If Zimbabwe decides to rejoin the  Commonwealth after 15 years when  former President Mugabe pulled out its membership, the UK will show their support.

In 2003 Zimbabwe left the Commonwealth  after the international body criticised the disputed elections and land seizures from white farmers. Speaking today, UK Foreign Minister Boris Johnson also praised what he called “impressive progress” made by Mr Mugabe’s successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

However, he said that July’s elections will  give a direction of a new Zimbabwe.

“The Zimbabwe government must deliver the free and fair elections the people of Zimbabwe deserve and which it has promised,” he said.

The Zimbabwe’s new government has said it will invite Western powers to monitor the polls.

David Coltart, a former education minister and MP from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, said he was “appalled” by the Commonwealth’s change of tone towards Zimbabwe given the country’s media restrictions and the recent sacking of thousands of nurses. – state media.