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Ukraine should be invited to join the Commonwealth, say 49 per cent of Britons By Harriet Line Published: 19:50 EDT, 16 October 2024 | Updated: 19:50 EDT, 16 October 2024 e-mail View comments Ukraine should be invited to join the Commonwealth, say 49 per cent of Britons. The finding features in a report by the Policy Exchange think tank which also suggests Prince William should be given a bigger role in the 56-nation association. Policy Exchange, which is suggesting ways for the Commonwealth to adapt, said the Prince of Wales can play a 'key role' in 'banging the drum' for sustainability.
It recommended that William – as an 'inclusive non-political figure' – could promote environmental sustainability and express support for green-energy transitions. It came as the prince made former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern a Dame Grand Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit at Windsor Castle yesterday to recognise her services to the state. The Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (Chogm) takes place in Samoa next week, the first time a Pacific Island nation has hosted.
Keir Starmer welcomes the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing St last week Dame Jacinda Ardern, is made a Dame Grand Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday Policy Exchange said the summit presents the new Labour government with the opportunity to make the case for modernisation. Sir Keir Starmer and King Charles are due to attend. Read More Putin preparing to rush 'at least 10,000' North Korean troops to Ukrainian border The think tank said the UK should embrace a 'central role' in making the organisation a more 'relevant, practical and dynamic club of like-minded 'free and equal' nations'.
Polling by the think tank also found there is strong support (66 per cent) for the Commonwealth to support its members to reduce their dependence on military and security investments made by Russia. And nearly three in five UK adults backed the Commonwealth supporting members to reduce their dependence on countries such as China, the survey of more than 2,000 people found. It said the countries should focus on four main areas – 'trade and investment, climate change, education and social mobility, and security and defence'.
The report added: 'The new Labour government should make the repurposing of the Commonwealth a key pillar of British foreign policy – promoting it as a goal-oriented voluntary association based on international peace and security, fair trade, socially responsible investment, environmental sustainability, and maximising the potential of young people.' Stephen Harper, former PM of Canada, said in his introduction to the report: 'This paper reminds us of the versatility and potential of the Commonwealth.' Ukrainian servicemen rest in undisclosed location in Donetsk Region, Ukraine on October 10 Polling by the think tank also found there is strong support (66 per cent) for the Commonwealth to support its members to reduce their dependence on military and security investments made by Russia (Pictured: Ukrainian troops in Donetsk amid the war, in August) Ukraine Labour Jacinda Ardern Windsor Castle Share or comment on this article: Ukraine should be invited to join the Commonwealth, say 49 per cent of Britons e-mail Add comment.
