London: Following the completion of a four day London Study Mission. The Parliamentary delegation, led by Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and joined by MP Dawa Tsering and MP Ratsa Sonam Norbu, was accorded a warm welcome by Representative Tsering Yangkyi and the staff of the Office of Tibet in London on 22nd November 2024.
The delegation participated in a productive roundtable discussion with members of the Tibet Support Group (TSG). During the meeting, the Speaker briefed attendees on the key takeaways from the delegation’s four-day program, which included meetings with prominent UK parliamentary leaders and experts. He highlighted the significant progress and outcomes achieved through these engagements.
A key focus of the discussion was the revival of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Tibet. The Speaker emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between APPG Tibet, Hong Kong, and Uyghur groups to leverage their shared interests in raising awareness within the UK Parliament. He advocated for a united effort to ensure Tibet becomes a more prominent issue on the UK’s legislative agenda. Additionally, he called for engaging relevant parliamentary departments to consider policies akin to the U.S. Resolve Tibet Act to advance Tibet’s cause further. The meeting also centered on strategizing ways to enhance advocacy efforts directed at the international community.
Suggestions and insights were shared on the importance of unity among the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), civil society organizations (CSOs), and the Tibetan people in building a cohesive approach to strengthen their cause. Participants stressed the need to consolidate efforts and identify innovative methods to engage global stakeholders effectively.
TSG members encouraged more frequent interactions between Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPIE) members and the UK Parliament to deepen relationships and reinforce advocacy. Additionally, discussions addressed countering China’s disinformation campaigns, which falsely depict Tibet as flourishing under Chinese rule.
The delegation reiterated the CTA’s stance on resisting such narratives and warned against visits to Tibet that might inadvertently support Beijing’s propaganda. Instead, they emphasized the need for accurate representation of Tibet’s realities towards the international community. This meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment to advancing Tibet’s cause, fostering unity among stakeholders, and strengthening strategic efforts to ensure Tibet remains a critical issue within the UK Parliament and beyond.
Later that evening, at the invitation by Jamyang Buddhist Centre, the Speaker and the delegation visited the Centre, where they were warmly welcomed by Venerable Thubten Drolma, Executive Director; Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Resident teacher; Venerable Wangyal, Pempa Lahmu Samuels, and members of the Tibetan community residing in the UK.
The interaction with the Centre’s team fostered spiritual connections and strengthened the bond between the Tibetan community and the Centre through shared religious values. Additionally, the gathering with the Tibetan community was a profound and meaningful exchange, emphasizing the collective commitment to preserving and promoting our rich language and cultural heritage along with the Tibetan democracy.
