To think the Commonwealth has had its day?

[antelopevalley]

The Commonwealth is a colonialist institution based on a history of conquest and slavery.

"The origins of the Commonwealth come from Britain's former Empire. Many of the members of the Commonwealth were territories which had historically come under British rule at various times by settlement, conquest or cession. The administration of such colonies evolved in different ways, to reflect the different circumstances of each territory."
www.royal.uk/commonwealth

The Commonwealth Games have never been held in an African country. Although there have been exceptions, most years it is held in Britain, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Since 1930 it has only been held three times in other countries. Or seven countries if you include youth games and paraplegic games.

The Commonwealth has no clear role; it confers no trade privileges upon its members, does not coordinate their defence or foreign policy, and lacks both the budget and the executive authority to make a practical difference in the world.

It is a colonialist hangover that has no clear role and should be abolished.
AIBU?

So patronising for random posters to think they know what’s better for a country than the country itself does

Totally agree with this. It is nothing whatsoever to do with these "random posters" - maybe they would be better employed worrying about their own country.

Didn't you previously argue there's no economic benefits from Commonwealth membership?

Looks like you're shifting the goalposts. You're presenting a false dilemma Fallacy here as the Commonwealth does NOT need to be a trading bloc in order to have economic benefits for their members.

Small countries arent the only ones to benefit. The African states mentioned before who've laid out the benefits of Commonwealth membership aren't small countries.

Since the Commonwealth does help reduce tension between members, this does lead to economic benefits as a result. So does the radical action history of the Commonwealth itself.

@antelopevalley
Any thoughts on China’s influence on Commonwealth countries?

Crickets!

But then this thread has been a failed Nationalist bid to put down all things British. Good to see!

@MangyInseam · 16/08/2022 03:16

I do wish that Commonwealth membership still conferred benefits like being able to go to university or to work in the UK, but they saw fit to remove that right which is their prerogative of course but sad IMO.

Isn't this something the government are now opening up to replace the Erasmus programme now that we're out of the EU?

Also, I hope that the UK government will up their involvement with other Commonwealth countries, I feel we sadly neglected them during our EU involvement and need to undo the influence China has managed to have during that time.

Yes, common wealth citizens can vote in general elections.

That should say common wealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in general elections.

That should say common wealth citizens resident in the UK can vote in general elections.