LegCo delegation concludes parliamentary visit in UK (with photos)

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) concluded its five-day parliamentary visit in the United Kingdom (UK) yesterday (September 14, London time).

     On the last day of its visit in Edinburgh, the delegation met with the Head of Constitution Policy Unit of the Scottish Government, Mr Gerald Byrne, and the Head of Defence and International Policy (Scotland) of the Scotland Office of the UK Government, Mr Nigel Patrick, respectively. During the meetings, delegation members were briefed on issues relating to the scope of devolution in Scotland, the share of power and responsibilities between the UK and Scottish Parliaments, as well as the mechanism of dispute resolution with the sovereign state on constitutional and sovereignty matters.

     In the afternoon, the delegation met with the Chief Whip of the Scottish National Party, Mr Gordon MacDonald, to learn about his work as a party whip. Mr MacDonald also shared his experience in the Parliament. Delegation members then attended a guided tour of the Scottish Parliament Building.  Delegation members learnt that the design and architecture of the Scottish Parliament Building were inspired by the natural landscape and political values of Scotland.

     In summing up the five-day parliamentary visit, Mr Ip Kin-yuen, leader of the delegation, said it was very successful in widening the political horizons of the participating members and enhancing their understanding of the parliamentary affairs in UK and Scotland. 

     "Members gained useful knowledge and insights on how the legislatures deal with various procedural issues to ensure its smooth operation," Mr IP said. 

     Mr Ip added, "the visit also provided a timely opportunity for Members to gain first-hand information about the interactions of the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament under devolution, as well as issues and the latest progress of the UK's exit from the European Union and what opportunities might present to Hong Kong."

     Mr IP thanked for the thoughtful arrangements and warm hospitality provided by the UK and Scottish Parliaments.  He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the British Consulate-General Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London for their assistance that made the visit concluded smoothly. 

     Led by the delegation leader Mr Ip Kin-yuen, the LegCo delegation conducted a parliamentary visit in London and Edinburgh from September 10 to 14.  Members of the delegation include the deputy leader Mr Kenneth Leung, Mr Charles Mok, Mr Chung Kwok-pan, Mr Alvin Yeung, Mr Andrew Wan, Dr Junius Ho, Mr Lam Cheuk-ting, Mr Luk Chung-hung and Mr Au Nok-hin.