Commonwealth in 2020

Asked the Minister to elaborate on the success of scholars brought to Britain from Commonwealth countries, and mentioned the value of conferences organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Commented positively on his first experience with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegations, highlighting their importance in fostering bonds among member countries.

Pressed the Minister to address the issue of homophobia in many Commonwealth countries where homosexuality is illegal, questioning why last year’s CHOGM declaration did not mention this matter. He suggested that British high commissioners should fly the rainbow flag during pride demonstrations.

Inquired about better representation for overseas territories, Crown dependencies and other external territories within the Commonwealth framework to ensure they are properly represented alongside smaller nation states.

Emphasises the importance of the Commonwealth in a post-Brexit world, highlighting Queen's reference to diversity and its strength. Suggests that the Commonwealth can serve as the cornerstone for a future built on relationships with 54 countries.

Stresses the UK Government’s commitment to expanding diplomatic relations with Commonwealth countries, including opening new high commissions in Samoa and other nations. Discusses opportunities beyond Brexit and the importance of shared language for immigration systems. Highlights ongoing projects and programmes facilitated by the UK.

Discusses the role of Commonwealth overseas territories, including those that do not recognise same-sex marriage. Critiques UK's failure to require these territories to recognise same-sex unions as a missed opportunity for leadership. Emphasises the importance of human rights and democracy in the Commonwealth.

Responds to criticisms by highlighting recent initiatives like the preventing sexual violence in conflict initiative, demonstrating the Commonwealth's active engagement on matters of global concern.

Suggests that inviting the Commonwealth to functioning democracies can serve as a positive example for human rights and LGBT issues. Highlights the importance of leading by example.

Responds to Katherine Fletcher, noting that failing to raise critical issues like LGBT rights at high-profile meetings like CHOGM is a failure of leadership.

Argues that effective diplomatic work involves behind-the-scenes engagement rather than public shaming, emphasising the need for partners to own changes rather than perceiving them as imposed neo-colonial viewpoints.

Questions whether the UK can be held responsible for both imposing laws during colonial times and not forcing other Commonwealth countries to adhere to current standards.

Emphasises that the UK must support activists fighting against discriminatory laws it imposed. Raises concerns about press freedom in Rwanda and stresses the importance of youth engagement in the Commonwealth.

Expresses concern over press freedom issues in Rwanda, noting that journalists might face restrictions on reporting freely during the upcoming CHOGM.

Supports the need for progress on disability equality within Commonwealth countries and highlights efforts made by the Department for International Development.

Acknowledged James Sunderland's background in the Army.

Emphasises the importance of strategic enabling capabilities for a fully expeditionary posture, advocating for British manufacturing at the heart of defence strategy. Stresses the need to align SDSR with a defence industrial strategy and calls for more investment in defence than 2% of GDP. Highlights the vision of post-Brexit global Britain, focusing on economic growth through manufacturing and services trading freely worldwide. Discusses domestic agenda including health, education, social care, employment, and law and order. Addresses mental illness as a modern-day epidemic requiring greater investment for parity with physical health. Laments the current state of special needs education, advocating for better assessments and educational plans to ensure children's potential is realised. Pays tribute to frontline workers, public servants, and volunteers who serve others.

Congratulated the hon. Member for Bracknell on his maiden speech and highlighted the significance of debating the Commonwealth's future on Commonwealth Day itself. Emphasised the importance of the theme 'Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating and Transforming'. Noted the readmission of the Maldives to the Commonwealth as an example of its potential for positive change. Acknowledged Rwanda’s upcoming chairmanship but expressed concerns about freedom of press and participation there. Praised the role of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in fostering mutual learning among member states. Highlighted the economic impact of previous Commonwealth Games, particularly Glasgow's 2014 games which contributed £740 million to the city's gross value added. Critiqued the UK’s efforts to position itself as ‘global Britain’ and questioned its practicality compared to EU membership. Emphasised that modern trade relies on labour mobility. Urged for easier visa restrictions for Commonwealth countries, particularly regarding veterans who have served in the UK armed forces.

Agreed with Patrick Grady’s point about looking after Commonwealth personnel who have served in the UK armed forces and highlighted their right to stay without facing excessive charges.

We are hearing from members of the armed forces and the Royal British Legion that these people have been recruited because we are not meeting our own recruitment targets here in the UK. We are going out to these countries and actively recruiting: promising the earth and then delivering very little for their families.

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. The mismatch between rhetoric and reality is a theme in this debate, particularly regarding the UK’s role in the sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. Mauritius has had to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice as its sovereignty was recognised by a UN resolution that the UK breached.

I understand and accept the points made about the Chagos Islands, but will the Chagossians be consulted on whose sovereignty they wish to fall under? As we have done with all our overseas territories such as Gibraltar and the Falklands, which had referendums, surely the Chagossian community should determine their destiny.

Absolutely—the Chagossian community themselves should be at the heart of the decision-making process about their future and the future of their islands. However, the UK's role in the Commonwealth is challenged by its narrow, isolationist approach post-Brexit.

It is an honour to take part in this debate about the Commonwealth in 2020. It is right that we celebrate our family and heritage, and I commend my hon. Friend for his maiden speech. We must ensure that territories and dependencies are included properly within the Commonwealth.

I commend my hon. Friend for his work in celebrating the Commonwealth, including its dependencies, and suggest that more flags should fly for at least a week to celebrate the importance of our friendships with all nations and territories.

