Committees and Panels

What is the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association?

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) brings together parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth and has worked to support and strengthen parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth since its establishment in 1911.

Working with over 60 countries and jurisdictions across the Commonwealth, including Jersey, the CPA designs tailored programmes and projects to support and enable knowledge-sharing and development of parliamentary good-practice. Programmes are intended to enhance parliamentary oversight, scrutiny and representation.

"CPA UK carries out important work to strengthen the bonds between our Parliament and others around the world...One of the Commonwealth's great strengths is its human networks and the many associated organisations that work outside the government. The links between Commonwealth parliamentarians are an excellent example of this."

Rt Hon. Theresa May MP, UK Prime Minister and Commonwealth Chair-in-Office

Jersey has been a member of the Association since 1961. Members from Jersey represent the Island at annual regional and global conferences. Jersey's work with the CPA is important because it raises awareness of Jersey on an international stage and helps raise awareness of parliamentary best practice.

Parliamentarians from the UK and Jersey's States Assembly participate in regular joint activities facilitated by the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR), of which CPA UK is the Secretariat. Most recently, CPA UK on behalf of CPA BIMR, conducted an Election Observation Mission in Jersey in May 2018.

What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states. It is home to 2.4 billion people: over 60% of these are under 30. Leaders of the Commonwealth meet every two years to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest.

Commonwealth nations work together to implement shared values and principles which are set out in the Commonwealth Charter.

Our Vision

To be an inclusive, representative and transparent Commonwealth Parliament that is fully effective in enforcing accountability and representing the interests and concerns of the electorate.