Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Commonwealth Day

15 March 2022 · 6 other contributors · 12,920 words

Opened by Ian Liddell-Grainger Con Bridgwater and West Somerset

Responding minister: Amanda Milling

UkraineClimateForeign AffairsWomen & Equalities

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ian Liddell-Grainger raised concerns about commonwealth day in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger expressed deep sadness over the passing of Emilia Monjowa Lifaka and praised her contributions to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
  • Mr Liddell-Grainger highlighted the Commonwealth's significance in promoting world peace, democracy, and opposition to various global challenges.
  • Ms Daby raised concerns about the impact of Russia's invasion on Commonwealth values, economic implications for developing countries, and the need for restored funding to 0.7%.

Key requests to Government

Mr. Ian Liddell-Grainger asked for legal status recognition similar to that enjoyed by comparable organizations such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie. He urged the government to recognize the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's (CPA) valuable role in promoting democracy and good governance across the world, without any additional cost or changes to operations. Ms Daby asks for an update on vaccination donations, progress on delivering doses earlier and more predictably, assessments of food and energy price rises' impact on developing countries, restoration of funding to 0.7%, and actions to support democracy and inclusive governance through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ian Liddell-Grainger Con Bridgwater and West Somerset

Mr. Ian Liddell-Grainger expressed deep sadness over the passing of Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and praised her remarkable contributions. He highlighted the significance of the Commonwealth with its vast global membership across 54 countries, including nations in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific, and Europe. Mr. Liddell-Grainger emphasized the importance of the Commonwealth's commitment to world peace, representative democracy, individual liberty, equality, and opposition to racism, discrimination, poverty, ignorance, disease, and other adversities. Ms Daby is concerned about the impact of Russia's invasion on Commonwealth values and principles, the economic implications for developing countries, and the need to restore funding to 0.7%. She also worries about delays in vaccine delivery due to poor logistics and the educational impacts of school closures, particularly on girls. Additionally, she highlights issues around democracy, human rights, and climate emergency within the Commonwealth.

Other contributors (6)
  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

    Celebrated the value placed on the Commonwealth by the Lesotho Parliament during a visit to Maseru. Highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer working between UK parliamentarians and other Parliaments through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). Raised concerns about the charitable status of CPA, emphasizing its significance for African members of the Commonwealth. Emphasized the need for reform in countries with punitive laws against LGBT+ communities to address HIV/AIDS effectively.

  • Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire

    Acknowledging the Commonwealth as a family, Mr. Mohindra highlighted the importance of shared values and systems within Commonwealth jurisdictions. He also noted that about 60% of people in the Commonwealth are below the age of 29.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Congratulated the hon. Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset on setting the scene for the debate, endorsed the work of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, highlighted the importance of democracy in the Commonwealth, praised Ukraine's military spirit against Russian aggression, emphasized the size and importance of the Commonwealth, commended Queen Elizabeth II's example, discussed Canada as a key member of the Commonwealth, stressed the mutual benefits of trade with the Commonwealth, expressed concern about religious freedom restrictions faced by 70% of people in Commonwealth countries, and asked if there have been efforts to encourage religious freedom. Asked the Minister about the persecution of Christians and their focus in the Commonwealth, as well as a comment on the Republic of Ireland.

  • Maria Miller Con Basingstoke

    Stressed the importance of the Commonwealth in enabling parliaments to learn from each other and improve democracies. Highlighted practical initiatives such as education for women, reducing plastic waste, and the role of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network. The hon. Member paid tribute to the UK Government's support for six Commonwealth countries in repealing and reforming discriminatory legislation.

  • Steven Bonnar SNP Glasgow North East

    The hon. Member criticised the Commonwealth for its colonial origins and current failings, including lack of official apologies for past atrocities like Amritsar and inadequate support for democratic values in member states.

  • Theo Clarke Con Stafford

    Stressed the importance of Commonwealth relationships and economic ties, highlighting the UK-Kenya trade agreement. Emphasised the role of the Commonwealth in addressing climate change, citing commitments made at COP26 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mentioned initiatives like the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy for biodiversity protection and advocated for nature-based solutions to combat deforestation.

Government Response

Amanda Milling

I thank all hon. and right hon. Members for their contributions to the debate on Commonwealth Day, highlighting the importance of our relationships with countries across the Commonwealth and celebrating the rich cultural diversity that unites us. The Government recognises the contribution made by organisations such as the Royal Commonwealth Society and the British Council in promoting a commonwealth-wide understanding and appreciation of shared values. We have committed £17 million to support the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat, ensuring its continued success in fostering unity across the Commonwealth. Since 2018, we have pledged an additional £54 million for programmes focusing on democracy, human rights and good governance within member countries. This includes the Commonwealth Youth Programme which has supported over 166,498 young people since its inception, empowering them to make a positive difference in their communities. We will continue to support initiatives that strengthen our ties with the Commonwealth and promote peace, prosperity and shared values across the organisation. The Minister for Asia thanked Mr Liddell-Grainger for securing the debate and acknowledged Sir David Amess's passion for the Commonwealth. She highlighted the importance of Commonwealth Day, celebrating shared values such as freedom, peace, and democracy. The minister discussed recent efforts to support Ukraine against Russia, women's empowerment through trade programmes like SheTrades Commonwealth (£32 million), LGBT rights (£11 million programs), climate finance (£11.6 billion by 2026), cybersecurity initiatives, sustainable marine economies for small island states, and progress on trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand. The CPA's legal status is being discussed, and the UK remains open to new applications for Commonwealth membership based on consensus among member states.

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