Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla has embarked on a crucial official visit to the United Kingdom (UK), Scotland, and Guernsey from January 7 to 11, 2025. The visit is focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and fostering deeper connections with the Indian diaspora.
High-Level Meetings in the UK
Shri Birla’s visit to the UK, which spans from January 7 to 9, 2025, is being conducted at the invitation of Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons. His agenda includes several key engagements aimed at enhancing India-UK parliamentary ties.
The Speaker is scheduled to meet with the UK Parliament leadership, including Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Rt. Hon. Lord McFall of Alcluith, Lord Speaker of the House of Lords. These discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between the two parliaments, especially in areas related to democratic governance and international relations.
An important stop during his visit will be the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Museum, where Shri Birla will pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, a towering figure in India’s history. Additionally, the Speaker will honor Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring influence by offering floral tributes at his statue, a symbolic gesture that highlights the shared historical and cultural connections between India and the UK.
An integral part of the visit will also involve interactions with the Indian diaspora in the UK. Shri Birla will acknowledge the significant contributions of the Indian community, particularly in fostering socio-economic ties between the two nations.
Strengthening Ties in Scotland
The second leg of Shri Birla’s visit takes him to Scotland, where he will hold talks with key leaders, including Rt. Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, and Rt. Hon. John Swinney MSP, the First Minister of Scotland. These discussions are expected to explore areas of collaboration between India and Scotland, particularly in fostering democratic values and regional governance.
Shri Birla will also meet with members of the Scottish Parliament across party lines to promote inter-parliamentary dialogue. This exchange is aimed at sharing experiences and best practices in governance, strengthening ties between the Indian and Scottish legislative bodies.
Chairing Commonwealth Meeting in Guernsey
On January 10, Shri Birla will chair the Standing Committee meeting of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in Guernsey. This meeting is particularly significant as India prepares to host the 28th CSPOC in 2026.
During the conference, Shri Birla will address crucial issues surrounding parliamentary democracy, cross-border cooperation, and the role of legislative bodies in addressing global challenges. The Speaker’s participation in the CSPOC meeting underscores India’s leadership within the Commonwealth and its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions across member nations.
On the sidelines of the conference, Shri Birla is expected to meet with his counterparts from various Commonwealth Parliaments. These discussions will explore collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing parliamentary cooperation and addressing global issues from a legislative perspective.
Additional Cultural and Diplomatic Activities
The visit also serves as a platform for Shri Birla to emphasize India’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting the contributions of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. By underscoring these cultural legacies, the visit seeks to reinforce the values of democracy, peace, and human rights that bind India with the global community.
Shri Birla’s engagements reflect India’s ongoing commitment to fostering global partnerships through dialogue and shared democratic values. His visit is expected to deepen ties with the UK, Scotland, and the broader Commonwealth, reaffirming the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping the future of international relations.
