The discussion took place in an open forum format and brought together a variety of panellists to explore what makes the Commonwealth Games unique. 

Panellists included Martin Reynolds, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Sport; Lousia Mahon, Chief Marketing Officer for Glasgow 2026; Patricia Ferguson, Member of Parliament for Glasgow West, and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, a former Commonwealth Para Athlete and multi-Paralympic champion. The discussion was chaired by Lewis Stewart, a Scottish Track Cycling gold medallist at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.  

Throughout the conversation, discussions focused on Glasgow’s history of hosting the Commonwealth Games and how this aided in preparation following Victoria’s withdrawal as host city of the 2026 Games.

The discussion also looked towards the future of the Commonwealth Games with India as hosts of the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games. 

Lewis Stewart, Scottish Gold Medal Tandem Pilot at Birmingham 2022 said: “I never thought I’d see Glasgow hosting another Commonwealth Games so soon. It matters to me, I care about Glasgow and I care about the legacy of it because Glasgow 2014 is one I watched when I was a kid. Without the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome being built at that point, I would never have got into track cycling. So I’m delighted to be involved in today's conversation and introducing the panel.” 

Martin Reynolds Deputy CEO of Commonwealth Sport said: “When I think about Glasgow, I think of two words. One is appreciation, appreciation for all our athletes, their patience and determination and also the appreciation of the city of Glasgow for stepping forward to host the Games. And then a real sense of affirmation. All our CGAs came together after Victoria cancelled the Games and decided that these Games must continue. Definitely a huge sense of appreciation, affirmation and massive excitement for the Games starting in under 100 days.” 

Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing Officer of the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company said: “Glasgow 2026 is a force for good, and it’s a force for good globally. It’s not just the power to convene elite athletes from 74 nations but also the work that takes place behind the scenes and the impact that it has on local communities.” 

Former Para athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said: “The Commonwealth Games have been at the very start of my career, the middle and the very end. It is such a different environment to be in, it’s genuinely friendly in the village. It’s been an amazing journey and the importance of the Commonwealth Games shouldn't be underestimated.” 

Patricia Fergurson, Member of Parliament for Glasgow West said: “Glasgow is a city that really enjoys and is passionate about sport. If you give Glaswegian people the opportunity to go to more sport, they will buy tickets and turn up. The legacy has been really rich from the 2014 Games and I’m really excited to see the legacy that’s going to come from these Games.” 

The CPA Lunchtime Conversations are a regular monthly event in the CPA UK Room in Westminster Hall and are open to MPs, Peers and all parliamentary staff.