GETTY Winston Peters urged Britain to 'heal a rift' with the Commonwealth after Brexit

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Winston Peters, who leads a group of MPs in the New Zealand parliament, has urged the UK to view the possibility of exiting the EU later this year as a chance to strengthen ties with those 53 countries that were previously part of the British Empire. Speaking at a conference in Auckland yesterday, New Zealand’s ex-deputy prime minister told British politicians to use ‘Brexit’ as a way of making amends for ditching Commonwealth countries in favour of joining the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973. Mr Peters said: “While 'Brexit' is an opportunity for not just New Zealand businesses, product and people, it is an excellent opportunity to heal a rift dating back to 1973."

The veteran politician suggested New Zealand’s free trade agreement with neighbouring Australia as the possible basis for a pan-Commonwealth deal. He said his New Zealand First party “believes our oldest and most successful trade agreement with Australia, CER (Closer Economic Relations), provides the ideal template for Closer Commonwealth Economic Relations, or CCER”. Mr Peters also noted how Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who is in favour of Brexit, had previously called for free labour exchange between Britain and Australia. During a trip to Australia in 2013, the Tory MP had said Britain needed to "raise its eyes" from the "economic gloom" of Europe and strengthen links with Australia.

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It is an excellent opportunity to heal a rift dating back to 1973 Winston Peters

Ukip’s Commonwealth spokesman James Carver welcomed the comments from Mr Peters. The MEP said: “I'm delighted to support this refreshing call from the other side of the globe, which underlines how the world is far bigger than the 28 EU member states, and how the UK's influence is appreciated further afield." "I'm deeply ashamed of how we turned our backs on our Commonwealth kith and kin when we joined the EEC in 1973. “I believe that the opportunity for ‘Brexit’ gives us a unique chance to re-engage with our Commonwealth colleagues. “The world is our oyster, but, if we remain inside the EU, our future is as a clam."