Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Commonwealth Countries

Tuesday 26 April 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK has been working to strengthen collaboration and coordination within the Commonwealth.
  • Prime Minister recently visited India and the Foreign Secretary made other visits.
  • UK aims to deepen ties with Commonwealth countries, including through trade agreements.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Giles Watling Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from the UK's role as Commonwealth chair and recent high-level diplomatic visits to Commonwealth countries such as India.

Question

What diplomatic steps she is taking to strengthen relationships with Commonwealth countries. The question focuses on the importance of diplomatic actions to enhance collaboration within the Commonwealth, particularly following significant visits by UK officials to various Commonwealth nations.

Answer from Vicky Ford

The UK has been an energetic Commonwealth chair in office, working to strengthen collaboration and co-ordination right across our Commonwealth family, including on recovery from covid, trade, investment and climate. Last week, the Prime Minister visited India, while the Foreign Secretary also visited Australia among other nations. The answerer herself has visited South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for detailed diplomatic steps was not addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

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Q2 Giles Watling Con
Climate Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows a royal tour of the Caribbean and the Prime Minister's visit to India, highlighting the strategic importance of strengthening ties with Commonwealth countries post-Brexit.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for her answer—I am normally heard wherever I go. With the recent royal tour of the Caribbean and the Prime Minister's visit to India in mind, does she agree that, in this post-Brexit world, we should make the strengthening of the Commonwealth—that great family of democracies—a top priority? The questioner highlights the significance of enhancing relationships with Commonwealth nations as a strategic move following Brexit.

Answer from Vicky Ford

I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend and Essex neighbour about the importance of the Commonwealth. We are committed to deepening our ties with all Commonwealth countries, including on trade. Free trade agreements have already been signed with Australia and New Zealand, with one expected this year with India. Economic partnerships exist with 27 Commonwealth countries. The government is working closely with many Commonwealth partners on global challenges such as climate and health, underpinned by over half a billion pounds of international investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for making the strengthening of the Commonwealth a top priority post-Brexit was not addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

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