The Caribbean island this week confirmed its intention to remove the Queen as its head of state and become a republic – with Mr Rosindell’s party colleague Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, suggesting the decision had been taken under pressure from China. Mr Rosindell, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Overseas Territories, said as a sovereign nation which was granted independence by the UK in 1966, Barbados had the absolute right to determine its own future.
However, he warned: “In contrast to Her Majesty The Queen of Barbados, China’s President, Xi Jinping, is a ruthless unelected dictator.
“China views smaller nations as, at best, pawns in its geopolitical game and, at worst minnows to be exploited.
“That is why I am deeply concerned about reports in the Express and other publications that Chinese interference had a role play in the Barbados government’s decision.”
Mr Rosindell said: “According to Tom Tugendhat, one of Parliament’s most knowledgeable China watchers, Beijing wants to ‘undermine our alliance with other countries’.
“As he said, it seems that Barbados is going to swap a symbolic Head of State for a real and demanding emperor in Beijing.
“I want to remind the people of Barbados that the UK is committed to their nation, regardless of the status of the Queen.
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He added: “However, a decision of this magnitude can only be taken by the people themselves and so a referendum should take place before any constitutional change take place.
“The Queen has been a public servant unlike any other I have witnessed.
“Unfailingly dignified and composed, she inspires many of those blessed to live in the many nations of which she is Sovereign.
“I have confidence that she will have nothing but good wishes for the people of Barbados if they choose to begin a new chapter, but it is vital this process is seen to have wide public support and not simply the wishes of the current political leadership of Barbados.”
The Chinese government has invested heavily in the Caribbean.
The superpower is known to have spent at least $7billion in six countries since 2005 in accordance with its Belt and Road iniative, with the money going on roads, ports and even a five-star Casino in the Bahamas.
Mr Tugendhat told the Times on Wednesday: “China has been using infrastructure investment and debt diplomacy as a means of control for a while and it’s coming closer to home for us.
“British partners have long faced challenges from rivals seeking to undermine our alliance.
“Today we’re seeing it in the Caribbean.”
