A delegation of Tynwald’s newly elected parliamentarians has recently returned from a three-day study visit to Westminster.
Arranged and funded by the UK branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association the visit formed part of a customary process to familiarise new Members with UK parliamentary procedures and afford them the opportunity to begin to develop working relationships with their Westminster counterparts.
The Tynwald delegates were Mrs Kate Beecroft MHK; Mr Alf Cannan MHK; Mr Zac Hall MHK; Mr Howard Quayle MHK; Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK; Mr Richard Ronan MHK; Mr Leonard Singer MHK; Mr Laurence Skelly MHK and Mr Tony Wild, MLC.
The Members attended an intensive programme of meetings, discussion groups, visits and study sessions provided free of charge by the CPA. Among the topics covered were the role of an MP and that of the Opposition, standards and privileges and parliamentary questions and motions. A session on how to engage young people with parliament prompted especially lively discussion.
Members also accompanied MPs on constituency visits which offered them an insight into the interaction between MPs and their constituents.
Leading the delegation was the President of Tynwald, the Hon Clare Christian MLC. Madam President said: ‘For newly elected Members to be able to execute fully their roles as elected parliamentarians it is essential they develop a broad knowledge of parliamentary systems in Westminster and, indeed, across the wider Commonwealth.
‘Through this study visit Members are able to benefit from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s work to foster co-operation and understanding between parliaments, promote good practice and advance parliamentary democracy. Importantly, by establishing valuable contacts during their time at Westminster, Members are better equipped to represent the people of the Isle of Man to the UK Parliament.’
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