Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Julian Smith and Stephen Metcalfe
Tuesday 3rd May 2011
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(13 years, 9 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
1. What progress he has made on his proposals to reinvigorate the Commonwealth; and if he will make a statement.
Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)
4. What progress he has made on his proposals to reinvigorate the Commonwealth; and if he will make a statement.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Henry Bellingham)
There has been a visible uplift in our relationship with the Commonwealth, and we have been working with key partners to reinvigorate this unique organisation. In particular, we support the work of the eminent persons group, and I look forward to its recommendations on how to build up the role of the organisation ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in October.