The Commonwealth: Labour’s Big Foreign Policy Opportunity

Summary

• Over the last 14 years of Conservative government, the Commonwealth has lacked purpose and direction. 

• Brexit could have been an opportunity to rekindle the UK’s Commonwealth relationships, but instead the last Government found itself at odds with Commonwealth partners, including a failed attempt to oust the secretary general, and over the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

• Meanwhile, relations between the West and many Global South countries have been under strain, caused in part by a lack of support from wealthy economies during the Covid-19 pandemic, perceived hypocrisy in Western stances on many conflicts, and a general deterioration of multilateral institutions. 

• The Commonwealth needs a fresh injection of sustained energy, political backing and resources. However, this cannot and should not depend solely on London’s patronage. Instead, power and resources need to be devolved outside of the UK. 

Cover Image Courtesy of The Commonwealth Secretariate