Edinburgh, 25th November 2024: The Scotland study mission began with a comprehensive introduction to the Scottish Parliament by Trainer Ian Gill, setting the stage for an engaging and informative day. The delegation then met with Sarah Boyack, a Scottish Labour MSP and former Minister for Devolution – Scottish/UK Relations. This session provided a deep dive into the process of Scottish devolution, including an exploration of the differences between the voting systems of the UK and Scottish Parliaments. Sarah Boyack traced the historical establishment of the Scottish Parliament and elaborated on the division of powers, distinguishing between reserved and devolved matters. She also highlighted the policy-making process within the Scottish Parliament and the vital role of MSPs in shaping the nation’s legislative landscape.

Following this, the delegation was taken on an official tour of the Scottish Parliament, offering them a closer look at the strikingly modern architecture and a chance to experience the inner workings of Scotland’s democracy. They explored key areas, including the debating chamber and committee rooms, while also learning about the country’s legislative processes and its political and cultural history. The tour was followed by a private meeting with Ross Greer MSP, a representative of the Scottish Greens and Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Tibet. This meeting provided further insight into the Scottish Parliament’s democratic processes and the role of cross-party groups in addressing global issues.

The delegation also had the opportunity to meet Linda Fabiani, former Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. During this session, Linda elaborated on the specific responsibilities of the Deputy Presiding Officers, shedding light on the functionality of the Scottish Parliament. The discussion was interactive, with a dynamic Q&A session that allowed the delegation to clarify their understanding of various parliamentary processes.

Later in the evening, the delegation attended a meeting with the Cross-Party Group on Tibet, where they were joined by members of the Tibetan community residing in Scotland. The discussions focused on the roles and activities of the group, including its working and treasury reports. During the meeting, the speaker expressed deep concern about the violations of human rights in Tibet and the ongoing sensitization policies perpetrated by the People’s Republic of China. Specific issues raised included the widespread implementation of boarding schools designed to erode Tibetan cultural and language identity, the collection of DNA samples from Tibetan citizens without consent, and the severe restrictions on religious freedom. These pressing matters underscored the need for continued advocacy and global action, with participants exploring strategies to bring these issues to the attention of the Scottish Parliament and other international legislatures.

The day concluded with a dinner hosted at the Himalayan restaurant in the city, providing an opportunity for informal discussions and fostering meaningful connections in a warm and welcoming environment.