Britain is taking steps to ensure that Commonwealth countries are not disadvantaged in international trade as a result of its proposed exit from the European Union.
UK Envoy to the Commonwealth Philip Parham said Britain was “in the process of rolling over agreements which currently exist between the European Union and other countries, including Commonwealth countries, so that the same terms will apply between the UK and those countries once we leave the EU”.
Speaking during an official visit to give an update on actions being undertaken by the UK in its capacity as the current chair of the Commonwealth, Parham said Britain’s first aim in its Brexit move was “to try to ensure that there is no detriment and that we remain on the same footing”.
He said discussions were in train with several partners including CARIFORUM, about moving the terms of existing EU agreements.
“Of course, we would be wanting to develop the best and most productive possible trade relations once we are outside the EU,” the UK envoy stated during a media conference at the British High Commission on Wednesday.
He, however, stressed that the new thrust to establish higher Commonwealth visibility and to give a louder voice in the international arena to its 53 member nations was not because of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union. “We want to make clear and to demonstrate clearly that this is not about the United Kingdom retreating from the world but rather the opposite,” Parham pointed out. It was “about the United Kingdom being more and more engaged globally” and to enable the network of the Commonwealth to realise its full potential to be a force within the international community. ( GC)
UK Envoy to the Commonwealth Philip Parhams speaking to the media at the British High Commission Wednesday.
(Picture by Gercine Carter.)
