As part of a national tour of the UK, his Holiness the Dalai Lama visited the Houses of Parliament to meet with MPs. Speaking to a select number of Peers and Members of the House of Commons, his Holiness outlined his ideas on environmental issues, the possible reasons behind last Summer’s riots in London - and ways in which MPs can remain calm!
His Holiness’ visit has already proved controversial. His visit to Leeds was opposed by the Chinese government, who will be using facilities in the city for the training of its athletes during the Olympic Games. Accusations have also been made that the Chinese government tried to discourage several Scottish local authorities from allowing his tour by threatening future investment and trade links. Despite this, however, his Holiness has managed to hold talks with Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi during her visit to Britain this week.
Matthew said: “It was a great honour for the Speaker of the House of Commons to introduce me to his Holiness and to give me the opportunity to discuss how British MPs can support Tibet in its fight to become a free and independent country. His Holiness is an inspirational figure who has displayed peaceful stoicism for almost 70 years in the face of an oppressive regime. Politicians and presidents come and go but his Holiness has been a constant for his people and peace across the World.”
Photo: Matthew is pictured with his Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama and the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP