Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK)

CPA UK is committed to promoting interest from the next generation in the Commonwealth and parliamentary democracy. We run a bi-annual work experience programme for young people aged 18 - 25 with intakes in Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter.

In this podcast, we hear from Kike Abayomi who took part in the Summer 2021 programme.

About Kike – My name is Kike Abayomi, I’m currently studying law and sociology at the university of Warwick. My initial interest in applying for CPA UK’s work experience programme was to understand the inner workings of the commonwealth as an institution. More importantly, what really piqued my interest was the role parliaments played in this institution. Upon embarking on this experience I have been welcomed by a passionate and welcoming group of people. I look forward to broadening my understanding of the work that is done to promote harmony in the commonwealth. Finally, seeing the process of planning events as well as seeing some of the final projects is very exciting to me.

For more information about the work experience programme click here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented impact on global international trade, presenting individuals around the Commonwealth with unique challenges and opportunities. Bringing together parliamentarians, representatives from business groups and trade experts, CPA UK organised a webinar to explore this topic, focusing in particular on the UK and Africa.

CPA UK is pleased to present this recording of the discussion between our distinguished Webinar panellists: Lord Lansley, Member of the EU International Agreements Sub-Committee; Angus MacNeil MP, Chair of the International Trade Committee; Geoffrey de Mowbray, Co-Chairman – SME & Micro Exporters, British Exporters Association; Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director, UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce; Lucia Zitti, EU Exit and International Trade Adviser, National Farmers Union.

This episode was originally recorded as a live webinar on 25 June 2020.

In a conversation led by Rt Hon. Maria Miller MP (UK), Julie Elliott MP (UK), Honourable Rubina Jamil (Pakistan) and Minister Simone McGurk  (Western Australia) share their experiences and good practice of how parliamentarians can address domestic abuse during and beyond Covid-19.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women, described the increase in violence against women and children as a ‘shadow pandemic’ alongside Covid-19.  ‘Lockdown’ measures across the world has forced victims and perpetrators together whilst cutting off access to family and friends. This has brought forward further conversation on how parliamentarians can advocate for the strengthening of legislation including the prevention, protection, and prosecution of domestic abuse.

A series of recorded conversations between UK parliamentarians and CPA UK Chief Executive, Jon Davies, explore the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on the running of Parliament.

Since the UK went into lockdown, the Parliament has implemented a series of new measures which has had a significant impact on the life and work of an MP both in Westminster and in their constituencies. In this series of conversations, representatives discuss some of the challenges as well as opportunities that have arisen, as well as lessons that can be learnt from parliaments across the Commonwealth.

Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon. Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, discusses the adoption of a hybrid system, remote voting and learning from other parliaments.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Canadian and UK parliaments have introduced significant changes to the way they conduct their proceedings. CPA UK hosted a discussion between two parliamentarians to look at the impact of these changes. The Rt Hon John Spellar MP from the UK Parliament and Mr Bruce Stanton MP from the Parliament of Canada met over video conference, to share their thoughts on these adapted procedures.

The UK Parliament introduced historical changes under its hybrid model, which included the conducting of virtual PMQs and chamber debates, with majority of MPs participating via video link, and remote voting through a specialised portal for members. Canada adopted a mixed approach, with some members meeting in person and additional virtual proceedings for wider participation including for oral questions to ministers, as well as a number of virtual committee hearings.

CPA UK is pleased to share this podcast episode focusing on how MPs can continue to communicate with their constituents during COVID-19.

The panellists, including Dawn Butler MP, Member for Brent Central, UK, Dr Dayton Campbell MP, Member for St Ann North Western, Jamaica, and Ms Yasmin Ratansi MP, Member for Don Valley East, Canada, discuss how they have had to adapt their communication methods to include more online and virtual ways of reaching out to people since lockdown measures have been introduced across the globe and how they have ensured that they are still able to engage effectively with their constituents.

Please note that this episode was originally recorded as a live webinar.CPA UK is pleased to share this podcast episode focusing on how MPs can continue to communicate with their constituents during COVID-19.

The panellists, including Dawn Butler MP, Member for Brent Central, UK, Dr Dayton Campbell MP, Member for St Ann North Western, Jamaica, and Ms Yasmin Ratansi MP, Member for Don Valley East, Canada, discuss how they have had to adapt their communication methods to include more online and virtual ways of reaching out to people since lockdown measures have been introduced across the globe and how they have ensured that they are still able to engage effectively with their constituents.

This episode was originally recorded as a live webinar on 09/06/20.

A series of recorded conversations between UK parliamentarians and CPA UK Chief Executive, Jon Davies, explore the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on the running of Parliament.

Since the UK went into lockdown, the Parliament has implemented a series of new measures which has had a significant impact on the life and work of an MP both in Westminster and in their constituencies. In this series of conversations, representatives discuss some of the challenges as well as opportunities that have arisen, as well as lessons that can be learnt from parliaments across the Commonwealth.

Lord Foulkes gives an insight into how the House of Lords has adapted to Covid-19 and moved online. He highlights some of the benefits of a virtual Lords, including greater engagement from a wider pool of Members.

A series of recorded conversations between UK parliamentarians and CPA UK Chief Executive, Jon Davies, explore the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on the running of Parliament.

Since the UK went into lockdown, the Parliament has implemented a series of new measures which has had a significant impact on the life and work of an MP both in Westminster and in their constituencies. In this series of conversations, representatives discuss some of the challenges as well as opportunities that have arisen, as well as lessons that can be learnt from parliaments across the Commonwealth.

Rt Hon. Maria Miller MP recently led a debate on the Domestic Abuse Bill, one of first under hybrid system. She explained how the UK Parliament is able to keep running and debate legislation.

A series of recorded conversations between UK parliamentarians and CPA UK Chief Executive, Jon Davies, explore the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on the running of Parliament. 

Since the UK went into lockdown, the Parliament has implemented a series of new measures which has had a significant impact on the life and work of an MP both in Westminster and in their constituencies. In this series of conversations, representatives discuss some of the challenges as well as opportunities that have arisen, as well as lessons that can be learnt from parliaments across the Commonwealth.

Sarah Champion MP chaired the International Development Committee's first ever virtual session. Afterwards she spoke to Jon Davies about the challenges and advantages of an online committee hearing, including the potential for a more diverse range of witnesses.