The Labour Party Annual Conference 2025
Centre for Kurdish Progress & Solidarity Action Fringe
Kurdistan in Iraq: Protecting Autonomy, Advancing Democracy

The Centre for Kurdish Progress and Solidarity Action hosted a timely and well-attended fringe meeting at this year’s Labour Party Annual Conference, focusing on the challenges and future of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Against a backdrop of mounting regional pressures and domestic political obstacles, speakers highlighted what is at stake for the Kurdistan Region’s hard-won autonomy, the resilience of its democratic institutions, and the wider implications for stability, human rights, and UK foreign policy.

The discussion reflected on the achievements of the past three decades, while also addressing urgent questions about governance, unity, and the international community’s role in supporting Kurdish self-rule.

Speakers included:

• Cllr Mo Bakhtiar, Kurdish politician and activist

• Shad Hoshyar, policy analyst and commentator

• Chair: Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis

The event fostered a serious and constructive debate, drawing in Labour members, experts, and Kurdish voices committed to safeguarding democracy in the region.

The Centre for Kurdish Progress extends its thanks to the speakers and audience for contributing to this important dialogue.