Originally published October 2022.
Winston Churchill once said Britain should never escape from the United States, Europe and the Commonwealth. However, with the UK no longer a member of the European Union and the news that there will be no trade deal with the United States for some time to come, Britain must place itself at the forefront of a trading bloc with the Commonwealth.
During her campaign to become Tory leader and prime minister, Liz Truss said she would launch a ‘New Commonwealth Deal’ by creating bilateral trade agreements with Commonwealth countries to strengthen economic ties and counter China’s growing economic power. If the United Kingdom were to go further and work closely with all 54 countries in the Commonwealth, we could restore our position as a trading giant.
On 31st January 2020, the UK left the EU, one of the largest trading blocs in the world. The belief that Britain will form a new trade deal with the United States has sadly failed to materialise, but Britain is provided with an opportunity.
The recent death of Queen Elizabeth II has proven just how respected and admired the United Kingdom is around the world. The whole of the Commonwealth grieved our Queen and now greet the King with open arms.
“The Commonwealth must evolve into a free-trade area that actually benefits Britain and all member states with no tariffs”
But for too long, the Commonwealth has lacked a coherent modern purpose. Created to promote human rights and freedom for former British Empire countries, the Commonwealth has little influence on global affairs or its member states. The Commonwealth must evolve into a free-trade area that actually benefits Britain and all member states with no tariffs.
