e-MBA delegation from China
On 15 September, Lord Ian Wrigglesworth hosted a delegation from China who were on an executive MBA course from University of Shanghai Finance & Economics (in conjunction with Cambridge University) at the House of Lords. The visit was organised by China Business Solutions with assistance from Chinese Liberal Democrats.
The delegation was given a guided tour of both Houses of Parliament including both chambers, the Royal Gallery and the Queen's Robing Room. Lord Wrigglesworth welcomed the visitors with a brief overview of the history of Parliament and how it has evolved to what it is in the present day. This was particularly apt as we celebrate this year the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta (the great charter of the liberties) in Runnymede.
Vice-Chair of CLDs Merlene Emerson then addressed the visitors in Mandarin, sharing her experiences as a British Chinese politician, working to increase greater diversity and representation in UK politics through the founding of Chinese Liberal Democrats, working with organisations such as Operation Black Vote and BC Project. She also mentioned the efforts of the "Ensuring We Remember" campaign to commemorate the contributions of the 96,000 Chinese Labour Corps, primarily from Shandong Province during the 1st World War, to warm applause. Amongst the audience included some who hailed from Shandong as well as other major Chinese cities.
A lively Q&A followed the presentations, with the visit ending with an exchange of token gifts: Sun Tzu's Art of War from the Chinese delegation, and a book of CLD's research on UK China Twinned Cities.
CLDs are able to help organise free visits to Parliament for educational purposes - for enquiries contact: info@chineselibdems.org.uk