Institute of Commonwealth Studies

(asked on 26th November 2020) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received from (1) Commonwealth governments, (2) the Commonwealth Secretariat, or (3) other interested parties, about the proposed closure by the University of London of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies.


Answered by
 Portrait
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This question was answered on 10th December 2020

Several Commonwealth stakeholders have made representations to us about the proposed closure of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies by the University of London. This is a matter for the University; but, as I have made clear to the Vice Chancellor, we are aware of the important role the Institute has played in fostering a greater understanding, particularly a contemporary understanding, of the Commonwealth, both within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and in the wider world. While recognising the financial difficulties facing the University of London and the School of Advanced Studies, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope a solution can be found which recognises the value of an academic institute located in London with mandate and means to be a focus for study of the Commonwealth.

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