UK and Australia Forge Stronger Ties Ahead of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026

A toxic online environment poses a significant threat to all Commonwealth democracies, jeopardising our fundamental values and undermining the freedoms and choices of our citizens.

Violence in the workplace, regardless of the context, is wholly unacceptable. This is particularly pertinent for journalists and media professionals, who play a vital role in safeguarding freedom and democracy. Furthermore, we denounce the increasing violence and hostility directed towards frontline workers, including those in health and retail sectors.

The Role of Women in Politics

Across 180 State and Federal Parliaments in Commonwealth nations, there are over 6,000 women parliamentarians. However, evidence indicates that in both Australia and the UK, female parliamentarians are three times more likely to report experiencing sexualised or gender-based threats, whether online or in person, compared to their male counterparts.

Tragically, in the UK and Australia, elected officials have faced fatal or life-altering violence simply for fulfilling their duties within their communities. Similar distressing accounts are prevalent throughout the Commonwealth, with women parliamentarians disproportionately becoming the targets of such acts.

This disturbing trend erodes the foundations of our democracies. The pervasive nature of hate and aggression dissuades talented and principled individuals from standing for election, as they witness the abuse directed towards current elected representatives and their families.

The Need for Collective Action

Addressing these issues necessitates a concerted effort from all sectors. It is imperative that governments, technology companies, and other stakeholders collaborate to cultivate safer online environments that protect individuals and communities. This includes fostering respectful public discourse and facilitating safe participation in public life.

During the UN General Assembly, our governments pledged to work collaboratively to enhance online safety and restore individual choice regarding the content they encounter online. This commitment extends to ensuring that children are shielded from harmful online material. Australia and the UK have also established bilateral Memorandums of Understanding aimed at combating gender-based violence and enhancing online safety and security, which will facilitate increased cooperation on shared challenges, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Collaborative Initiatives for Safety

We are dedicated to collaborating with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, and various countries across the Commonwealth to harness technology, expertise, and practical solutions aimed at protecting parliamentarians from online abuse while promoting democratic engagement. Our inaugural forum is scheduled for 2027, and we will invite all Commonwealth members who share our commitment to these values.

A variety of software tools are currently being trialled in our Parliaments and globally, and we wholeheartedly support and encourage such innovations.

As we work to alter attitudes, restore respectful debate, and reinstate individual choice, we can take immediate steps together to safeguard our democracies in the interim.