Commonwealth House of Lords

There's going to be created by Brexit and our ideas will be

preliminary and incomplete. However I decided to speak in this debate

because I feel it is valuable to identify possibilities were doing

this by spending our interactions with the Commonwealth, even if, as

pointed out, the EU and Commonwealth are quite different constructs. I

will focus on what we might do narrowly with Australia but what I

will say applies equally to other developed Commonwealth countries and

I apologise for this narrowness but the breadth of the Commonwealth has

been talked about a great deal. I grew up in Australia and while I

have not lived there for almost 60 years, I have over the past 20 years

been involved in a number of activities, especially in Melbourne.

To declare an interest, I was for several years a member of the

Melbourne University Council have been a member of the advisory boards

of the Melbourne Energy Institute and held a visiting professorship

for the past six years and this year I am acting as a consultant in the

Commonwealth scientific and industrial research organisation.

They are a 6000 person agency, deciding scientific research in

Australia. Its chief role is to improve the economic and social

performance of industry for the benefit of the community. I have

also chaired an advisory council for new horizons, the $400 million

Government funded collaboration between two institutions. I have

been involved in a broad spectrum of activities both in academia and

industry and it is my observation there is considerable potential for

increased interaction with the UK. Put another way, there is very

little interaction with the UK. I have also been nonexecutive

president of the Australian Music Foundation, happened in my youth

been a singer and healthy coral, -- scholarship at Cambridge. There is a

charity that helps highly talented young Australian musicians further

the study in carriers, especially in the UK. It has limited resources but

accomplishes a great deal although it leaves a large reservoir of

untapped potential. Showing the potential for increased exchanges

spans cultures. My Lords, since the middle of the 19th century there

have been expensive interchanges between universities in the UK and

Australia and the oldest universities were largely based on

British universities. These exchanges spread into the 20th

century to the resurgence in Government and industrial... It is

an understatement to say that is a special relationship between

Australia and Britain. It is my view, having lived around the world,

and longest in the United States, that the culture of Australia is

closer to that of the UK than to that of any other country in the

world. I have not even mention cricket. This relationship have been

sustained despite the UK... There is little doubt educational and

academic and industrial research exchanges would have grown more of

the Commonwealth and especially Australia over the past 44 years if

the UK had not join the EU. This is also the case more generally with

trade, as has been pointed out by many noble lords. Now is the

opportunity to take another look at how we can expand our educational,

industrial and cultural exchanges with Australia. We cannot attract

more students to our higher education institutions, enhance our

research-based by attracting more postdoctoral researchers and tap

into Astoria's rapidly increasing industrial educational interactions

with China and India. Australia is broadly in the same time zone as

China and is taking advantage of this with rapidly expanding its

interactions with Chinese industry and educational institutions. I know

several Americans who've moved to Australia because of its proximity

to China, which makes it so much easier to pursue their Chinese

interests. Areas of scientific interest where we have similar names

to Australia, ranging from the square kilometre array,

biotechnology and medical advances. Melbourne is regarded as one of the

world's top biotechnology hops, having produced the first cochlear

implant which was invented by Professor Graham Clark in Melbourne

in 1979. There are world class and within projects and bionic eyes and

x-ray imaging, to name just two research areas. Next week at the

all-party parliamentary engineering group that I co-chair we are

debating medical imaging of three remarkable engineers and scientists

from the trick, Cambridge and Melbourne. These researchers all

know each other well but do not collaborate directly. There is great

potential for increasing research collaboration with Australia,

perhaps through joint ventures with joint funding. There are many

schemes that support student exchanges with Australia but there

is potential for expansion, in fact, some of these exchanges now receive

less support from the UK Government than they did as money was withdrawn

several years ago. We should look into how we can expand our exchanges

to make up for the reduction of an overseas student applications we are

already seeing as you look shift its attentions away from the UK. -- as

Europe shifts. Joint adventures in the Chinese market and another

possibility. High technology advances might be better brought to

far Eastern markets through collaboration with Australian

companies rather than trying to do it directly and ending up having to

compete with these companies. In conclusion, I believe this is a time

to renew and expand our academic and industrial interactions with

Commonwealth countries and especially with Australia and the

Commonwealth heads of Government meeting in 2008 provides an ideal

opportunity to do this. -- 2018. My Lords, in many ways the present

situation confronting the Government of the UK is similar to that

confronting the Government in 1621. Then the formation of the Council of

trade, and the mandate then given was to take into consideration the

true causes of the decay of trade and scarcity of coin and consult the

means for the removing of these inconveniences. Now, who has been a

growing tendency to dismiss the growth and balance of trade as being

of reduced importance to the British economy. The great board of trade

exists in name alone. The Department of trade has had they want trade

ignominiously -- expands from this title. -- expunged. The secretary of

state for trade and is in who also helped the Board of Trade and those

Cabinet ministers who have helped this job have usually been replaced

with them a year or so. These and other constant changes in structure

relate to the lack of continuity. This in turn has led to pick the

lack of continuity. This in turn has led to bet that there's an

understanding -- an understanding of the vital role a must play in the

creation of economic growth and prosperity. My Lords, British

international trade was historically described as export and imports and

concerned mainly the export and known as a visible exports and are

now replaced as trading goods. In the 1970s the importance of the

growth of the service industry sector emerged as part of the

decline -- as a part of replacement for the decline of the UK as a

manufacturing nation. This became known as invisible exports and now

has brought trade in services. My Lords, I am not sure why I'm

standing here today, I think the something to do with Australia. You

see, we the first... It all happen when the Scots, who -- we ran out of

money and could not find enough shape to knock off and sell at

market and somebody said, these sheep, the available somewhere in

much better climate. We cannot remember the name of the place but

it is a big ball on the map the bottom right of the chart. So we set

off -- set up a shipping line and found with chilling machinery

instead of just tipping emigrants out to Australia we could bring back

sheep frozen. That work very well for a while until we were stuck of

South Africa and the ship would not work and their work all these frozen

lamb and sheep beginning to moult. With the intelligence of those of a

different religion from certain religions like lamb and mutton much

better so we took when I sure and allowed them to melt a bit and

rather pretended but did not say anything, they had just been

slaughtered because no one would believe they had come from

Australia, first of all, no one knew what Australia was. This went on and

we then found instead of sheep we had been taking workers, emigrants,

back and I had a little moment when did not realise our family had lost

the shipping line in the Tasmania straight out of the blue I got a

letter from a bishop sending me a little parcel of three Stone jars I.

