45 Conservative MPs, recalling historic contributions of India and other Commonwealth countries have told the Home Secretary that their citizens citizens should have UK visas fast-tracked to send out an 'important message' for newer trade relationships after Brexit.
In a letter to Home secretary Amber Rudd on Sunday, the MPs urged her to “extend the hand of friendship to our Commonwealth partners”, and make UK more welcoming. The MPs suggested that visa rules should be eased for visitors from the 52 Commonwealth and recalled that the Commonwealth countries stood with Britain “as we faced existential threats from abroad but as we pivoted to Europe, increasingly, our Commonwealth allies were left in the cold”.
The letter published in The Sunday Telegraph does not seek easier visa terms, but easier conditions for Indian and Commonwealth citizens once they land in different ports of the country. It mentions a scenario faced by many Indians, who wait in long queues at immigration. The recommendations are due to be discussed in parliament on 26 February. The MPs said, “The focus of this meeting is renewed trade and friendship between the UK and Commonwealth...It will be a shame to let this opportunity pass by.”
Former Justice Minister Shailesh Vara MP signing the letter to the Home Secretary said:‘‘As Britain leaves the European Union it is vital that we do all we can to build stronger relations with the rest of the world. In so doing we need to maximise our existing links with countries and in the case of the Commonwealth those links are very strong and deep, in so many ways. And that includes increased trading with Commonwealth countries of whom five are members of the G20 and recognising that the Commonwealth has a combined GDP of $10.4 trillion.
"Britain remains a popular destination for Commonwealth citizens, both for business and non-business purposes and we should seriously consider making it easier for those people to enter our country. Doing so would send a loud and clear message to the Commonwealth that we really do value them and it can only serve to make the UK’s relations with the Commonwealth ever closer.’’
The Hindustan Times reported that Prime Minister Theresa May during her November visit to New Delhi announced that India would be the first visa country to be offered the Registered Travellers Service for business travellers. Visitors from eligible countries can apply for RTS membership, if you have a UK visa or have visited the UK at least 4 times in the last 24 months.
Lord Marland, the former energy minister and chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council told the Sunday Telegraph, “Visas are a constant source of antagonism for Commonwealth countries.”
A Home Office spokesman said, “Once we have left the European Union, it will be the Government that sets our immigration rules.”
