Speaking in a major Lords debate on the Commonwealth on 8 September, Lord Lexden strongly urged the Republic of Ireland to give the most serious consideration to rejoining the Commonwealth which it left in 1949.
He stressed the warm welcome that would greet its return both in Northern Ireland and throughout the Commonwealth family as a whole where the participation of the Republic in all aspects of its activities - from the Commonwealth Games to the advancement of human rights-would be greatly valued.
In his speech Lord Lexden also suggested that the Commonwealth should consider opening a public subscription to raise the funds needed to pay for a new Royal Yacht which would be presented to Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
Read Lord Lexden's speech or watch a recording here (scroll to 2 hours, 6 minutes and 20 seconds)