Addressing the opening of the 36th conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s British Islands and Mediterranean members, Sir Philip referred to the current crisis in Zimbabwe.
He said that when a consensual organisation like the Commonwealth is founded upon precepts of fundamental importance like democracy and the rule of law, there was a real problem when one of its members ignored those fundamental precepts, rigged elections and removed a chief justice and other judges who uphold the law.
‘It is ironical that the principles of good governance, democracy and human rights espoused by the Commonwealth were embodied in the declaration made at Harare,’ said Sir Philip.
‘I confess to being one of those who would wish that the Commonwealth could find the will to be more assertive in defending the principles upon which it is founded.
‘Leaving aside difficulties of the kind posed by Zimbabwe, the great strength of the CPA of course lies in the opportunities it affords for exchanges of views and opinions between parliamentarians on all the different issues which are common to democratic societies.
The agenda for the week contains a number of such important issues, and I hope that the arrangements made by the Jersey branch and its officers will enable fruitful discussions to take place in an atmosphere of relaxation, and indeed conviviality.
I welcome you all most warmly to Jersey.’
