House of Commons deputy speaker stresses legislation on inclusive development

LAHORE: United Kingdom House of Commons Deputy Speaker Nusrat Ghani highlighted the importance of collaborative legislation in promoting inclusive and equitable development.

In her landmark address to the first joint CPA Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference in the Punjab Assembly, she said that the ongoing efforts by the British Parliament in terms of more representation in the legislative process ensure that diverse voices are heard in the decision-making process. She stressed the importance of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), saying that the association plays an important role in strengthening relations between parliaments around the world. “The British Parliament is committed to building strong relations with legislative bodies in countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan, apart from parliamentary strength and diplomatic cooperation,” she added.

She maintained, “The UK Parliament has taken a number of important steps to ensure inclusion for under-represented groups, including women, young people, minorities and people with disabilities. In 2024, 263 women were elected to the House of Commons, which was 40 percent of the members of the British Parliament.”

Nusrat Ghani said that her journey as the first female Muslim minister and first deputy speaker in the UK marked and reflected significant progress in diversity over the years. Nusrat Ghani stressed the importance of public participation and education in sustaining a representative democracy, praising the outreach programs of the UK Parliament, saying that efforts are made to engage and encourage youth participation in the political process.

“The British Parliament gathers evidence from diverse communities through various inquiries and consultations and ensures that all perspectives are considered in the legislative process,” she maintained.