Valerie attends AGM of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

Valerie attended the Annual General Meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union which took place on the 4 December 2013.
Valerie said:
“The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is a cross party group aiming to advance Parliamentary foreign relations with members from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. With over 600 members the IPU works to increase awareness and understanding of foreign relations. The IPU also advances the role of Parliament in international affiars.”
“Over the year the IPU has received delegations from all over the world such as Saudi Arabia and Bolivia. In turn, the IPU has travelled to Argentina to strengthen relations between the Parliaments and to Geneva to take part in the IPU 129th Assembly. The work of the British IPU is important in ensuring that Parliament has an understanding of and active role in foreign affairs.

“Mr Speaker who spoke at the AGM said how Parliaments abroad look to the UK Parliament as a model and ask for support. This was the case when as member of the Speaker’s delegation to Burma in the Summer recess we ensured that there were links with their Parliament which continues with support for the Library and Research facilities in the Burmese Parliament. We now have a new Chair, Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP. I look forward to working with Alistair in his new role. ”
To find out more about the Inter-Parliamentary Union visit: http://www.bgipu.org/