The Commonwealth represents 53 sovereign countries, a third of the world’s population and 20 per cent of the global economy. It is a purely voluntary club, bound together by shared history, deep and diverse links between our peoples and – at our best – strong common instincts about the importance of open societies and open economies.
Ours is a truly unique and special organisation, hugely diverse in background and outlook. But there is one thing which can unite us all: a belief that economic progress and political progress can go hand in hand.
Rt Hon David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
