MPs say UK should remember old allies

LONDON Britain should remember its old alliances such as the Commonwealth and revitalise trade and other relations with India and other countries in the group, British MPs have said as the country prepares to exit the European Union.

A debate in the Westminster Hall of Parliament on Wednesday highlighted the vast potential for trade in the Commonwealth, with MPs urging the Theresa May government to use next month’s Commonwealth trade ministers meet here to focus on the group.

Minister for trade Greg Hands said a meeting with the immigration minister was due to discuss the demand of 45 MPs to fasttrack visa services to citizens of the Commonwealth visiting UK.

Conservative MP Jake Berry said: “(It) is at the time of our greatest national need that these countries (Commonwealth) have stood shoulder to shoulder with Britain. They have stood by us when, as a nation, we have faced our darkest hours.

“They have not forgotten our bond of shared culture and history that binds the Commonwealth together. It is now time for Britain to remember its old alliances. We must celebrate the Commonwealth and all that it represents.”

Focussing on the Commonwealth makes economic sense, Berry said, noting the group is a market that comprises 52 largely English-speaking countries with a combined population of 2.6 billion, covering a third of the globe.