The United Kingdom is the chair-in-office, and we have tried to make use of that period, but we still have a little way to go, and I hope the Minister will ensure that we use the opportunity in the last few months to make an impact. The theme of our period as chair has been “A connected Commonwealth”, and there are so many things that connect the Commonwealth countries. There is our shared history, our shared culture and our reverence for Her Majesty the Queen as head of the Commonwealth, but what I believe most tightly binds us together is our shared values, which are outlined in the Commonwealth charter. Those values of democracy, freedom of speech, human rights and the rule of law are more important today than ever before, and I am proud that this fantastic organisation has done so much to promote and maintain those values among its members.

The hon. Gentleman rightly highlights the contribution that so many Commonwealth citizens have made to our country, including of course those who came over on the Windrush. That also includes the 160 Commonwealth citizens identified by the Public Accounts Committee who may find themselves in the same position as the Windrush generation, but whom the Government are refusing to track and contact. Does he not think that we owe it to our Commonwealth brothers and sisters to do that work to make sure they do not have to go through the pain that so many have already gone through?

Celebrated Leicester’s cultural and historical significance, including its diversity and role in anti-racism activism. Criticised the government's treatment of minority communities, highlighting issues such as poverty, food banks, fuel poverty, pollution, and climate change. Emphasised the need for social justice and fighting against inequality.

Congratulated the hon. Member for Leicester East and my hon. Friend the Member for Bracknell on their maiden speeches, highlighted his dual nationality as a UK and New Zealand citizen, emphasised the historical and cultural ties of the Commonwealth, noted the economic potential of intra-Commonwealth trade and its contribution to global GDP, and underlined the importance of the Commonwealth's role in international trade deals. He also stressed the strong support during World War II from Commonwealth nations and mentioned the environmental efforts within the Commonwealth.

Welcomed the debate, congratulated speakers on their contributions, shared his personal connection to the Commonwealth through growing up in Kenya, refuted gloomy views of the Commonwealth's future, and highlighted innovations such as mobile financial transactions originating from Kenya. He also emphasised progress in areas like malaria elimination, education initiatives, and cyber-security across Commonwealth countries.

Welcomed Rwanda's progress in water and sanitation, suggesting that these issues should be part of CHOGM and DFID projects.

Acknowledged the hon. Member for Putney's praise of Rwanda and raised concerns about putting leaders on pedestals. Requested an update from the Minister regarding Commonwealth initiatives such as the new business Commonwealth standards network, the world trade-based trade facilitation agreement, the Commonwealth clean oceans alliance, and the marine economies programme. Suggested considering a review of rules for Commonwealth servicemen and women to stay in the UK after serving five years.

Pays tribute to previous speakers and emphasises the importance of reigniting Britain's relationship with the Commonwealth post-Brexit. Highlights free trade as a core value, citing current trade figures and future targets set by Commonwealth Heads of Government. Calls for investment in infrastructure and local communities to support increased trade opportunities. Advocates for waiving fees for Commonwealth troops serving in the British military.

Supports Ipswich Town football club, acknowledging its importance to local culture and community.

Welcomed the Minister to his place, paid tribute to fellow Members for their contributions, highlighted the unique equality within the Commonwealth where smaller nations can have equal standing with larger ones. Emphasised the peaceful transitions of power in Commonwealth countries and acknowledged past shortcomings like apartheid response but praised the role of other Commonwealth members in addressing it. Stressed on the importance of moral leadership in issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, domestic abuse, women’s rights, climate change, disability and terrorism.

The Commonwealth is a diverse political association with core values including democracy, human rights, peace and security. The debate highlighted the need for upholding democratic culture, especially in light of rising populism. Emphasised the contributions of Commonwealth communities to the UK, particularly military service during WWII. Called on the Government to waive visa fees for Commonwealth personnel and their families who have served in the UK armed forces. Advocated for inclusivity in youth engagement, environmental protection, and LGBT rights. Noted concerns over religious freedom violations in India and other member states.

Emphasised the importance of respecting freedom of religious belief across all Commonwealth countries as a matter of mutual respect, tolerance, and love for all.

Acknowledged the debate's focus on LGBT rights and youth engagement. Offered to meet with youth parliamentarians from the Commonwealth in future meetings to discuss these issues.

Discussed a project known as CP4G (Commonwealth Partnership for Good) aimed at supporting youth, women, LGBT individuals, and those with disabilities into parliamentary democracy. Suggested that this initiative could address some of the questions raised by opposition speakers.

Introduced as an effective new MP, mentioned the phrase 'blue rosette on a donkey' which was humorously compared to 'a blue rosette on a dog turd'.

Acknowledged serving in debates with the speaker and expressed willingness to continue collaborating.

Advocated for overseas territories and dependencies, raised concern about flags being taken down and requested an extension of celebration period for Commonwealth. Proposed a consultation on Government protocol regarding flag display duration.

Made a speech highlighting her parents' background and advocated for Pukka Pies from Leicester. Wished Keith Vaz a happy retirement, recognising his contributions to the Commonwealth parliamentary executive.

Described rivalry between New Zealand and Australia and mentioned climate change issues impacting coastal states and small states. Highlighted brother's status as an Australian citizen.

Commended the speaker for reintroducing focus on Commonwealth, praised his experience and passion in setting up an all-party group.

Discussed historic bonds between nations and trade benefits from the Commonwealth post-EU membership. Spoke eloquently about these relationships.

Stressed equality in the Commonwealth, expressed dissatisfaction with references to Leicester's pies over Melton Mowbray pork pies during maiden speech.