Introduction

The decision of the UK electorate on 23 June 2016 to 'leave' the European Union (EU) was unexpected. By a relatively narrow margin the wanted to reclaim British sovereignty, re-establish control over immigration, and use the money saved from exiting the EU for better purposes such as the National Health Service. The Commonwealth featured quite heavily in the referendum campaign, particularly on the 'leave' side; claiming that a vote for Brexit would allow the UK to renew and extend links with the countries of the Commonwealth. The decision of the UK may have consequences across the Commonwealth in terms of both domestic policy and regional cooperation, and these issues are considered, for instance, by Wendy Grenade and Derek McDougal. The UK maintaining the strongest link possible with the EU; while others offer suggestions as to how Brexit might benefit the Commonwealth with the development of new trade and aid relationships.