Question
The Minister played a significant role in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK branch and internationally prior to his appointment. Were there any discussions at CHOGM about the role that Parliaments and parliamentarians across the Commonwealth can play in the future shape of the Commonwealth?
Answer
The right hon. Gentleman is my successor as the Opposition ranking member in CPA UK, and it is nice to know that he probably does a better job than I ever did. [Hon. Members: “Aw!”] I have got the sympathy vote, Madam Deputy Speaker. I was very glad to meet the secretary-general of CPA International to take part in a panel on democracy and the need for improved scrutiny, as well as support for Clerks, Speakers and Deputy Speakers, and I pay tribute to the work that Mr Speaker and his deputies do in this space. We see it as an absolute focus of how we can improve future CHOGMs, and of how—between CHOGMs—we can work internationally with Commonwealth Parliaments right across the globe. It is a crucial part of our work and the work of CPA UK and CPA International.43% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (68/100)
The reply responds directly to the question. It points to a specific engagement, a panel with the CPA International secretary-general on democracy, scrutiny and support for Clerks and Speakers, and describes the government's general approach to parliaments as a focus for future CHOGMs and for work between meetings. It does not set out in detail which CHOGM-specific discussions took place, so a reader seeking that level of detail might need to ask again.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What discussions took place at CHOGM on the role that Parliaments and parliamentarians across the Commonwealth can play in the future shape of the Commonwealth, and what is the nature of the Government's engagement on this topic? | Addressed | Direct | Statement 4 names a concrete engagement, a panel with the CPA International secretary-general on democracy, scrutiny, and support for Clerks, Speakers and Deputy Speakers. Statement 6 describes the government's approach to parliaments as a focus for future CHOGMs and for work between CHOGMs, which together give the general nature of its engagement. The reply does not itemise CHOGM-specific discussions, but the item's convention accepts a description of the general pattern of engagement. |