lever to remove a government that doesn’t look after its borders and people .
Teacher of Education United Kingdom
1ySharing ideas and resources enables Parliaments to work more efficiently and have a greater understanding of each others' cultures.
Deputy Clerk to The National Assembly of Seychelles
1yIt was an incredible experience and made some meaningful connections! Thank you!