Debate on 17 October: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka
Debate on 17 October: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka (414 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides background reading for the debate to be held on 17 October:
“the future of the Commonwealth, in light of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka in November”.
The Note provides a brief overview of the origins and structure of the Commonwealth, before turning to recent developments and proposals for reform, including the recommendations of the Eminent Persons Group to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2011. The Note also examines recent comment and criticism of the decision to hold the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka.
Debate on 17 October: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka (414 KB , PDF)
The US government has recently shifted its approach to Ukraine, engaging in direct negotiations with Russia regarding the conflict’s resolution, pursuing a minerals agreement with Ukraine, and temporarily halting military aid and intelligence sharing. During these developments, the UK government has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine through financial and military assistance, in addition to hosting a peace summit and committing further military aid.
The Palestine Statehood (Recognition) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat). The bill would require the UK government to formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state.
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The global landscape has changed significantly over the last couple of decades. This has led to questions about the UK’s current global standing and its ambitions. This briefing considers these issues in the context of the UK’s membership of international organisations, and its defence policy, foreign policy, and influence through soft power, the economy and aid spending.