My diving days are over, at the age of 92 but this was the last bit of

kit I could find from the wreck of the ship which belong to your

family. This gives me some sort of good

feeling. When we come down to the practical moment of dealing with

balance of trade exports and imports, the value of sterling, I

presume we are talking of trade, but in many ways the situation is the

same as that confronting the government in the United Kingdom in

1621 at the time of the formation of the council of trade and

plantations. That was the mandate driven to take into consideration

the true causes of the decay of trade, scarcity of coin and to

consult the means for removing of these inconveniences. I wonder why

we do not teach geography at schools anymore. It seems there is a

shortage in how people cannot look and read a or a map. I suffer from

one really great disadvantage, I love charts. When I joined the house

sign I was unimportant, I did not realise how unimportant until they

were summoned and asked in the nationalisation of the shipbuilding

industry because my family were associated with ships and I must

know something about it would I please speak? I did rather nervously

and the Department for Transport very kindly came to see me

afterwards and said we would like to invite you for a drink and to give a

bit of donation. I went to see them and they pulled out a long sort of

box and on it was a, a rolled up chart, with lots of red on it, all

over the place, and it had little black dots as well, and those little

black dots I was told were British ships at sea or in a harbour. This

was effectively, the grid was British, and this is where we were

right around the world, and I found was amazing that a bad time it

happened and we forgot our shipping. If we bothered to say what can we

all do to help, the relationships with the Commonwealth are pretty

good and if it is the same situation confronting the government in 1621

at the time of the formation of the council of trade, that mandate was

to take into consideration the true causes of the key of trade and

scarcity of coin and to consult the means for removing these

inconveniences. I am a great fan of the Commonwealth. I was wanted to be

a good cricketer. I wasn't. I was the wicketkeeper. I found that that

pays you back pretty hard 25 years later when you find you cannot

really work cause your joints have gone. Then a bright Australian

surgeon comes and says we will give you a new me, it is not difficult

these days. I in the difficult position of wondering whether I

should sit down and think about my knee. . There can be no greater

spectacle than the sight of the Commonwealth nations flowing down

Westminster Abbey carried by 52 young people each carrying their

country's flag. That is what I think. On this there Commonwealth

Bay, their youth, enthusiasm, sense of expectation, underlines both the

diversity and the unity of this there Commonwealth of Nations. The

new Secretary General of the Commonwealth Baroness Scotland was

absolutely right to recall Her Majesty The Queen's observation

during her silver jubilee in 1977 that her role as head of the

Commonwealth represents and I quote, transformation of the Crown from an

emblem of Dominion into a symbol of free and voluntary association. In

all history this has no precedent. Quoting further from the minister's

reference book to Commonwealth week, a sense of continuity and building

on the best of what we hold in common in able so as to flourish as

a powerful influence for good. The exchange of ideas as well as trade

are the lifeblood of Commonwealth connection. Acting early to prevent

violent extremism have to be one of the Commonwealth's top priorities by

offering support to strengthen and stabilise national institutions the

Commonwealth can be a steadying anchor in these turbulent times. I

should declare an interest. I have been a member or officer of the

common for some years and I am currently the chairman of the

Commonwealth forum for the Liberal club. In the forum to meet held in

April next year, we will find ourselves pretty well have way

through the UK's Brexit negotiations with the EU. The perceived wisdom is

we will be forming a picture as to what degree the revival of longer

collected trading links with the Commonwealth will be feasible.

Whether they can provide an essential push against the impact of

loss of preferential trade within the EU in 2019. The Commonwealth

trade committee's report of Commons last week on UK trade options

post-2019 provides interesting insights. 52 Commonwealth nations

ranging from developed to emerge into developing present an array of

trade options. A sanitary factors is the marked decline in UK exports to

the Commonwealth that have occurred since the UK join the EU more than

40 years ago. Anyone who has ever been involved in international

business development can tell you it takes years to build customer

confidence, trust and loyalty, and even longer to restore it when it is

lost. I well recall as a director for the UK international engineering

practice working in Malaysia the impact of a UK Government's

introducing a university fee structure for Commonwealth students

which doubled their costs compared to UK students. -- trouble. The USA

and Australia are almost immediately think nothing can be increased the

number of scholarship university Lacey is offered to Commonwealth

students and the Prime Minister of Malaysia issued an edict to the

public and private sector of his country to their procurement

managers like to buy British last. The director of the Malaysian supply

department reminisced with me over the wonderful times he had spent

reading engineering at Glasgow University and how he had followed

the producers and some specifications and equipment and

therefore bought Bridget goods and services throughout his professional

life. I doubt very much his successors have followed his example

particularly as many struggle to get a UK student Visa let alone

assistance to attend a UK university. According to the

Commonwealth Secretariat Brexit is likely to have far reaching

implications. Trade with the UK from the Commonwealth has been governed

through EU policies. Under Brexit exporters concerned that market

access into the UK and Europe could be disrupted. Brexit may also have

implications to take advantage of the apparent 19% Commonwealth trade

cost discount. Enhanced co-operation will also enable the Commonwealth to

be an effective force for global good in pursuit of realising the

sustainable development goals. There has been an unprecedented global

slowdown which is threatening the efforts to build the achievements of

people. There was a time for the government to play a pivotal role in

making international trade and effective means of realising the

sustainable development goals. Growth has slowed from 2.4% per year

down to 1.7% in 2016. Since 2008 there has been a lost decade of two

games which has had implications. We could find we have the slowest

decade of trade expansion since World War II. The SDG is outlined in

the 2013 agenda for sustainable development into reduced the amount

of people living on $1.25 a day, currently 14%, down to zero. Scope

to include challenges of environmental sustainability,

inclusiveness, urbanisation, and strengthening global partnerships.

Reviving global trade flows well mitigating the consequences of

Brexit is an important issue to keep SDG implementation on track. Their

UK and the EU have to work together to mitigate post Brexit risks

unmarried uncertainties. By continuing the trade preferences

countries currently and Rory in Europe and the UK. Isobars Flybe has

pointed out in 2014 total UK exports of the Commonwealth were worth ?40

billion. 9% of the UK's exports overall. UK exports to the EU

amounted to around ?250 billion, five times that of the Commonwealth.

That requires a huge displacement to rebalance. In the inaugural meeting

last week the business unsustainability -- sustainability

was identified as one of the key pillars of the agenda for growth.

This was one of the areas which will contribute to greater enter

Commonwealth co-operation and utilisation of the Commonwealth

factor. Ministers anticipate this will unlock new trade and investment

opportunities from other countries. Recent research by the business and

sustainable development commission shows the SDGs will require

something like US dollars 2-3,000,000,000,000 each year in new

investment but can help unlock $12 trillion in new market value across

XT sectors, these figures are beyond the scope of my imagination but that

is what they are. It poses a number of key questions and I would be

grateful if she could share with us the answers ministers arrived that.

