A new report suggests that the Commonwealth should transform into a trade and security bloc and extend an invitation to Ukraine to join its ranks. The proposal, put forth by the think tank Policy Exchange, comes just ahead of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) set to take place in Samoa next week.
The report, which has garnered support from various political parties in the Commons and has received endorsements from former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Australia’s ex-Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, includes exclusive polling data demonstrating public favour for the suggested changes. According to the polling, a significant majority (63 per cent) of UK adults are in favour of the Commonwealth facilitating the reduction or elimination of trade barriers amongst its member nations.
Nearly half of adults from the UK and Australia (49 per cent) agree that Ukraine should be encouraged to apply for membership in the Commonwealth. This sentiment is echoed even more strongly in other countries, with 55 per cent support in Malaysia, 74 per cent in Nigeria, and 75 per cent in India. The recommendation for Ukraine’s inclusion is seen as a show of solidarity amidst the country’s ongoing conflict with Russia, as Ukraine seeks membership in international organisations like the EU and NATO.
The report also advocates for the appointment of Prince William to a special Commonwealth role focusing on environmental initiatives, the establishment of a new Commonwealth Trade and Investment Commission to leverage shared language and administrative systems, the formation of a Security and Defence Co-operation Forum to promote joint military exercises, and the pursuit of ‘strategic expansion’ to include countries from the Middle East and North Africa region such as Morocco and Oman.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and others have expressed their support for the proposed changes, emphasizing the strategic potential of the Commonwealth in fostering trade relationships and international cooperation. The report has received cross-party backing from Members of Parliament on the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for the Commonwealth, highlighting the bipartisan agreement on the positive implications of these reforms.
In light of the upcoming Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa, there is a growing emphasis on leveraging the Commonwealth’s strengths and projecting a unified and confident image on the global stage. The potential addition of Ukraine to the Commonwealth, along with the proposed structural changes, underscores a shift towards a more collaborative and inclusive approach within the international community.