To mark the occasion, the Foreign Secretary and the
Minister of State for the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq
Ahmad of Wimbledon, attended a service at Westminster
Abbey alongside Her Majesty The Queen, senior members
of the Royal family, representatives of all 53
Commonwealth countries, schoolchildren, performers and
athletes.
Minister of State for the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq
Ahmad, of Wimbledon said:
The UK has an unbreakable bond with the Commonwealth;
a unique network bound together with the ties between
people, common values and shared history.
Our common vision for the 2.4 billion people who make
up this family of 53 nations is the opportunity for
all citizens to thrive regardless of race, religion,
gender or any other status.
As Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, the UK is
working with our partners to tackle the great
challenges of our time: to ensure quality education
for all, to protect our oceans, tackle malaria and
boost international trade.
Commonwealth Day celebrations are being held across the
country. Many will recognise the huge contribution of
the Commonwealth diaspora to the rich fabric of the UK:
from Ministers to doctors and nurses, to business
people, athletes, and teachers.
Last year’s Commonwealth summit brought together
representatives from all 53 countries where
Commonwealth Leaders made commitments to build a
fairer, more prosperous, more sustainable future for
its 2.4 billion citizens, 60% of whom are under 30.
