If the Queen told all British Forces in Iraq to return home, would they?

Question

I know this is unlikely, but does she have the overall command of the British forces if she ever really wanted to use it.

Answer 1

Yes she could, in extreme circumstances, but it would cause an enormous constitutional crisis and a possible military coup against her government.

The Military swears alliegience to the Queen, not to the Government. The Queen could dissolve Parliament and order the troops home and order a new election.

The Queen has more power than is generally recognised, she uses it very judiciously through her enormous influence.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, even though the Queen is Head of all the Armed Forces, this is figuratively speaking only, she does not have the authority. Even if the member of the British Forces wants to obey her wishes, he cannot. This authority comes from Parliament. All members of the Services make an oath to the Queen when initially enlisting and during any conflict fights for Queen and Country not for the Politicians, that's why the British Forces are the best in the world. Another reason the British Forces Soldier,sailors and Airman are the best in the world is that the Squaddies fights for the Honour of his Regiment, the Airman for his Squadron and the Sailor for his Ship/Base/Squadron. He also fights for the man next to him, I am certain that our American allies fighting for their country feel the same.

Answer 3

At the end of the Day it is Tony and the Army Generals who control the Army. The Queen is seen as just a figure head these days, but she is still the Monarch (the UK is a Monarchy) and if she so choose too she could pull every British Citizen out of a Country. It would prove to be a bit harder to achieve than to say.

Answer 4

They would be forced to. The queen is the supreme ruler of the UK, parliament meets by HER WILL. She could dissolve parliament at any time and reclaim absolute monarchy. She is the (albeit 'symbolical') head of the armed forces. She can also veto any law or decision made by government, though no monarch has done so for nearly 300 years.

Of course if she did that the government would simply have a vote to abolish the monarchy, get their whips to make a three line party line to vote for it (essentially do what they're told or lose their job) and then make Blair the president. Then send the troops back.

Answer 5

No! The Queen can only suggest any military action, but again
this would be highly unusual and out of place. Her Monarchy
responsibilities are kept to a consultative status and, if made
regarding any matter pertaining to any authority, they would
be put into consideration which will not necessarily alter nor
influence a final decision. Our Queen is very discreet and keeps
her mind focused on her own duties as Head of the Nation,
which she represents strictly as a formality, and she does it
very well, in my opinion.

Answer 6

It would cause an awful crisis. But the British Forces swear allegiance to the Queen and I suspect that in their current mood the answer is probably "yes". They might have difficulty in organising the transport though!

Answer 7

She doesn't have the authority and wouldn't do it anyway. But if she did, the forces might well return out or respect for the monarchy. But that would certainly cause a flap,
"...the power to conclude treaties, to declare war and to make peace, to recognise foreign states and governments and to annex and cede territory rests with the Government, under the Royal Prerogrative."

Answer 8

Orders given are done so in the name of the Queens commission or warrant so would and should be obeyed. I bet that would keep an army of lawyers busy for years arguing that one out. In my attestation I swore my allegiance to the queen her heirs and successors I cant remember adding I would ignore the bits I didn't agree with

Answer 9

No, because all the queen is, is a figure head. Tony Blair is the real leader of the British people.

Answer 10

I don't believe that the Queen of England has the authority to give such an order or any other order dealing with affairs of the state, the question has to get parliamentary approval.