9 January 2017

Speaker to meet his counterparts from across the Commonwealth in London

Rt Hon David Carter, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, will represent New Zealand this week at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers (CSPOC) in Westminster, London.

Rt Hon David Carter said “it is a privilege to be a part of the Standing Committee of CSPOC and contribute to the focus of the 2018 Conference. The role of Speaker is vital to Parliament’s independence from Government and a challenging job for even the most experienced parliamentarian. Therefore, the opportunity to share experiences and innovations in parliamentary procedure with others in the role is a vital tool for maintaining impartiality and fairness in the House”.

At this year’s meeting, the Speaker will get a chance to meet with the Speaker of the United Kingdom House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow, a chance to renew acquaintances following Mr Bercow’s visit to New Zealand in 2013.

While in the United Kingdom, the Speaker will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for a bilateral visit of their Parliament. His programme includes meetings with the Speaker of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Ken Macintosh, the Clerk, Sir Paul Grice, and select committees. Scotland is particularly interested in New Zealand’s live captioning on Parliament TV, therefore Mr Speaker will brief the Head of Broadcasting on our innovations in this area.

The Speaker will also travel to Jersey to visit their Parliament, known as The States Assembly. Jersey is an independent, self-governing country, with the United Kingdom constitutionally responsible for its defence. While in Jersey, Mr Speaker will meet with the Chief Minister (Prime Minister), Mr Ian Gorst, and the Baliff (Speaker), Mr William James Baihache. He will also have the opportunity to learn about, and observe proceedings, of some of Jersey’s unique governing arrangements, such as the Samedi Court, where property transaction are finalised.

The visit runs from 10 January to 17 January 2017.

ENDS

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