Simon Danczuk talk for senior Fijian politicians

Simon Danczuk with senior Fijian politicians

Rochdale’s MP Simon Danczuk gave a talk for senior Fijian politicians in Parliament on Monday.

Mr Danczuk was speaking about the role of the political opposition in the UK as part of a Commonwealth programme to spread democratic ideas.

Fiji is a young democracy with a turbulent recent political history, and programmes like this are intended to help strengthen democratic processes in the island nation.

Mr Danczuk’s talk is the latest example of an unlikely link between Rochdale and Fiji.

This link was forged in 1961 when Fijians Orisi Dawai and Joe Levula signed for the Rochdale Hornets. Since the Fijian community in the town has grown to be the largest in the UK outside of London.

This connection was on show during the Rugby League World Cup in 2013 when hundreds of Fijians descended on Spotland Stadium when Fijii played Ireland.

Speaking about the link, Mr Danczuk said: “I think it is fantastic that Rochdale and Fiji have this connection, even though we are more than 14,000 miles apart. I was happy to play my part in solidifying the link, and I hope this programme can help Fiji secure a stable political future. My only regret is that the Fiji connection has not brought some South Pacific weather to Lancashire.”