Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

David Mundell Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Chris Elmore]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind comments about my panel performance; I do not do them often, so it is nice to know that when I do, there is at least one person in the audience who is glad of it. He is quite right to talk about the importance of supply chains. Part of our focus is ensuring that all Commonwealth nations, no matter how small or large—but crucially, the smaller states—have these tangible and meaningful benefits of being a member of the Commonwealth family.

[David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale) (Con)]

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?

[Chris Elmore]

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.