For example, do the SDGs provide a framework for businesses and

government to understand the scale of the sustainability challenge we

face and restore public trust to meet this challenge? What role can

the Commonwealth play in raising awareness and helping governments to

meet this challenge? How can private investment the best mobilised to

support sustainability goals in countries where the risk assessment

is out of reach? I welcome the debate and how it was

introduced. Over the past ten years or more I've mainly work in Africa

and come to understand the Commonwealth much better and what

links we have with the Commonwealth, what a powerful voice in the world

it is and could be and how important it is, particularly for the poorest

countries and particularly in Africa. These points are reflected

in the Commonwealth office's priorities and over the -- of the

last of the commonly thought of which is about promoting human

rights, democracy and the rule of law and enormous challenges in all

three of these areas. I think in particular, for example, the rights

of people who are ill BGP that was so eloquently discussed -- LGBT. As

the UK strengthens its role in the Commonwealth it is very important it

continues to speak up about these rights and to voice its concerns not

only about these rights but about other human rights abuses. The

fourth idiot of priority for the Foreign Commonwealth Office is

about supporting sustainable -- area of priority. Issues that are

important for the UK as well as other members. The final area is

championing understanding within this wonderful worldwide diverse

community. It is against this context I want to speak specifically

about health, development and development and prosperity and the

links between the three. I stress these links because too often they

are treated separately but that they are intimately connected. I want to

put forward the argument an emphasis on these three together should be

made within the Commonwealth and feature at the heads of Government

meeting next April. Doing so will contribute enormously to these wider

goals. I will make three main arguments and then give a current

example that is very effective and put forward a specific proposal for

the future. The first argument is about the economic impact of health.

This is often neglected and we think about health services as a cost and

it is time we showed this assumption is wrong, there are costs and

benefits from investment in health and it is true the wealthier a

country is it can spend more on public services but it is equally

true that good health is a driver of productivity and poor health

destroys it and we need only look at the HIV AIDS echo -- epidemic in

Africa to understand how that has reduced economic growth over many

years with a detrimental impact throughout the southern part of the

continent, at least. Equally must look at other countries where they

have improved health would lead to improved productivity and economic

performance. The demographic dividend, that is when children get

healthier and more often survived flowers become smaller and the

dependency ratio with an country produces. -- families become

smaller. It is something which should be very conscious of. That is

more, the recent UN commission on health, employment and economy

demonstrated employing more health workers is beneficial to the

economy, improving health, education and economic prospects. There is

more to it than that also, health is the fastest-growing major industry

in the world, 5% globally, 8% in south-east Asia and the column of

countries must have their share. In the UK we know the biomedical and

life sciences must be a major part of our industrial strategy. We have

4800 companies in this sector turning over more than 55 billion

and we heard earlier about the need to work with Australia but also

other Commonwealth countries to invest and grow the sector, whether

through the prosperity fund or other routes. My second argument is about

links between health and other aspects of development. There is

evidence in health and education are linked. We note in India girls with

five years of education, their children are 40% more likely to

survive to the age of five. We also know it is the other way round and

ill health impact on education and opportunities. Stunting, for

example, an African countries and some southern African countries

about 40% of children or stunted, we know this impact on their mental

development and all the achievement and subsequently on the economy and

everything else. We should not see these issues are separate. Human

development is essential, human flourishing. My third argument turns

to the house of Lord report on soft, by Lord Howell, with emphasis on the

UK being the best in the world at this and they have expanded on these

ideas of the Commonwealth is a network today. Health is an

extraordinary influential network, 6 million or so nurses in the

Commonwealth, doctors are intimately linked with their partners in other

parts of the world and there are any number of partnerships between UK

institutions and health institutions in the Commonwealth. I am reminded

of the importance of the health partnership scheme promoted by this

Government and hope it will only continue. People care about health,

the link with each other and share. Health is one of the themes that

will help us have greater understanding in the Commonwealth.

Investment in health provides wide-ranging economic and social

benefits and the Commonwealth should see it as a priority. But they

turned to my examples. The first is the current one. This is the Queen

Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee trust with money raised from the Commonwealth

and they have set up a an initiative of ?41 million that is being managed

by sight Savers, an organisation I had the privilege to cheer at the

time -- cheer at the time. It is having an extraordinary impact on

Commonwealth, treating 11 million people, develop great partnerships.

It benefits the poorest of the most, benefits and women the most because

women are more likely to be blind, surprisingly, and it allows people

suffering from disease to return to work and their carers to return to

work, also. My second example for the future is

to urge the Commonwealth should play a major role in a new global

campaign for the development of nursing. Members of this house will

well understand how vital nurses are in every country but perhaps

particularly in middle income countries where they may often be

the only health workers anyone sees. A recent study with the support of

the Commonwealth nursing Federation and including members of your

Lordship's house look at the development of nurses globally and

found three important points. Firstly, universal health coverage

would not be achieved without developing nurses globally, they are

the largest part of the professional workforce. Secondly, nurses are very

often undervalued and underutilised within the system. Perhaps because

the woman or because they are not all doctors but we often train them

to a high level and then in practice do not permit them to work to that

same high level. Nurses could have an even more significant impact in

the future. Thirdly, developing nursing will have the triple impact

of not just contributing -- contributing to three of the

sustainable goals, not just improving health promoting gender

equality and strengthening economies. As a result of the

popularity of a report from people around the world we have decided to

launch global campaign to raise the profile of nursing globally, support

the empowerment of women globally through employment and develop local

economies. I am delighted to say the world health organisation has

already given its support and we are then positive discussions with the

Commonwealth, partly with the Commonwealth Secretariat and mere

echo the other comments from Lord's at support Baroness Scotland and her

important and very difficult role she is playing at the moment. We

have also had discussions with the large number of members and all of

the ministers, healthy dose in countries as far apart as Jamaica,

India and Tanzania has given their support and my noble friend Baroness

Watkins and I are meeting with the Commonwealth advisory committee on

health next week to present this proposal and planning is underway.

I'd very much hope the Government will give serious consideration to

including health, development and prosperity are linked together and

in particular this global campaign on nursing and future corner of the

genders and at the Government -- heads of Government of Commonwealth

meeting next year and asked the noble lady if she would be willing

to meet with Baroness Watkins and myself to take this forward.

I Lord's, I am pleased to contribute to this important debate today. I

would like to thank my noble friend Baroness for introducing the subject

and would like to congratulate her on the excellence of her speech. My

Lords, I previously spoke in this house of my respect and admiration

for the Commonwealth. Covering 52 countries and one third of the

world's population it is an enduring symbol of unity. The Commonwealth is

perhaps one of the world's most diverse unions, yet shares of values

and democracy and the rule of law. Particularly the time when the world

seems so divided we must celebrate the strength of unity and harmony. I

am proud we sent High Commissioners rather than ambassadors to

Commonwealth countries, as we do not regard ourselves as foreign and

relation to each other. Next year the UK will host the Commonwealth

heads of Government meeting, this is an opportunity for us to drive

forward and ambitious and progressive agenda. The previous

summit in Malta in 2015 and made a great deal of progress in areas such

as climate change, peace and security and sustainable Government.

Indeed, given the size and breadth of the Commonwealth it seems only

natural that takes a lead in addressing some of the biggest

global challenges. I say this was particularly with particular regard

to our upcoming exit from the EU. We must now refocus our efforts on

tackling global issues through new metrics. I would like to speak

specifically about the importance of building bilateral trade

relationships. In an increasing globalised world there is a great

demand for bilateral trade agreements that help to build

economies without sacrificing national sovereignty. We know we

need to double a post Brexit trading plan as the EU acted as a

protectionist block against trade of outsiders so the Commonwealth can

open our trading borders to an entirely new world. The Commonwealth

in itself is effectively a ready-made trading network and

contains a diverse range of economies, both large and small,

developed and developing. Specifically, it contains some of

the most dynamic and fast growing economies, including two of the,

India and South Africa. India is also a member of the growth club,

Albom was fellow Commonwealth including Tanzania and Bangladesh.

