Hague pledges Commonwealth support

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague will call for its membership, and its influence in international affairs, to be increased.

Accusing the Labour government of undervaluing the organisation, he will also pledge to harness its potential benefits to the British economy.

In a speech to the Royal Commonwealth Society this evening, Mr Hague will say it has a vital role to play in 21st century diplomacy.

"We should be excited and determined about what the nations of the Commonwealth can do together," he will say.

"Amidst the shifting global landscape, the Commonwealth can act as a bridge across divides of religion, ethnicity, culture and wealth, to the benefit of common humanity," he will say.

Mr Hague will vow the Commonwealth will have the "unwavering support of a future Conservative government" because it will be "an important instrument in our foreign policy tool box".

"We will adopt a more assertive, energetic and enthusiastic attitude towards the Commonwealth since there is vast potential to be unlocked and Britain must, along with our friend and allies, be at the forefront of these efforts."

Mr Hague will propose the expansion of the Commonwealth's current 53-state membership and its role in "conflict prevention and resolution".

And he will say that, with 500 million Muslims living in the Commonwealth, it could prove an "ideal conduit" for initiatives in the Arab world.