Latest news with #Speakers'Conference
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Leaders discuss inclusion, innovation, and digital futures
TDT | Manama Bahrain is participating in the world's largest gathering of parliamentary leaders, with a high-level delegation attending the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. Led by His Excellency Jamal Mohamed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, the parliamentary delegation will represent the Kingdom of Bahrain at the three-day summit being held from July 29 to 31. Organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in cooperation with the United Nations, the conference serves as a global platform for legislative leaders to exchange strategies for addressing worldwide challenges through multilateral cooperation. Focus on inclusion This year's theme, 'Parliamentary Cooperation and Multilateralism for Peace and Justice', reflects a growing global urgency to address rising instability and social divides. The agenda includes sessions on empowering women and youth in polarised times, digital transformation, and combatting discrimination against vulnerable communities. H.E. Jamal Fakhro is joined by H.E. Abdulnabi Salman, First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Representatives, and Dr. Bassam bin Ismail Al-Benhamad, a member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee in the Shura Council. Building democratic bridges Since its inception in 2000, the Speakers' Conference has aimed to strengthen the parliamentary dimension of global governance. This year's edition marks the culmination of two years of preparatory work by a committee comprising 20 parliamentary leaders from around the world. Alongside debates on digital futures and peace innovation, the forum will spotlight how legislatures can accelerate progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through enhanced international cooperation. Global voice The event is expected to be the most inclusive and wide-ranging yet, drawing leaders from every region to shape future parliamentary action on issues of justice, equality, and sustainable development. Bahrain's active participation reinforces its alignment with global legislative efforts aimed at inclusive progress and institutional resilience.
South Wales Guardian
12-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Harsher punishments planned for those who intimidate election candidates
The new proposals are aimed at making sure no one is put off standing for office, after a rise in threats against candidates at the 2024 general election. They will be set out next week in a strategy paper aimed at safeguarding the UK's election system. Ministers are keen to stress that they want to ensure freedom of expression is protected, while also cracking down on threatening behaviour against those competing for votes. Communities minister Rushanara Ali said: 'We want to ensure our democracy is resilient and thriving, that people are able to engage and participate in our democracy, free from the fear of harassment and intimidation. 'Harassment and intimidation is completely unacceptable and having a chilling effect on our democracy.' Courts will be given powers to impose tougher punishments on people who target candidates, campaigners, elected politicians, and electoral staff with threatening or hostile behaviour. The punishments could apply to both real life incidents as well as those online, the Government suggested. Some 55% of candidates at the 2024 general election experienced some form of abuse, according to research by the Electoral Commission. Activities included slashing candidates' vehicle tyres and targeting their families. Ministers have sought to step up work to protect elections from interference, and those involved in them from threats, via the Defending Democracy Taskforce. In the Commons, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is meanwhile hosting the Speakers' Conference, examining the growing threats faced by MPs. The conference has warned this is having a stifling impact on democratic debate, and is dissuading people from standing in parliamentary elections.
Glasgow Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Harsher punishments planned for those who intimidate election candidates
The new proposals are aimed at making sure no one is put off standing for office, after a rise in threats against candidates at the 2024 general election. They will be set out next week in a strategy paper aimed at safeguarding the UK's election system. Ministers are keen to stress that they want to ensure freedom of expression is protected, while also cracking down on threatening behaviour against those competing for votes. Communities minister Rushanara Ali said: 'We want to ensure our democracy is resilient and thriving, that people are able to engage and participate in our democracy, free from the fear of harassment and intimidation. 'Harassment and intimidation is completely unacceptable and having a chilling effect on our democracy.' Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle (Ben Whitley/PA) Courts will be given powers to impose tougher punishments on people who target candidates, campaigners, elected politicians, and electoral staff with threatening or hostile behaviour. The punishments could apply to both real life incidents as well as those online, the Government suggested. Some 55% of candidates at the 2024 general election experienced some form of abuse, according to research by the Electoral Commission. Activities included slashing candidates' vehicle tyres and targeting their families. Ministers have sought to step up work to protect elections from interference, and those involved in them from threats, via the Defending Democracy Taskforce. In the Commons, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is meanwhile hosting the Speakers' Conference, examining the growing threats faced by MPs. The conference has warned this is having a stifling impact on democratic debate, and is dissuading people from standing in parliamentary elections.
Rhyl Journal
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Harsher punishments planned for those who intimidate election candidates
The new proposals are aimed at making sure no one is put off standing for office, after a rise in threats against candidates at the 2024 general election. They will be set out next week in a strategy paper aimed at safeguarding the UK's election system. Ministers are keen to stress that they want to ensure freedom of expression is protected, while also cracking down on threatening behaviour against those competing for votes. Communities minister Rushanara Ali said: 'We want to ensure our democracy is resilient and thriving, that people are able to engage and participate in our democracy, free from the fear of harassment and intimidation. 'Harassment and intimidation is completely unacceptable and having a chilling effect on our democracy.' Courts will be given powers to impose tougher punishments on people who target candidates, campaigners, elected politicians, and electoral staff with threatening or hostile behaviour. The punishments could apply to both real life incidents as well as those online, the Government suggested. Some 55% of candidates at the 2024 general election experienced some form of abuse, according to research by the Electoral Commission. Activities included slashing candidates' vehicle tyres and targeting their families. Ministers have sought to step up work to protect elections from interference, and those involved in them from threats, via the Defending Democracy Taskforce. In the Commons, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is meanwhile hosting the Speakers' Conference, examining the growing threats faced by MPs. The conference has warned this is having a stifling impact on democratic debate, and is dissuading people from standing in parliamentary elections.
North Wales Chronicle
12-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Harsher punishments planned for those who intimidate election candidates
The new proposals are aimed at making sure no one is put off standing for office, after a rise in threats against candidates at the 2024 general election. They will be set out next week in a strategy paper aimed at safeguarding the UK's election system. Ministers are keen to stress that they want to ensure freedom of expression is protected, while also cracking down on threatening behaviour against those competing for votes. Communities minister Rushanara Ali said: 'We want to ensure our democracy is resilient and thriving, that people are able to engage and participate in our democracy, free from the fear of harassment and intimidation. 'Harassment and intimidation is completely unacceptable and having a chilling effect on our democracy.' Courts will be given powers to impose tougher punishments on people who target candidates, campaigners, elected politicians, and electoral staff with threatening or hostile behaviour. The punishments could apply to both real life incidents as well as those online, the Government suggested. Some 55% of candidates at the 2024 general election experienced some form of abuse, according to research by the Electoral Commission. Activities included slashing candidates' vehicle tyres and targeting their families. Ministers have sought to step up work to protect elections from interference, and those involved in them from threats, via the Defending Democracy Taskforce. In the Commons, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is meanwhile hosting the Speakers' Conference, examining the growing threats faced by MPs. The conference has warned this is having a stifling impact on democratic debate, and is dissuading people from standing in parliamentary elections.