Trade links with the UK and the wider Commonwealth are already

strong. In 2015 total trade flows between the UK and Commonwealth

countries was approximately $91 billion. The Commonwealth secretary

has said overall the UK is the fourth most important export market

for the Commonwealth, behind only the USA, China and Japan. 24

countries said at least one quarter of the EU exports to the UK -- send

their exports. And it, both countries sent around 10% or more of

the total global exports to the UK. The long-standing reasons for the

success of trade within the Commonwealth. Our commonality of

language, as well as administrative and legal systems play a crucial

role in our values. Not this, we by definition share a proud heritage

and long historic ties. It has been estimated with both the bilateral

partners are, most members of the often trade around 20% more and

generate 10% more foreign direct investment. My Lords, I would like

to see more use of internet and social media to enhance trade

between the various Commonwealth countries. We must refocus on

channelling investment into sectors with the potential for new growth

was also helping developing countries to develop their

infrastructure and productive capacity. We will need to be very

ambitious and Liberal and our scope for new trade agreements and we also

need to ensure timely and efficient implementations of such agreements

in order to realise their full potential.

I can personally vouch for the level of interest from our friends in

increasing trade with the United Kingdom. Earlier this week I

intended a High Commission banquet at the Guildhall and discussed a

range of issues with High Commissioners from different

countries. As somebody who has a long-standing connection with the

City of London I was pleased to see that the City of London was hosting

such an event. At the dinner I sat next to the High Commissioners and

there was a clear appetite for closer trade ties in both cases. I

also discussed the matter of establishing educational links

between our academic institutions. I am a strong supporter of such

initiatives due to the culture benefits this can provide to young

students and the long-term economic benefits to our countries. When we

learn from each other we gain from the other and education like trade

brings people together. Kenya and Malawi are two of the countries

within the Commonwealth was an optimistic future for their growth

and prosperity. This presents us with fast opportunities for foreign

relations. I would like to mention Sri Lanka, a country with whom I

maintain close links. At a previous debate on the matter of bilateral

trade with Sri Lanka and recently asked the question about trade with

that country. Our two countries have sustained healthy political and

economic ties for over 200 years. Sri Lanka has experienced

significant growth over the past 15 years and its forecast is to grow by

at least 5.5% this year. It has signed three-year regional trade

agreements with other nations and one under negotiation with China. I

recently met with a minister of Sri Lanka last week. I had a meeting

with the country's Trade Minister. I will meet the noble Lord Price

accompanied by two Sri Lankan businessmen. I hope we can build

closer ties for the benefit of both of our countries. It is important to

note we already have many from the Commonwealth countries who bring

knowledge and expertise with them. We must be nurturing this pool of

talent. We must also encourage them to take the knowledge and skill from

here to their home countries. With regard to migration policy it is

imperative that our immigration system serves our national interest.

We should encourage some migration subject to certain criteria. But we

must assert control of our own borders which will bring once

again... Which will again once again be free. In any case the renewed

opportunities for responsible migration from the Commonwealth will

be most welcome. We must seek to promote the movement of the best

talent from the Commonwealth to provide us with adequate staff to

enable the country to progress further. I would like to ask if

consideration can be given to formulate a suitable plan for

immigration of people from the Commonwealth. We are entering an

exciting new phase in a relationship with the Commonwealth. I applaud the

noble meeting of Commonwealth trade ministers that was held in London

last week and pay tribute to the noble Lord for his tireless efforts.

I understand the meeting comprehensively identified many

opportunities as well as challenges across the Commonwealth. I commend

the establishment of the department for international trade and hoped to

see a heavy focus based on Commonwealth countries moving

forward. I hope we will begin to appoint a greater number of trade on

voice for Commonwealth countries to identify and investigate

opportunities. I would like to ask the minister if there is any

intention to appoint more trade envoys. I am pleased to note that

some workers being undertaken amongst Commonwealth countries to

combat radicalisation and promote human rights. Can I ask the minister

how we can enhance this activity as these two issues are very important?

I welcome this debate and the excellent speech by the lady to take

note of UK relations with the Commonwealth leading up to 2018 in

London and Windsor. Could perhaps we have an even wider ranging remit? I

spent part of my life in south India where we used to enjoy dancing

gobblers uncle Christmas Day -- cobras. I am director of a small

consulting company in Cambridge which is working with environmental

organisations in Malaysia and like many businesses we expect to work

closely with the Commonwealth and the EU. We celebrate the

Commonwealth for the common history, culture and science and language. In

2016 for those of mathematical bent we had the great celebration of

Indian and British mathematics with that great film about unity. Indian

and UK culture was celebrated last week in London at a certain museum.

Two weeks ago I was at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi

which to my amazement was covered with flags and posters and huge

cranes of the company GCB whose chairman is a member of this house.

UK engineering company which is a large factory in India and adding

the centre were celebrating scientific cultural weekend... This

is terrible. They were celebrating this weekend innovation and it was

rather interesting, I had never seen such an event on any other campers.

I think other Commonwealth countries could perhaps consider this. My

general observation from visiting many campuses around the world is

that Commonwealth countries that I've more benefit from these

exchanges if there was a cultural and general educational exchange

element connected with professional exchange. The UK provides this

element for selected few scholars but not to specialists. The United

States in their programme does not discriminate against scientists,

engineers and technical specialists. I have been on many British dental

academic visits and had visitors to the UK. In none of these

Commonwealth countries involved has there been briefing on information

about the general specific aspects of the countries in which the blood

travelling to. However there is progress. The British Council have

been warning about this for ten years. Made some progress and we had

a day here in the House of Lords addressed by the Foreign and

Commonwealth Office chief scientific adviser and members of the House of

Lords in which a whole range of technical specialists people were

allowed to talk about politics, culture and the ways in which our

different countries were working together. Scientists in some

countries rule countries like in China. We should be taking a broader

view of how we have technical exchange. The wider issues of

openness should I believe be for the Commonwealth a priority. We have

extraordinary sources of information which many other noble Lords have

discussed which have great economic value. People have been spoken

learnedly about networks, all networks need information. With IT,

satellites and so on. We need a much greater culture of openness in all

organisations and government but particularly governmental ones and

one of the ways of encouraging openness is through schools and

communities. There is a great deal of secrecy, we see this in this

country but I am afraid in many Commonwealth countries there is a

culture of secrecy and this is the only way we are going to solve

problems of health, environment, improving business and so on. I

wondered whether perhaps one of the themes of this meeting might be more

openness. People of talked about corruption but actually openness is

a much broader range we should be focusing on. One of the other

features is that openness comes with a greater breadth of knowledge and

learning and a cultural attitude to openness. It was interesting when

visiting a major university in India they commented that the traditional

or specialist degree in UK and European universities is noticeably

different to the broader research degree from the United States and it

is the latter training and teaching that equips people better for

getting the appropriate positions in developing countries such as India.

