UK Speaker of the House of Commons Set to Participate in 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Tanzania

In a significant gathering, over 600 parliamentarians from across the globe will convene for the Assembly, marking the first time Tanzania will play host to this event. The Assembly will take place in Arusha from 5th to 9th October 2026.

Focus on Governance and Community Empowerment

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the UK Speaker of the House of Commons, alongside his international counterparts, will engage in discussions centred on the promotion of good governance, community empowerment, and the addressing of collective challenges such as climate change and social inequality. The Assembly aims to foster collaboration among nations in tackling these pressing issues that affect societies worldwide.

During his visit, Sir Lindsay will also have the opportunity to meet with young Tanzanians, including alumni of UK-supported Commonwealth and Chevening scholarship programmes. He is keen to hear about their achievements and aspirations for leadership, showcasing the impact of these initiatives in shaping future leaders in Tanzania.

Commitment to Inclusive Education

In addition to engaging with young leaders, Sir Lindsay plans to visit a Special Secondary School, where he will learn about the ongoing efforts between the UK and Tanzania to enhance inclusive education for children with disabilities and those with special educational needs. This visit underscores the long-standing commitment of the UK to support educational initiatives that ensure every child has access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

Expressing his views, Sir Lindsay stated, “In a world that faces a number of challenges, it’s so important for parliamentarians to have a forum to discuss how we deal with these in an ever more interconnected society. The IPU Assembly will be a great opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices with parliamentary colleagues from across the globe.” He also expressed anticipation for witnessing the positive outcomes of UK-supported programmes aimed at cultivating Tanzania’s future leaders and enhancing inclusive educational opportunities.

Strengthening UK-Tanzania Relations

Sally Hedley, the UK Chargé d’Affaires to Tanzania, expressed her enthusiasm for welcoming Sir Lindsay Hoyle to the country for the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly. She highlighted the importance of this event as a platform for dialogue among parliamentarians regarding good governance and the collaborative approach to tackling global challenges. Hedley remarked, “The UK is proud to be a longstanding development partner in Tanzania, working alongside Tanzanians to expand inclusive education and provide opportunities for ambitious young leaders to study at the UK’s world-class universities.”