As Speaker of the House of Commons, I see firsthand how vital democratic institutions are in ensuring that people’s voices are heard and respected. That principle holds true not only here in the UK, but across the globe, in every parliament where representatives strive to serve their citizens with integrity, openness, and accountability.
In 2024, billions of people took part in elections, from long-established democracies to those still finding their feet. These were moments of real importance. But democracy is not defined by elections alone. It depends on the work that comes after the votes are counted: the building of strong, transparent, inclusive institutions that deliver for the people they represent.
That is why the work of Westminster Foundation for Democracy continues to be so important. Whether it is supporting parliamentary staff in North Macedonia, strengthening environmental oversight in Indonesia, or helping parties in Sierra Leone become more representative, WFD’s impact is grounded in long term partnerships and local leadership.
When I met with the President of the National Assembly of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, during the delegation’s visit to Westminster in February, I was reminded how valuable this kind of cooperation can be. Through dialogue, shared experience, and mutual respect, we build relationships that transcend politics and geography. WFD’s locally led approach ensures that programmes are rooted in the political and economic realities of each place, shaped by those who know their parliaments and communities best.
This model of partnership — between parliaments, between political parties, and between people — is more important than ever. In a world where authoritarianism continues to rise, and where democratic backsliding threatens progress, the UK’s role as a reliable and constructive partner is essential.
I would like to thank all the Members of Parliament and Peers who contribute their time and experience to WFD’s work, both in the UK and internationally. Their involvement is a key strength of the Foundation. It brings credibility, understanding, and a sense of solidarity to every programme.
WFD demonstrates what parliament can do at its best: share knowledge, listen with humility, and stand up for democratic values wherever they are under pressure. I am proud to be Patron of an organisation that continues to uphold these ideals and support others in doing the same.
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In a world where authoritarianism continues to rise, the UK’s role as a reliable and constructive partner is essential
In a world where authoritarianism continues to rise, the UK’s role as a reliable and constructive partner is essential
As Speaker of the House of Commons, I see firsthand how vital democratic institutions are in ensuring that people’s voices are heard and respected. That principle holds true not only here in the UK, but across the globe, in every parliament where representatives strive to serve their citizens with integrity, openness, and accountability.
In 2024, billions of people took part in elections, from long-established democracies to those still finding their feet. These were moments of real importance. But democracy is not defined by elections alone. It depends on the work that comes after the votes are counted: the building of strong, transparent, inclusive institutions that deliver for the people they represent.
That is why the work of Westminster Foundation for Democracy continues to be so important. Whether it is supporting parliamentary staff in North Macedonia, strengthening environmental oversight in Indonesia, or helping parties in Sierra Leone become more representative, WFD’s impact is grounded in long term partnerships and local leadership.
When I met with the President of the National Assembly of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, during the delegation’s visit to Westminster in February, I was reminded how valuable this kind of cooperation can be. Through dialogue, shared experience, and mutual respect, we build relationships that transcend politics and geography. WFD’s locally led approach ensures that programmes are rooted in the political and economic realities of each place, shaped by those who know their parliaments and communities best.
This model of partnership — between parliaments, between political parties, and between people — is more important than ever. In a world where authoritarianism continues to rise, and where democratic backsliding threatens progress, the UK’s role as a reliable and constructive partner is essential.
I would like to thank all the Members of Parliament and Peers who contribute their time and experience to WFD’s work, both in the UK and internationally. Their involvement is a key strength of the Foundation. It brings credibility, understanding, and a sense of solidarity to every programme.
WFD demonstrates what parliament can do at its best: share knowledge, listen with humility, and stand up for democratic values wherever they are under pressure. I am proud to be Patron of an organisation that continues to uphold these ideals and support others in doing the same.