It would be useful for Commonwealth countries to consider the most

appropriate education policy for their countries and perhaps push the

UK in this more openness direction. One of the important features which

Lords have discussed is the question of global climate change. It is

accepted as an overarching policy, an issue in all Commonwealth

countries. This goal is pursued in conjunction with global programmes

of the United Nations. Despite the slightly negative remarks of some

noble peers this session, the United Nations is an extremely important

part of the functioning of the Commonwealth fund Commonwealth

countries and we have to know where we can have the best benefits. It is

noticeable that scientists from many Commonwealth countries are involved

in leadership positions in the United Nations notably in some of

the leading positions on climate change. One of the other interesting

features if you go to tropical countries you find that the tropical

countries are very interested in the polls in the Arctic and the

Antarctic. They claim they have the third poll which is the enormous

area of snow. Because of the melting of the Arctic ice, the two groups

may involve shipping going through the Arctic. That is why India for

example, Singapore, are part of the Arctic Council, observers in the

arts Council, which is a big new development, and there are other

areas in which the UK can collaborate. The essential issue is

to develop practical plans that connect health and economic and

environmental preservation with reducing carbon emissions and

reducing adverse impacts. We were provided about the importance of UN

sustainability goals and that is one way we look to seek about their

progress. It is important to see that technical and commercial

exchange between UK and Commonwealth countries are working in practical

areas. For example three weeks ago the Indian space research

Organisation sent up one rocket with 100 satellites on it, that is quite

something. We shall be discussing in the House of Lords this week or next

week the British space legislation to have more of these small missions

which focus on very specific applications. This is something we

shall learn with other Commonwealth countries. The other important point

is that Commonwealth countries have great experience in non-carbon

energy systems. In terms of large systems and Microsystems. There are

going to be many opportunities for collaboration. One of the

interesting features of many Commonwealth countries as there is

tremendous competition for space therefore we have to find systems

that are very economical of space, use of space, on the land, if not

using offshore. The City of London is noticeable for helping these new

systems. As has been said one of the important things is that have

connections between the developed and developing countries of the

Commonwealth. Canada for example has great experience in nuclear and wind

power systems that we shall look forward to these in the future. I

will declare my interest as Vice chairman on a committee and a

long-standing member of a group on HIV. This week the Prime Minister

said as we read to create a truly global Britain the deep partnerships

that we sure throughout the 21st-century Commonwealth and help

us in the prosperity and security of our citizens and those of our many

friends and allies across the world. The baroness talk about the cross

governmental work going into a reframing and fresh approach to the

Commonwealth and I want to talk about how we might work similarly to

deal with a long-standing problem. The international trade secretary is

meeting with representatives from Commonwealth countries to promote

free trade deals between Britain and African countries, automatically

Commonwealth Enterprise And Investment Council. The plan has

apparently entirely been dubbed Empire burgeoned to buy some

Whitehall officials, I hope that does not stay -- empire version two.

The word empire does not resonate around the world. If this is to work

we need to create a new relationship within the Commonwealth, one that

reflects the new business reality. We must create new conditions in

which modern business can thrive. In 2015 the human development trust

noted decriminalisation of homosexuality is undoubtedly a

specific, problem. It encompasses 2 billion of the 2.9 billion people

who live in countries where it is a crime to be gay. The World Economic

Forum produced a report in 2015 and the cost of discrimination but said,

on a range of social economic indicators LGBT people fear or they

compare to the general population and studies of multiples -- free up

early. Statistics represent untold personal

tragedies for the individuals concerned but they also reflect a

senseless waste of human potential on a grand scale. Every try and use

thrown out of the home are missing out on education is a loss for

society, every lesbian or gay worker or employer driven to leave their

job or even country is a lost opportunity to build more productive

economy. At a macro level the cost to the country's economy can be

counted in billions. The study from the Royal Bank in 2014 found

discrimination against LGBT people in India could cost them up to $32

billion a year in lost economic output. Part of the solution lies

within Government and they have the power to change laws and the noble

lord set out some of the progress being made but the point of change

is way too slow. If that is to be further progress than Government

need the active involvement of a business and in all likelihood it

will be the big international businesses who are at the forefront

of change and the need to be certain they can send their employees and

two environments which are safe. -- into environments and it cannot send

them to places where their health will be compromised or cannot be

sustained. I want to pick up the point about HIV. The top ten

countries globally with the HIV highest prevalence of Commonwealth

nations. There are some nations like South Africa which are making great

strides because of political change, but laws and countries were

criminalisation makes it hard for people to access services without

fear of imprisonment are in the Commonwealth. The Academy of science

in South Africa notes the paradox of laws that criminalise same-sex

sexual contact us while their proponents justify them to improve

public health they actually have a very destructive effect on public

health. Criminalisation and stigmatisation not only do physical

health outcomes for those marginalised but they have an impact

on crime, economic empowerment and the rule of law, all of which are

essentials for business to thrive. My Lords, this is an issue that

needs political change, many Commonwealth leaders, deep down,

note this change has become but they are very few awful because of local

politics, often hand by hateful religious rhetoric funded by

Christian supremacists in the USA. In such circumstances politicians

are very fearful to speak out. We have had things like the declaration

in 1991 on the 2013 charter for the Commonwealth which do not talk

explicitly about LGBT communities but do talk about human rights and

freedoms without distinction of any kind. My Lords, in this country we

have led the way on this issue. We did it over a space of 50 years and

was a fraught process and not pleased for Mac members of the

benches opposite... We are uniquely placed because of our legacy and

contacts we have with the Commonwealth, to enable political

leaders in those countries to go through a similarly difficult

journey. It will not be easy but it is something we should do. I want to

ask the noble Baroness, the minister, if she will pick up on the

comments by the Prime Minister and how she will say how does the

Government see this summit is helping that process of developing

diversity and prosperity? My Lords, discrimination is a very expensive,

wasting talent, losing skills, keeping people in jail, so expensive

that we in this country cannot afford to do it and, most countries

on certainly cannot afford to do it. -- Commonwealth countries cannot

afford to do it. We have numinous mechanisms to help that process of

leadership, links and governmental level between various ministers, we

also have links with civil servants and across professions such as

courts and the judiciary. I want to ask the noble Baroness the Minister,

given the scale of this and the noble Baroness has started to

indicate this is a cross governmental priority, can she

explained how departments other than the two mentioned, such as the

business and trade division, will help with this key change which has

to happen? I say to the noble lord Eilish and intently to the stock --

I listen to stop about the covenant. The of religion in building the

covenant in a manner respectful and inclusive of all is very important

and the Church is a key player and some of us will watch with interest

to the leadership rule the church plays in ensuring we are part of map

covenant and I invite him to come and talk when we start work on our

next report, due to be on the subject of religion, the role played

by religion in LGBT equality. My Lords, the head of the Commonwealth

said this, the Commonwealth is not an organisation with a mission, it

is a rather an opportunity for its people to work together to achieve

practical solutions to problems. It is time for us to change the debate.

