Exclusive: US could become 'associate member' of the Commonwealth

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017...-commonwealth/

Exclusive: US could become 'associate member' of the Commonwealth

America, as a former British colony, could join the successor of the British Empire as an associate member

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on the White House balcony during a US state visit

The Royal Commonwealth Society is making plans to open a branch in the United States, with a view to one day bringing America into the fold as an "associate member".

The project, which is said to be backed by the Queen, has come about in part as a result of Donald Trump's fondness for Britain and the Royal Family.

It comes amid efforts to develop the Commonwealth as a tool for building relationships on everything from foreign policy to trade, following Britain's exit from the European Union.

"The UK rather left this treasure in the attic, and forgot about it because people were so glued to Brussels," said Michael Lake, the director of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Opening a branch in the US, Mr Lake said, would further Britain's ties with America, developing new connections between two countries who already share a common language.

Mr Lake said the plans had been hastened by the "opportunity of a new president, and the slightly dangerous but great fun opportunity that the 'Bad Boys of Brexit' offered".

In December, Mr Lake wrote a letter to Mr Trump, which was hand carried by Andrew Wigmore, a close aide to Nigel Farage, and then delivered by the former UKIP leader.

Mr Wigmore joined Mr Farage and Arron Banks, the millionaire businessman in visiting Mr Trump after the US election, and continues to have close ties with the administration.

Mr Farage, who has emerged as a key ally of Mr Trump, promoted the idea with senior aides, reportedly presenting the letter to Steve Bannon, the president's chief strategist.

He believes the Commonwealth alliance fits well with Mr Trump's foreign policy outlook.

The president, for example, is said to have expressed his desire for India to be a "true friend and partner" in a phone call with Narendra Modi, the country's prime minister.

Mr Lake wrote in his letter that opening a Commonwealth branch in America would help the UK and the US "find imaginative ways" in which they could work together.

Mr Wigmore told the Telegraph the response from the White House was "very positive".

A map of the countries that are in the Commonwealth (much of the former British Empire)

Though Mr Lake has not yet received a formal confirmation, discussions are said to be already underway to establish the office in New York.

Mr Lake said it was "no secret" that the branch there was opened after the Queen undertook a state visit to the country.

"The Queen is our patron and I see her from time to time, and she makes it clear to me that the Commonwealth is a priority to her," Mr Lake said.

Mr Trump, whose mother is Scottish and a royalist, has also expressed his enthusiasm for building his connections with the Royal family.

He is hoping to visit Her Majesty at Balmoral Castle during his first official state visit to the UK in June.

Interesting, although surprising.

-The Commonwealth is a group of 53 nations, of which 16 have the Queen as Head of State

- Formerly the British Commonwealth, most member states were once part of the British Empire

- The modern-day Commonwealth dates to 1949, when there were eight members

- Combined population of 2.2 billion across all six continents

- Promotes democracy, human rights, free trade and the rule of law

- Covers nearly a quarter of the world's land mass & has a combined GDP of £6.9 trillion

- Newest member, Rwanda, joined in 2009. South Sudan hopes to be next

- Leaders meet every two years at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

That said, I am not entirely sure of it as a proposal. Then again, 'associate' membership would strike a better balance.

Thoughts?

[AgnesIO]

Ridiculous proposal. Effectively edging towards making our own 'EU'. The Commonwealth shouldn't involve the USA at all, nor any other countries that are not already part of the Commonwealth.