Commonwealth flagsLord Howell: "Planned approach and pathway to the Commonwealth summit in spring of next year".

Britain’s House of Lords debated relations with the Commonwealth on 16 March.

Baroness Anelay of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) presented the motion and said that reform was essential for the Commonwealth. She spoke about the role of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 to be held in the UK and the role of open trade to raise the profile of the Commonwealth.

She also spoke about countering violent extremism and the new Commonwealth unit to tackle the growing issue.

Contributions during the Lords’ debate looked at the need for resources for the Commonwealth Secretariat to host the Summit to match the UK resources being provided for CHOGM 2018. Members also focused on the Queen’s offer of her estates for CHOGM 2018, India’s role in the modern Commonwealth and LGBT rights.

Hansard of House of Lords debate.

Watch the Lords debate.

Related stories
The role of the Commonwealth in 2017 – a two part perspective.
From the Round Table archives – The move to Westminster Abbey.
Stuart Mole on the Abbey ceremony and Commonwealth values.
From 2016 – Stuart Mole on Does Commonwealth Day matter?