The terms of the debate. Turn away from one of cultural imperialism and

exploitation by the North to one of mutual respect and development of

good business. This is for all Commonwealth citizens, especially.

Like the lady Baroness Barker I would like to address the issue of

LGBT rights and in doing so I reiterate some of the points made so

effectively, not just by her, but also by the noble lords and powerful

speeches earlier in the debate. All three are, to me, noble friends

engaged a common enterprise. My Lords, one recurring feature of our

welcome and valuable debates on the Commonwealth has been the

demonstration of strong cross-party support for action to remove the

suffering and discrimination endured by millions of homosexuals in its

member countries who would become criminals if they give expression to

the love with which they have been imbued. Some 90% of Commonwealth

citizens lived in jurisdictions where same-sex intimacy is a

criminal offence. It must be right on all sides of the house we should

stress again today the need to put a complete end to this grave violation

of human rights which soaked fragrant wood breaches international

law and is incompatible -- so strongly breaches international law.

When human rights are set aside human misery inevitably follows.

That view is widely supported on these benches and it has been

championed by my noble friend Lord Black in many debates. Unfortunately

he cannot be here today to renew personally his call for the removal

of the terrible injustice that gay people into an 36 of the 52

countries of the Commonwealth. -- that they endure. Many of our

colleagues who share the sentiments. They were expressed with trench and

see as many noble lord will remember on a number of occasions by our Lord

Speaker before he took up his office. As has been pointed out, we

must be careful not to adopt an unduly strident or insensitive tone

in seeking to encourage the 36 Commonwealth countries to abolish

oppressive and discovered the real laws. They got them from us in the

days of Empire as the noble lord reminded us. As a Commonwealth

country, that has rid itself of these laws, is not natural for us to

want to extend the same legal rights and protections that we now enjoy to

gay people in other most countries, United to us by ties of kinship,

perfection and history. We would be untrue to ourselves if we repress

the desire to live others as we ourselves have been liberated. Many

-- liberates others. Many in the Commonwealth agree. It has over five

years since the group unanimously recommended the heads of Government

should take steps to encourage the repeal of the laws against

homosexuals. How well, were the words -- how WorldCom were the words

of the president of Malta in drawing attention to the blot on the

Commonwealth's reputation created by widespread disregard of the rights

of LGBT people, as the noble lord mentioned earlier? It was in Malta

itself to use do the affects of the denial of those rights were brought

closer than ever before to the Centre of Commonwealth discussion

and debate. The kaleidoscope trust, whose wonderful work has been

commended here today, they work in partnership with the Commonwealth

equality network, succeeded in raising LGBT issues in a number of

forums during the Commonwealth heads of Government meeting which Malta

hosted. It was an important breakthrough. The Commonwealth

summit in London at the Windsor next year must follow it up in a decisive

manner. In Malta the Commonwealth equality network's LGBT activist

from countries where gay people are criminalised were able to give

first-hand accounts of the perils and dangerous to which they are

daily subject. Both the network and the kaleidoscope trust are convinced

in their own words, an approach involving those directly affected is

essential for stimulating progress on LGBT rates. My noble friend will

know all about this. She has shown great receptiveness to the views of

LGBT organisations, whose respect she has one. They stand ready to

work with the Government in creating a firm place for LGBT issues on the

summits agenda. The Commonwealth equality network has proposed the

inclusion of presentations by countries and the global South which

have decriminalised, to enable others to learn from their

experience. What is the Government's view that suggestion? Countries that

want the criminalised homosexuality should be able to look to the

Commonwealth Secretariat for advice and guidance and for that the

Secretariat will need adequate resources. That, too, deserves a

place on the summit's agenda. This summer, my Lords, could provide a

turning point for LGBT issues in the history of the Commonwealth and we

must not let the opportunity slip. May I please the touch on one other

wholly unrelated matter? Our debates often include references always

couched in the warmest terms to the Republic of Ireland. My noble friend

made a brief reference to it today. There are so many of us who would

rejoice if our close neighbour and partner in so many enterprises could

be persuaded to consider coming back into the Commonwealth family. They

would find an organisation utterly different from the one they left

nearly 70 years ago. 52 wholly independent states working together

on terms of equality which have a collaborative group that would be

enriched with the Republic of Ireland. It is accepted there can be

no change in the constitutional position without the democratic

consent of its people. With its own links to many different parts of the

world going back centuries the Irish Republic would find unnatural home

as part of the Commonwealth's great global partnership. This is not an

issue which has so far had widespread interest in political

circles in the Irish Republic but with the Commonwealth at an

important crossroads in its history those at the helm of it of its fears

should surely be encouraged to reach out to all parts of these islands

that the Commonwealth is a unique family of nations. The Republic of

Ireland belongs within our family. I thank the noble Baroness for

ensuring a generous amount of time for this important debate. That has

never been a time when the diversity and unity the Commonwealth

represents has been more urgently needed. One of the continued chat

Dominic challenges within the Commonwealth of the family including

discontent between the developed and developing nations, small states and

large states, tiger and fragile economies, let us not forget the

considerable achievements, for example the decoration of the

Commonwealth principles in 1971, the declaration of 1991, the human

rights initiative and the Commonwealth ministerial action

group, and of course there's always the underpinning of the work carried

out the world over in co-operation with civil society operations. We

face new seemingly insurmountable issues of radicalism, migration and

trade. What can we do to counteract potentially divisive global trends?

