Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to strength ties between the UK and (a) Canada, (b) New Zealand, (c) Australia and (d) other Commonwealth countries.

UK-Commonwealth relationships are built on shared values and strategic cooperation. UK accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will deepen trade ties with Australia and boost prosperity, we remain committed to working together to address shared global challenges. As the Prime Minister said in the House of Commons, the UK and Canada are the closest of allies. We cooperate with New Zealand on security, growth, climate and development. Recently, the Foreign Secretary hosted Foreign Minister Peters for talks. We are working closely with members to implement CHOGM commitments, including bolstering human rights and democratic governance, tackling impacts of climate change, mobilising trade and investment.