“As we sit together around these tables, we sit as equals.”

Parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth are in Westminster for the 74th Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Scrutiny. Throughout the week, they will explore a wide range of topics, from the role of presiding officers to the emerging challenges facing legislatures. The programme opened with the Commonwealth Day Reception and the Flag Raising Ceremony.

Baroness Scotland delivered an inspiring speech.

She made history as the first female Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Elected in 2016, she served in the role until 2025.

In her remarks, she highlighted the differences that shape Commonwealth nations and emphasised how these variations give parliamentarians a distinctive vantage point when confronting shared challenges. She noted that the diverse economic structures across the Commonwealth create a level of complexity found nowhere else, complexity that enriches discussions at Westminster Seminar.

Togetherness sat at the centre of her message, aligning with the 2025 Commonwealth Day theme: “Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth.