Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the referendum on the UK's membership of the EU, what plans they have to promote co-operation between members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

One of the opportunities of the UK's departure from the EU is the ability to deepen our relationship with Commonwealth nations and the strengthen the organisation. We therefore remain determined to deliver on our manifesto commitment to strengthen the Commonwealth's focus on promoting democratic values and development. Furthermore, we will look to build on this commitment when the UK co-hosts with Malta the inaugural meeting of Commonwealth Trade Ministers in March 2017, and hosts the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2018.