East Midlands MEP welcomes new Commonwealth group in Brussels

Emma McClarkin MEP, Chairman Of the Commonwealth Forum in Brussels, has this week welcomed it becoming an official branch of Royal Commonwealth Society.

The Royal Commonwealth Society was founded in 1868, and is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world.

The Royal Commonwealth Society promotes the values of the Commonwealth, championing human rights, democracy and sustainable development across the 53 member states.

The announcement means that The Commonwealth Forum joins a society of 19,000 members from across the globe. Whilst there had previously been groups for Commonwealth MEPs within the European Parliament, this new initiative represents a major new step to raise the Commonwealth’s profile within the EU.

Miss McClarkin said:

“It is great to have this official status and recognition as being part of the wider Commonwealth Family. The Commonwealth Forum in Brussels is an opportunity to give a platform to members of the Commonwealth to discuss what matters to them and to explore opportunities and common issues with a wider audience.

“Whilst a lot of time, effort and enthusiasm has gone into establishing this forum, the focus now is on ensuring it is given a more permanent footing in Brussels. Being part of the Royal Commonwealth Society not only gives us the official accreditation but allows us to use this rich network further.”