MP calls for more trade ties with Commonwealth
MP Simon Danczuk has called for the UK to build on its ties with the Commonwealth in the wake of Brexit.
Speaking in Parliament the Rochdale MP said increased trade with countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan was ‘just common sense’ following the EU referendum vote.
He said: “It is incumbent on MPs to ensure we get the best trade deals possible.
“For me, while it might not be the silver bullet to solve all our country’s economic uncertainties, increasing trade with the Commonwealth is just common sense.
“We have historical ties to these countries, and while much of our colonial history is shameful these close ties still exist. Ties, such as the English language and a familiar administrative and legal system, breakdown communication barriers between our businesses and foreign traders.”
Mr Danczuk also called on communities with Commonwealth ties in UK to drive trade and investment.
He added: “Rochdale has a dynamic diaspora of Bangladeshi, Kashmiri and Pakistani communities who have contributed much to our town.
“Such communities can play a bigger role in driving trade and investment between the UK and the Commonwealth.
“They often know the countries better than any of us sitting in Westminster.”
But Mr Danczuk also urged the Government to not ‘turn a blind eye’ to human rights breaches in order to secure trade deals.
He said: “I worry that in the coming years Britain will turn a blind eye to police brutality in Kashmir in order to secure a free trade deal with India.
“Or that Awami League government attacks on political and press freedoms will be ignored as Britain increases economic ties with Bangladesh or promoting British businesses in African republics will be at the expense of promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights across the continent.
“If we turn a blind eye to injustices and human rights abuses in countries such as these in order to secure trade deals, it would be a damning indictment of our country and would completely hollow out the Commonwealth.”