Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Robert Jenrick Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Robert Jenrick (Newark) (Reform)]

The only thing that is exceptional about Britain’s record on slavery is that we were the first country in the world to abolish it. We are the country of William Wilberforce. We are the country of the West Africa Squadron. Why are we entertaining this performative far-left nonsense? Why does the Prime Minister not just focus on what the British people actually want, which is to cut the cost of living and do something that helps our own constituents? [Interruption.] Government Members can groan as much as they want, but I wager this: what I am saying is more in tune with the people of this country than anything that we have heard from them today.

[Chris Elmore]

If the right hon. Gentleman is looking for performative nonsense, he should engage a mirror. In relation to this work, I know it is difficult for him to comprehend, but two things can be true at the same time. I am extremely proud of the work that the Royal Navy, the Government and William Wilberforce did—I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the history lesson—but we can also say that there is an important piece of work to do around acknowledging our past and moving forward. As I say, I know that is difficult for him, but nevertheless that is really what is going to happen.