A party of some of the most recently elected members of the Tynwald visited the UK parliament for a three-day Westminster familiarisation programme.

Last week’s visit by the delegation of nine island parliamentarians aimed to strengthen working relationships with their Westminster counterparts.

Organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the event allowed the visiting MHKs and one MLC the chance to familiarise themselves with UK parliamentary procedures.

The programme covered a wide variety of topics including the current political landscape in Westminster, the role of select committees, the daily procedure in the House of Commons and the work of the UK Public Accounts Committee. In addition to an intensive programme of meetings, the delegation also attended Prime Minister’s Questions, viewed committee evidence sessions and visited a constituency to explore how MPs serve their constituents.

Leader of the delegation was Speaker of the House of Keys, Juan Watterson.

He said: ’We were delighted to attend CPA UK’s programme in Westminster.

’This visit was an important opportunity to learn more about the Westminster system and to reinforce the strong relationship between our parliaments.’ The delegation was accompanied by Dr Jonathan King, Deputy Clerk of Tynwald, and as well as the Speaker, comprised Ramsey MHKs Dr Alex Allinson and Lawrie Hooper, Education Minister and Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Graham Cregeen, Onchan MHK Julie Edge, Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey (Douglas South), Ralph Peake (Douglas North), Martyn Perkins (Garff) and Jane Poole-Wilson MLC.