Is the Commonwealth equipped to act to its full strengths? Not as well

as one might hope. Institutions are having difficulty grappling with the

big issues of the world today in part because they were never

designed to deal with such a rapidly changing political environment. The

goalposts have shifted seismically, but is there more that can be done

and what are the major obstacles? Despite any number of agreements

there has been a failure by Commonwealth countries generally to

implement fully the principles that underlie membership. For example of

the 52 member states only 27 have signed the arms trade treaty adopted

in 2013 and all these only 20 have ratified the treaty. This treaty if

universally adopted would be a powerful instrument in reducing

their destruction associated with the illegal arms trade. Surely the

Commonwealth could become a leader on this creating awareness of the

treaty and insisting on ratification. One can also look at

access to information. Freedom of Information laws and tractors have

become a consistent feature of functioning democracies. The

Commonwealth was one of the earliest intergovernmental organisations to

recognise the importance of people's right to know when to be involved in

decisions that affect people's lives and livelihoods. Despite strenuous

efforts on the part of parliamentarians through programmes

in the shape of workshops and concept practice and experience of

Freedom of Information only 20 Commonwealth countries have

introduced Freedom of Information laws by 2010, roughly 30% in 30

years. Commonwealth efforts to empower women politics is another

area where there is scrutiny. There have been in and will meetings,

workshops, reports, yet in all other regions the engagement of women,

especially younger women, in political life, is still modest. The

summit last year concluded the strong practical recommendations in

three areas, violence against women, women and leadership and women's

economic empowerment. We continue to look forward to hearing more in the

coming months on the impact of these programmes. The work of the eminent

Persons group set up in 2011 together with the Commonwealth human

rights initiative to look at options for reform arrived at an important

conclusion. It is only when parliamentarians work with

bureaucrats, civil servants and crucially with NGOs that obstacles

can be overcome. It is also a well researched fact that unless the

wider population is if not engaged at least aware of Parliament's

priorities that the chances of successful change are slim. The UK

has the privilege to host the 2018 summit. What steps can be taken to

ensure there are measurable and lasting outcomes? The minister has

confirmed the importance of Parliamentary engagement but

cautions that the agenda is agreed by consensus. Nevertheless it is

Parliament that right governments in agreeing legislation, allocating

budgets, in oversight and ensuring implementation. Commonwealth

Parliaments through their various linked bodies in an excellent to

discuss, glee and disseminate a few clear action -based programmes. The

Commonwealth has over the years taken upon itself a heavy agenda

with recording themes of the promotion of human rights and

obviously, you think it meant and the management of economic

globalisation. The Commonwealth secretariats is slow and modestly

funded. It could perhaps use the occasion of the UK summit to

downsize and sharpen its goals while at the same time investing in ever

greater networking and joint programming. There is a golden

opportunity. Put simply there's just about time to encourage Commonwealth

Parliaments to decide on their priorities, whether these be on

peace measures, trade and of security. Therefore thereafter to

communicate intra- and inter-regionally and convened on the

early spring of next year and the witch priorities should go forward

to an organising committee of regional chairs. The dust would be

to agree and draw up a clearly worded action plan to be presented.

Such a programme would require good energy and commitment from

parliamentarians throughout the Commonwealth. The synergistic effect

of parliaments across traditional divides acting together with the

relevant NGOs could be considerable. Further more if managed it would

place parliamentarians at the centre of implementing Commonwealth valuess

on the seems appropriate. Many Commonwealth countries have the

links with the UK and via its to the EU and there will be consequences to

the UK decision to leave the EU. This could move to hinder all kinds

of seemingly small but very important conventions which bind us

together. For example changes in the facilitating remittances, travel,

visas, tourism, investment flows and cultural exchange. We could perhaps

take the lead in a 19th intention to protect these conventions through a

programme of self-interest and solidarity. It has been said by

thoughtful people that the perils we face are greater today than at any

time in history. That may be sold and as parliamentarians we should be

prepared to work across party and national boundaries to insist on

measures agreed. The Commonwealth provides an ideal forum for the

exchange of experience, for exploring the most effective ways of

transforming obligations and international law into domestic

legal framework and reaffirming our legal, cultural and political

heritage. There is no shortage of Commonwealth bodies. At the last

count there were something like 80 or 90 ranging from law and

journalism to business, youth, trade and aid. If united on the global

issues the Commonwealth and all of its satellite organisations could

emerge as a strong, capable, committed to ethical governance

leadership. Never has the time for the over adoption and practice of

such a role been more urgent. I thank the Baroness for calling this

debate. Given the historical trade summit and the Commonwealth week of

celebration in the presence of Her Majesty I was inspired by the

contribution in the City of London by the Prime Minister of Malta and

his foresighted vision of a more united Commonwealth. As the daughter

of Commonwealth I wish to focus my comments on the role of women of the

Commonwealth. Current leadership can easily view a false sense of comfort

with Her Majesty leading there are only two women heads of government

in Britain. The Speaker of Bangladesh parliament is the

Commonwealth Parliamentary association chair and Baroness

Scotland the Secretary General's priorities to drive women in the

changing world of work. They aim to continue as pioneers towards gender

equality and to achieve fairly economic and social inclusion of

women and girls. I wish to take this opportunity to speak particularly

about the importance of political, social economic inclusion of women

at the heart of security relationship among the 52

Commonwealth countries without which there cannot be lasting peace and

prosperity in our world. As a member of the Africa Parliamentary group

last year we concluded an inquiry amongst the many objectives were the

role of aid in promoting human rights. The UK rightly takes pride

in its aid policy. It is an important leveraged to work

alongside our Commonwealth partners to pursue a common desires for

social justice, equity, be it in peace times conflict. My personal

observation gelling that period are that while many Commonwealth leaders

have unflinchingly loyalties, giving the rising influence of a younger

generation a significant number of ministers and leaders were mindful

of their young leaders and their influence his and their evidence

they did in no uncertain times that aid cannot cannot dictate social

governments on their political policies of countries. In this

context any reference to the empire old or new rest legitimate questions

rising about how institutions around the Commonwealth can benefit equally

alongside British interests and we have enjoyed an unfettered advantage

many want to negotiate a new post-colonial relationship and I am

in total agreement with the contribution made by the noble lady

whose comprehensive analysis looked at how we can achieve levels of

parity and respect amongst nation states. Our Commonwealth Charter

declares gender equality and women's empowerment essential components of

human development and basic human rights. The advancement of women's

rights and the education of girls are critical preconditions for

effective and sustainable development. These values of human

dignity and gender equality must be intrinsic unpleasant in all of our

trade and security relationship as we continue to strengthen our ties.

Of course if women are absent in their thousands from executive

governments and in Parliament with inimitable consequences of progress

towards gender equality in these areas at regional and national

levels. Women's political empowerment and equal access to

leadership position at all levels are fundamental to achieving the

sustainable economy participation and a fair world. With restricted

growth in women's representation, advancement of gender equality and

business of governments, peace and security is seriously threatened.

Unsurprisingly 2007 showed a decline about it, political participation of

women in the number of countries priding itself with only all of two

heads of government which indicates that change has to be embedded and

come from every corner of society. The number of women's speakers and

Parliament has seen a small increase while the number of ministers remain

unchanged, still far from gender parity and indicate gender equality

remained out of sight in powers structure and decision-making.

