In the teeth of the Trump trade tariffs — including against Canada — this may be a moment to consider Britain’s Commonwealth ties.
This specifically refers to a proposed politico-economic union with the Commonwealth Realms, countries with which the UK shares a head of state.
Crucially, this refers primarily to the “CANZUK” states of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK but could be widened to include the likes of Jamaica and Papua New Guinea.
Combined, the CANZUK four would represent the world’s largest polity and third largest economy.
In an era where physical proximity matters less than cultural proximity, the ties and trust between the four could create a trade bloc better able to withstand external hits.
In the end, Trump’s tariffs on Canada have not gone through. If they had however, the hit to Canada’s economy could have been devastating.
For Britain, diversification — especially as a means to avoid being sucked back into the EU’s orbit — could be particularly valuable.
Obviously, Sir Keir Starmer cares nothing for Brexit and wants closer ties to the EU, but could he be pushed to establish stronger ties with the Commonwealth and find his beloved bloc fading into irrelevance as far as the UK is concerned?
Already, Australia and New Zealand have freedom of movement ties with Britain, while post-Brexit Britain is locking in youth movement ties with all three.
With complimentary economies and a security tie-up which would sweep much of the globe, a CANZUK deal is a no-brainer.
With the EU in the rearview mirror, and with trade tariffs now a real threat in a post-globalised world, surely now is the time to reset with the Commonwealth.
