On Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit joined the launch of Labour Friends of the Commonwealth (LFC), a newly established grouping chaired by UK Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill.
The well-attended event, held in the UK Parliament, focused on the ‘Future of Democracies across the Commonwealth’ as its theme. PM Skerrit, who leads the Dominica Labour Party and is the first patron of the group, was welcomed by Gill and Labour Minister Douglas Alexander as the keynote speaker at the event.
LFC has been founded with a clear mission: to unite Labour Parties across the Commonwealth in pursuit of our shared values—rooted in justice, equality, and solidarity. Echoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s words at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Gill expressed her determination to forge closer links between Commonwealth nations in order to grasp the global opportunities and challenges democratic nations share.
The Commonwealth is an extraordinary global community, spanning nearly a third of the world’s population. Its diversity—of culture, geography, wealth, and tradition—is unique among international groupings. The UK itself has deep connections to the Commonwealth through its diaspora, shared history and common ideals, as set out in the United Nations Charter.
The launching ceremony saw the presence of Labour leaders, visionaries and advocates from the Commonwealth nations who shared views on evolving challenges and opportunities for democracies in a contested world.
Dominica PM Dr Roosevelt Skerrit speaks
In his keynote address, PM Skerrit spoke about the necessity of the Commonwealth nations to join hands in collective determination to shape their shared futures. He said history will be kind to the Commonwealth nations by remembering their contribution.
The PM also said that especially for Dominica and other Small Island Developing States, the Commonwealth platform is as important as its global Labour connections with other parts of the world.
He also emphasised the importance of social justice, sustainable development, cultural diversity and protection of democracy, a task challenged by political polarisation and misinformation.
While suggesting that innovative action will be required to address these challenges, the Caribbean leader highlighted his country’s efforts in modernising its electoral system and promoting transparency, inclusivity and good governance. The PM also spoke about the state’s responsibility to embrace technology to bridge the gap between governments and people.
He highlighted the importance of economic equality where everyone has equal access to key facilities, such as healthcare. Furthermore, PM Skerrit also underscored the significance of sustainable development and gave the example of how Dominica has invested in geothermal energy, with the assistance of the UK Government. Furthermore, PM Skerrit emphasised in his speech the usefulness of international and regional partnerships, including LFC.
“The Commonwealth represents a shared legacy, reminding us of our responsibility to foster stronger, more inclusive democracies,” added Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.
MP Preet Kaur Gill Highlights Commonwealth’s Global Influence
Chair of LFC, Preet Kaur Gill MP remarked on the weight that the Commonwealth carries and how it has evolved into an important forum in crucial matters, ranging from climate change to geopolitics to trade.
The Indian-origin MP from Birmingham Edgbaston said the Commonwealth nations are home to a third of the world’s population and stressed post-Brexit UK’s need to unite with allies for new collaborations.
Gill said in her parting statement, “The Commonwealth is a model we can draw on to inspire cooperation and positive change in an uncertain world. We are stronger together.”
She invited Labour MPs and leaders to join the new group, remarking: “Let’s strengthen the bonds between us, amplify our collective voice, and forge a progressive movement that truly reflects the hopes and ambitions of the 2.5 billion people across this extraordinary community.”
Labour Trade Minister and Former Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, also addressed attendees during the event. He highlighted that the UK Labour Party’s roots are internationalist and that the Commonwealth is a force for good in an uncertain world.
He added that under the Labour’s stable leadership, the UK has a great opportunity to work closely with Labour parties from around the world for peace, combating climate change, and promoting economic prosperity and security.
LFC’s objectives
Labour Friends of the Commonwealth (LFC), which focuses on strengthening ties between Labour Parties across the Commonwealth, has among its aims: promoting equitable partnerships among member states; advocating for sustainable economic development; addressing global issues like climate change, social justice and reforms in governance; and amplifying the voice of the Commonwealth on the international stage.
The platform also says that LFC is drawing upon the deep historical links between Labour Parties, and will facilitate projects and policies to empower the least advantaged and strive for unity in the spirit of democratic values.
“Our Labour principles will guide us every step of the way as we march towards a better tomorrow, as a Commonwealth that is Stronger Together,” says Labour Friends of the Commonwealth.
The launching event saw interactions between participants on democratic challenges and opportunities. It also served as a platform for leaders from the Labour parties, policymakers, and advocates to strategise for a sustainable and progressive future.
The event concluded with LFC reinforcing its transformative mission for democracy, social justice, and sustainable development.
“Labour Friends of the Commonwealth supports deepening collaboration with Labour parties from across the Commonwealth. In a world with growing inequality and instability, Labour Friends of Commonwealth draws Labour parties together in the belief in, and advocacy of, a more inclusive, sustainable future,” the LFC.
Mission and Vision of Labour Friends of the Commonwealth
The Labour Friends of the Commonwealth initiative is built on the foundation of strengthening relationships between Labour parties and leaders within the Commonwealth to promote inclusive and forward-thinking governance. As outlined on their mission page, the key objectives of this grouping include:
Promoting equitable partnerships among member states.
Advocating for sustainable economic development across the Commonwealth.
Addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, social justice, and governance reform through collaborative policies.
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