Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Monday, 15 November 2010.

Commonwealth

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what qualifications are required for a state applying to join the Commonwealth for its application to be supported by the United Kingdom.

Answer: The Commonwealth Secretariat is responsible for considering applications for membership. The revised criteria for countries applying to join the Commonwealth were agreed by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Kampala on 25 November 2007. These include: having a historic constitutional association with an existing Commonwealth member; accepting and complying with Commonwealth fundamental values, principles and priorities; demonstrating commitment to democracy, rule of law and good governance; accepting Commonwealth norms and conventions such as use of the English language; and acknowledging Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of the Commonwealth. I have placed a copy of the Kampala communiqué, which sets out the criteria in full, in the Libraries of the Houses of Parliament.

Secondary information