DALAI LAMA AND THE PRIME MINISTER

Early day motion 437, tabled 15 January 2004 by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 149 members.

That this House welcomes the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Britain from 27th May to 3rd June; notes that this will be his first visit to Britain in five years; further notes that, during his visit, His Holiness intends to promote resolution of the Tibet issue by encouraging dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Tibetan Government-in-exile; recalls how his efforts as a champion of world peace were recognised with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989; commends His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his steadfast commitment to peaceful means in the struggle for Tibetan independence; notes his distinctive message of non-violence; regrets that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been unable to secure an audience with the Prime Minister; calls on the Prime Minister to schedule an engagement with His Holiness; and, in the event of this not being possible, calls on the Prime Minister to make a public statement of support for the furtherance of dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Tibetan Government-in-exile as being the best way to resolve this long standing issue and acknowledge the patience and peaceful means that the Dalai Lama has followed over many years.

Signatures by party: Labour 67, Liberal Democrat 36, Conservative 31, Labour/Co-operative 5, Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 2, Independent Conservative 1.