APPGT meeting.
London, 23 June 2025: Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), wrapped up a high-impact three-day official visit to the United Kingdom today with a compelling address at the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (APPGT). His visit, rich in political engagement and symbolic milestones, aimed at galvanising support for Tibet’s peaceful struggle and aligning the UK more closely with emerging international legislative support for Tibet.
At the APPGT meeting held in Westminster, Chris Law MP (SNP), Chair of the APPGT, welcomed the Sikyong and introduced him to an audience that included MPs Jessica Morden, Clive Lewis, and Wera Hobhouse, parliamentary aides of 2 MPs, members of Tibet Support Groups—including Free Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet, and the Tibet Action Institute—as well as Tibetan community representatives and supporters.
In his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering underscored the importance of the international community, particularly the UK, recognising and supporting non-violent struggles such as Tibet’s. He outlined three key objectives of his UK trip, framed around the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama:
1. Urging the UK government to reassess its official policy on Tibet. (Free Tibet as the APPGT Secretariat supports a course correct on the language.)
2. Advocating for an official UK statement recognising the Dalai Lama’s sole authority to determine his reincarnation, akin to the US Act.
3. Inviting a cross-party UK parliamentary delegation to visit Dharamshala, India—the seat of the CTA—later this year.
The Sikyong also proposed that APPGT spearhead a strategy meeting to consider introducing UK legislation on Tibet, echoing the US initiative. He encouraged commemorative programs throughout the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday year—designated by the CTA as the Year of Compassion—to highlight His Holiness’ contributions to humanity.
Following his address, MPs reiterated their continued support for Tibet. They engaged the Sikyong in a wide-ranging Q&A on subjects including reincarnation, China’s global repression tactics, and the imposing new Chinese embassy in London. The session concluded with a group photo to mark the occasion.
Earlier in the day, Sikyong met privately with officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including the Head of the China Department. He called on the UK government to release a timely statement honouring His Holiness’ lifelong commitment to non-violence, moral values, and religious harmony. He also urged UK coordination with Germany and France, who are considering issuing similar statements on the reincarnation issue, to form a unified European stance.
Sikyong welcomed the UK’s recent role in referencing Tibet in G7 communiqués and reaffirmed the importance of global leadership in defending freedom of religion or belief. However, he challenged the UK’s 2008 policy shift recognising China’s sovereignty over Tibet, arguing it contradicts historical facts. Citing legal analyses by Dr Michael van Walt van Praag and Professor Lau, he called for a fact-based re-evaluation of the UK’s Tibet policy.
A highlight of Monday morning was the ceremonial handover of two rare historical documents once belonging to Sir Basil Gould, the former British Political Officer in Sikkim, by his family and Giles Peppiatt of Bonhams auction house. The documents, now destined for the Tibet Museum in Dharamshala, mark a powerful symbol of historical continuity and cultural reclamation. The handover took place at the Office of Tibet in London, witnessed by the Representative of His Holiness in the UK, office staff, and a community delegate.
His visit began on Saturday, 21 June, with back-to-back community engagements. After arriving at Heathrow, he drove directly to the London School of Economics for a youth event co-organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and UK V-TAG. Addressing young Tibetans on Tibet’s geopolitical significance, he fielded insightful questions in an engaging Q&A session. Later that evening, he attended the UK premiere of 4 Rivers 6 Ranges, a feature film by Shenphen Khymsar, at Curzon Soho.
On Sunday, BBC Radio London’s Sunday Breakfast show host Jumoké Fashola interviewed Sikyong Penpa Tsering about the 90th birthday celebrations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sikyong highlighted the principal commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and noted his contributions to the betterment of humanity.
Later that afternoon, Sikyong was the chief guest at a joint celebration hosted by the London School of Tibetan Language & Culture and the Tibetan Community in Britain at the Asian Community Centre. The event showcased student performances in Tibetan language, culture, and history. Sikyong distributed school-leaving certificates and honoured teachers for their service. In his keynote, he provided a sweeping overview of CTA initiatives—from infrastructure upgrades in settlements to international political outreach—and urged young Tibetans to deepen their historical knowledge for effective advocacy.
The visit marked a turning point in UK-Tibet parliamentary relations. APPGT Chair Chris Law committed to submitting an Early Day Motion and writing to the Foreign Secretary on Tibet. Clive Lewis MP joined the group as a new member, strengthening its cross-party representation. Strategically and symbolically, the visit secured renewed political momentum, historical documentation, and stronger ties within the Tibetan diaspora.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering was accompanied by his Personal Assistant, Tenzin Dadon, with logistical coordination provided by the Office of Tibet, London. He departs for Berlin early on Tuesday, 24 June, for the next leg of his European tour.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, London
APPGT meeting.
APPGT meeting.
APPGT group photo.
APPGT meeting.
New APPGT member Clive Lewis MP.
Sir Basil Gould docs.
With Tibetan Community in Britain (TCB) Chair & General Secretary.
