The delegation of the Legislative Council ("LegCo") concluded its five-day parliamentary visit in the United Kingdom ("UK") yesterday (14 September, London time).

On the last day of its visit in Edinburgh, the delegation met with the Head of Constitution Policy Unit of the Scottish Government, Mr Gerald BYRNE, and the Head of Defence and International Policy (Scotland) of the Scotland Office of the UK Government, Mr Nigel PATRICK, respectively.  During the meetings, delegation members were briefed on issues relating to the scope of devolution in Scotland, the share of power and responsibilities between the UK and Scottish Parliaments, as well as the mechanism of dispute resolution with the sovereign state on constitutional and sovereignty matters.

In the afternoon, the delegation met with the Chief Whip of the Scottish National Party, Mr Gordon MacDONALD MSP, to learn about his work as a party whip.  Mr MacDONALD also shared his experience in the Parliament.  Delegation members then attended a guided tour of the Scottish Parliament Building.  Delegation members learnt that the design and architecture of the Scottish Parliament Building were inspired by the natural landscape and political values of Scotland.

In summing up the five-day parliamentary visit, Hon IP Kin-yuen, leader of the delegation, said it was very successful in widening the political horizons of the participating members and enhancing their understanding of the parliamentary affairs in UK and Scotland. 

"Members gained useful knowledge and insights on how the legislatures deal with various procedural issues to ensure its smooth operation," Hon IP said. 

Hon IP added, "the visit also provided a timely opportunity for Members to gain first-hand information about the interactions of the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament under devolution, as well as issues and the latest progress of the UK's exit from the European Union and what opportunities might present to Hong Kong."

Hon IP thanked for the thoughtful arrangements and warm hospitality provided by the UK and Scottish Parliaments.  He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the British Consulate-General Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London for their assistance that made the visit concluded smoothly. 

Led by the delegation leader Hon IP Kin-yuen, the LegCo delegation conducted a parliamentary visit in London and Edinburgh from 10 to 14 September.  Members of the delegation include the deputy leader Hon Kenneth LEUNG, Hon Charles Peter MOK, Hon CHUNG Kwok-pan, Hon Alvin YEUNG, Hon Andrew WAN Siu-kin, Dr Hon Junius HO Kwan-yiu, Hon LAM Cheuk-ting, Hon LUK Chung-hung and Hon AU Nok-hin.

Ends/Saturday, 15 September 2018
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The delegation of the Legislative Council visits the Scottish Government in Edinburgh.  Photo shows (from left) Hon Alvin YEUNG, Hon Charles Peter MOK, Hon Kenneth LEUNG (deputy leader), Dr Hon Junius HO Kwan-yiu, Hon LUK Chung-hung, Hon IP Kin-yuen (leader), Hon CHUNG Kwok-pan, Hon Andrew WAN Siu-kin, Hon AU Nok-hin and Hon LAM Cheuk-ting.

The delegation of the Legislative Council meets with the Head of Constitutional Policy Unit of the Scottish Government, Mr Gerald BYRNE (left side, second right).

The leader of the delegation of the Legislative Council, Hon IP Kin-yuen (right), along with the duty leader Hon Kenneth LEUNG (left), present a souvenir to the Head of Defence and International Policy (Scotland) of the Scotland Office of the Government of the United Kingdom, Mr Nigel PATRICK (centre).

The delegation of the Legislative Council meets with the Chief Whip of the Scottish National Party, Mr Gordon MacDONALD MSP (centre).

The delegation of the Legislative Council tours the Scottish Parliament Building.  Delegation members pose for a group photo in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament, (from left) Hon Andrew WAN Siu-kin, Hon Alvin YEUNG, Hon Charles Peter MOK, Hon Kenneth LEUNG (deputy leader), Hon IP Kin-yuen (leader), Dr Hon Junius HO Kwan-yiu, Hon CHUNG Kwok-pan, Hon LUK Chung-hung, Hon LAM Cheuk-ting and Hon AU Nok-hin.

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