Should we get rid of the common wealth?

Question

I don't really see a point of the commonwealth. It's a bit backwards because so many countries have QEII as head of state but she barely contributes to them. She has to appoint her ministers in some of them which I find completely unfair because the countries should elect their own people into power. Who else agrees that this is Great Britain trying to hold onto its colony days? You might say the commonwealth games are useful but they aren't really. The Olmpics get way more coverage and they include more countries

Answer 1

As a Canadian, I can generally agree with your view. The old days are gone for sure and recognition of the Queen as head of state is a no longer viable concept. The commonwealth means nothing anymore with effect to entering say Britain since its joining to Europe in the E.U..Commonwealth member citizens enjoyed special entry privileges, but now they do not.This is just an example, there are many other changes as well.

Answer 2

You are very misinformed about the Commonwealth. It is made up of INDEPENDENT countries which means that the Queen does not appoint ministers in any of them. Only a small minority of them even have her as head of state. I feel a sentimental attachment to the Commonwealth as a Canadian, even before l lived in Britain, but agree with the poster who said Britain has more in common with many Commonwealth countries than it does with Europe. Part of why the Commonwealth means less than it used to is because Britain decided its future lawy with Europe. And I disagree that this is 'Britain holding onto its colony days' (sic). La Francophonie is permanently chaired by France, whereas Britain is just one equal member of the Commonwealth. It cannot always get its own way, as shown by the vaccilation over what to do with Zimbabwe.

Answer 3

The reason for the commonwealth is power.

There are 54 commonwealth nations, with Britain at the head. Each nation that's a member of the United Nations, has one vote on UN charters and international programmes. The commonwealth countries vote together, giving Britain massive control of global politics.

It works in our favour.

In return, commonwealth members are protected by the worlds second most powerful nation and nuclear power..

Answer 4

I suggest you research the question a little more and then come back and say sorry. The Commonwealth is not just about holding onto the Empire as everyone is an equal member and we have far more in common with the Commonwealt than Europe.

Answer 5

Many member states of the Commonwealth do not have HM QE2 as head of state. India is a republic. There is every likelihood that should Australia become a republic, then probably New Zealand will follow suit and also Canada.

The Commonwealth is no bad thing - its more a trade thing than anything else and also a talking shop.

Answer 6

the countries themselves should decide.What a load of rubbish. The young of this country dont know what the colony days were.Its only the old generation. That come from that time.How often do you hear young ones talk about the colony days.They have all gone in the annals of time.Things have moved on since then.How do you know that .the countries are not happy.The way they are.Have you asked them?.I am sure they would say in this day and age.Of free speech political correctness human rights ect You cannot see the point in the Commonwealth So what.I cannot see the point in lots of things. More important

Answer 7

The Commonwealth can chuck us out. Only about half of them have the Queen as Head of State and they can keep the Monarchy even if we don't.

It's interesting that Mozambique successfully applied to join and they've never been a British Colony.

Answer 8

NO, not at all. I believe that we should break away from Europe and enhance the ties that exist with the Commonwealth nations. We have more in common with the people that make up the Commonwealth than we do with the people of Europe.

Answer 9

If you want serious answers I would suggest that you investigate what the Commonwealth is before raising a question, as this one is full of inaccuracies.

The following, which you may find educational, provides a brief outline.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Commonwealth

Answer 10

That's the trouble Ma Cheri, there is no longer any Wealth left in the Common Wealth. therefore we are just Common