Dharamshala: A parliamentary delegation from the United Kingdom visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on 28 May 2026 and met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang.
The delegation comprised MP Kerry McCarthy of the Labour Party and former Government Minister; MP Wera Hobhouse of the Liberal Democrats and a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Tibet; and William Hobhouse, spouse of MP Wera Hobhouse. The delegation was accompanied by Tenzin Kunga, Secretary of the Office of Tibet, London.
The Members of Parliament were among the distinguished guests attending the swearing-in ceremony of the re-elected Sikyong, Penpa Tsering.
Welcoming the distinguished parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, the Speaker expressed his gratitude for their participation in the Sikyong’s oath-taking ceremony. He described their presence as both symbolic and significant, noting that it sends a strong message to the international community and boosts the morale of Tibetans living inside Tibet.
The Speaker further highlighted how the Central Tibetan Administration, under the leadership and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has not only brought the Tibetan cause to the international stage but has also safeguarded and promoted Tibetan cultural and linguistic heritage, which remains under threat in PRC-occupied Tibet.
The visiting delegation was also briefed on key parliamentary initiatives, including the World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet, advocacy efforts in India and abroad, the composition of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, its biannual sessions, the functioning of its committees, and other parliamentary activities.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Speaker noted that the delegation’s visit to Dharamshala offers hope to Tibetans inside Tibet and sends a strong signal to China of the international community’s continued support for the Tibetan cause.
The delegation was briefed on the critical situation inside Tibet, highlighting the existential challenges faced by the Tibetan people under China’s rule. Particular attention was drawn to policies aimed at the Sinicization of Tibet, including colonial-style boarding schools that deprive Tibetan children of their right to learn and practice their language, culture, and religion. The Deputy Speaker described these measures as part of “a systematic strategy to eradicate Tibetan identity.”
“In Tibet, faith is criminalised, truth is censored, and injustice wears the mask of development,” she said, while also drawing attention to the continuing self-immolations by Tibetans as a desperate form of protest against the Chinese Communist Party’s policies in Tibet.
The delegation was subsequently given a tour of the Parliament Hall. Later, a dinner was hosted in their honour, attended by members of the Standing Committee.