Others remain the main -- obverse and decision-making remains the

domain of men. A concerted effort to promote women's rights, we will not

see the societal environments in which entrepreneurship and small

businesses can thrive and without regarding women as critical factors

of our economy they will not be equality and in the market,

boardroom or financial independence, thus rendering the fabric of our

institutions undemocratic. Leaving aside, at our peril, the importance

of women consumers in trade and business, soft power generators and

though many changes must come from within national institutions, we, as

the international community, and Britain in particular, have a

responsibility to ensure gender equity forging ahead unconditionally

amongst our highest priority agenda -- is amongst our highest priority

agenda. There seems to be a distinct excitement about post-Brexit

relationship with the Commonwealth. Sigma -- various governments have

overlooked the Commonwealth and people of the Commonwealth remain

deferent UK standing and values, not to mention Actaeon into their own

legal systems and Government based on our very model that prevails. We

also have enforceable by aspera -- also have and they have spirit here

that contributed immensely to the UK and we should utilise these to

strengthen our economy and institutional ties in Commonwealth

countries. Many second and third generation Asian and Africans

brought up in the UK are trailblazing in businesses in their

parents' birthplaces. Seeking out emerging markets as well as

assisting in building community infrastructures, I have witnessed

many such projects first-hand in Bangladesh and though many friends

actively engaged in India, Pakistan and many parts of Africa. This means

our Government will need to refresh our policies on migration and I

cannot but mention welcoming maps for international students beyond

China. I must reiterate our call for international students to be taken

out of the net migration figures. The message to many parts of the

Commonwealth has been too harsh for too long, that they are not welcome

here. The irrepressible presence of the Bangladesh and Pakistani

diaspora is important to developing an export market and China is

already strengthening its position in these regions were our standing,

history and friendship is far more significant. The much respected and

praised noble lord Marlon has recently opened these doors and

possibilities by organising the first ever Commonwealth heads of

trade meeting with a view to increasing cooperation and trade

between Commonwealth Government and leading businesses. I had the

privilege of having a conversation with him and I wish him well in his

endeavours. Finally, the Commonwealth Secretary in

collaboration with the Council of Commonwealth and others have

launched the Commonwealth woman mentor schemes and I hope... Please

forgive me. I hope some of business leaders but

not meant a new generation of women from the Commonwealth. What will Her

Majesty's Government do to ensure all future political and economic

discussions in bed woman's the at its core and recognises the right of

women -- enshrines woman's at the core and recognises the importance.

What plans are in place by the Government to bring about peace

among the Commonwealth countries were long-standing confrontations,,

exposing young people to extremism. I wish to repeat my previous call in

this house, reparation and apologies for the hundreds of thousands of

women in Bangladesh raped by the Pakistani army. Well the noble lady

minister consider this proposition within the context of peace building

and except these demands... Finally, I would like to thank her and take

this opportunity to salute Her Majesty the Prime Minister for her

continued leadership towards a more peaceful and prosperous Commonwealth

and look forward to the 2018 meeting.

I welcome the chance to debate the Commonwealth in your Lordship's

house and declare my interest as the Prime Minister's trade envoy to

Uganda and Rwanda. For those of us who for many years argued we have

neglected the Commonwealth, our leaving the EU offers us a historic

push to reshape foreign policy and rekindle relations with this amazing

group of nations. I would putting my noble friend Lord Howell who...

Europe is origin, America our ally and the Commonwealth family. Like

all families, they are all different. Yet they are united by

strong foundations. None stronger than the amazing leadership of our

sovereign, Her Majesty the Queen. As a member of the other Howell said in

2013, the Commonwealth has -- a member of the other house said that

without constant renewal this relationship will gradually decay

and it is exactly as we knew we had been talking about today and should

continue to do so in future. I would like to ponder for a moment where we

have gone wrong. I think for main causes. Firstly, success in UK

governments have given little thought -- successive UK Government

is how we can make the Commonwealth effective as a trading body and many

ministers and civil servants see Britain -- fear Britain playing a

leading role in their organisation because of colonial fear. Secondly,

the second of a new charter in 2012 was meant to give the Commonwealth a

new direction and the members agreed to prioritise democracy and human

rights but that has not worked because we are prioritising areas

where there is the most contention. Trade, where is disputes. Thirdly,

our membership of the EU consumed is vast amount of diplomatic time and

resources about delivering an equivalent amount of outcome.

Finally, my Lords, and membership of the single market and Customs union

spread apathy amongst many businesses. British businesses who

have created what should be world leading product have limited

themselves to our nearest trading partners like the EU and neglected

emerging markets and Commonwealth where we need to be.

My Lords, if we will give common purpose, let us focus first on

trade. The Commonwealth comprises 52 largely English-speaking countries

to a combined population of 2.6 billion, covering one third of the

world, a combined GDP of more than $10 trillion and includes five G20

countries with trade projected surplus -- trade projected to

surpass one clean dollars by 2020. -- $1 trillion.

We should keep in mind a recent report on the Commonwealth

highlighted it is 19% cheaper than average for a business in the

Commonwealth to trade because of commonalities like our legal system

and language. By reforming the Commonwealth around trade agendas we

solve one of our biggest problems and help spread prosperity. Trade is

of crucial benefits, not just for one, but for all countries

concerned. My Lords, we are all children of the Commonwealth and I

was born in that great continent of Africa so I would like to turn now

to our relationship with the 18 Commonwealth countries in that

continent. Whilst many things that we can do with the Commonwealth

level to build trade links with all nations there are many things we

should do any bilateral level as well. At the moment this seven of

those 18 countries, we should as a matter of urgency appoint trade

envoys for the remaining 11, including Zambia, Malawi and... Will

be minister, if there are such plans in place? We seek to build bridges

with these nations and to spend time on issues ministers simply cannot

always get to. I have been in the role for just over one year and we

are on course to double the trade we do with Uganda. And increase it in

Rwanda by up to 20 times the 2015 level. Other steps we can take, such

as aviation links with African Commonwealth countries. A decision

taken by British airways to suspend some flights, flight I should say

were almost always full, this was a shameful step and these were of a

bridge to these nations and I hope other providers will step in and

replace them. But that is difficult because there are no slots available

at either Gatwick and Heathrow. We often talk about aviation policy in

this house but in a post-Brexit world we need collectivity. We're 30

years behind where we should be. -- collectivity. We should not only

have a third runway at Heathrow but a second at Gatwick and others. When

I see what other countries are doing it aviation I am ashamed at a

perfect heartedness. The decision taken by Barclays Bank to sell the

trading arm should be seen as a national scandal. They had been in

Africa for over 100 years and the brand is beyond compare and because

of legislation passed in this very house they are sending away one of

the great connections and that harms a great brand of UK plc. My Lords,

if I can finish with the idea and idea discussed with Lord Howell and

I also took up with the current Minister Commonwealth about the

Commonwealth Bank. It could unite the Commonwealth. The Queen

Elizabeth Commonwealth Bank. More fittingly -- collective organisation

binds places together and we already have the World Bank and the European

bank, so why not Commonwealth Bank? What I have in mind is something

like the Asian infrastructure bank which Britain is founding member of

and it could transform economic development across the Commonwealth,

supporting major infrastructure projects and possibly lending

directly to businesses. Across the Commonwealth book is a huge appetite

for new infrastructure investment, roads and energy projects which are

all essential to economic development. A Commonwealth Bank

would be a great way of demonstrating our commitment to our

family and showing Britain is still an outward looking nation. It will

help all of its members and in particular the poorest with the

means to commit to exploring the idea before the heads of Government

meeting next year. The recent Commonwealth trade meeting is a good

start. Next year's Commonwealth heads of Government meeting is

another excellent opportunity and let us be bold in our approach to

the Commonwealth and let us unite around increasing trade, investment

and cultural links and that Britain lead the charge for a Commonwealth

Bank. It will bring the Commonwealth together for its shared purpose and

also be a fitting tribute to Her Majesty's magnificent leadership of

that wonderful family of nations. My Lords, we have had a very

interesting afternoon with a variety of speeches and variety of issues.