Dharamshala, 3rd April 2025: Ross John Greer MSP, Chair of the Scottish Cross-Party Group for Tibet, along with Eleanor Jane Byrne-Rosengren, Human Rights Professional, and Cameron E. William Garrett, Research and Policy Officer for the Scottish Green Group, visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.

The delegation held a meeting with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and members of the Standing Committee. They were accompanied by Representative Tsering Yangkyi from the Office of Tibet, London.

Upon their arrival, the Speaker welcomed the delegation, recalling his previous meeting with MSP Greer during his visit to Scotland. He expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by MSP Greer. The Speaker emphasized that their visit to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) provided a unique opportunity to observe the democratic functioning of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. He elaborated on the composition, evolution, and operations of the Tibetan Parliament, including its bi-annual sessions, committees, and the electoral process.

The Speaker also highlighted the intensified restrictions in Tibet throughout March, especially on Tibetan National Uprising Day, March 10th. He strongly criticized the White Paper issued by China’s State Council Information Office on March 28th. The document, which asserted Chinese control over the reincarnation of Tibetan lamas, promoted “development in Tibet,” and accused the “Dalai clique” and Western nations of plotting to separate Tibet from China, was sharply rebuked. The Speaker condemned these claims as falsehoods and a calculated attempt to create division.

In closing, the Speaker thanked the delegation for their continued support of the Tibetan cause and appealed for their ongoing advocacy.