Britain's new Foreign Secretary and Trade Minister back CX recommendations

The UK's new Prime Minister is in the process of appointing her first Cabinet. There is already good news for CX and Commonwealth supporters, most notably in the appointments of Boris Johnson and Liam Fox.

Both are friends to Commonwealth Exchange and have written forewords to our reports. Here are key excerpts:

"It seems that almost all parts of the Commonwealth are brimming with a new energy and optimism, at precisely the time that the European Union is struggling. As we reconsider Britain’s place in the world, I want us to reconsider how we engage with Commonwealth peoples...

"...The UK has bonds of history, language, law, family and customs across the world and we would be foolish not to make more of these at this time of profound global economic revival."

- Boris Johnson, Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in his foreword to our report "How to Solve a Problem like a Visa"

"It may just be that the Commonwealth could be coming of age in the right way at the right time. It is a time to be bold."

 - Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, in his foreword to our report "The Commonwealth's Call to Duty"

Following the UK's vote to leave the EU, it is vital that the Commmonwealth is at the heart of our plans for trade, migration, security, and more. Find our full Brexit plan here.

Media wishing to arrange interviews or request a comment should email ralph@commonwealth-exchange.org or call the media mobile listed here.

Commonwealth Visas & Immigration debate in Parliament

We are delighted to announce that Andrew Rosindell MP and CX Advisory Board member has called a Parliamentary debate on Commonwealth immigration and visas.  It is being held in Westminster Hall on Tuesday, 27 January at 2:30pm.  This builds on our report launched last November: How to Solve a Problem like a Visa - the unhappy state of Commonwealth immigration in the UK. 

The report received world-wide media coverage which you can see here. The foreword was written by Boris Johnson, who highlighted the vital role that Commonwealth immigration plays in maintaining and enhancing London as the “Greatest city on Earth”.

A debate on Commonwealth immigration has not been called since 2008 and we hope that it receives attention from both sides of the House. The recommendations which we highlighted would create new opportunities for the citizens of the Commonwealth in the UK. This is supported by Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors, who told our report:

“Britain’s strength has for centuries been based on its position as an open, trading nation, with strong connections across the globe.  It is deeply worrying that Britain is shutting out people from Commonwealth countries who want to come here to work”

The debate itself is open to the general public to attend and is also being streamed live online at Parliament TV and will also be uploaded the next day here. It is a fantastic opportunity to witness firsthand the innovative work which we are doing to better the lives of the people from the Commonwealth.