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?

As others have said, no one is forced to be part of the commonwealth. Countries that weren't part of the empire have joined since its formation.

The games are another opportunity for elite sports men and women to experience international competition. It also gives them a chance to compete without the giants of USA and Russia being there. Add to that they can compete under flags of smaller countries. I think it meant a lot to Tom Daly to compete under the Isle of Man at the time.

Let's also not forget that for the first time para athletes were included in the 'main' event rather than a second event.

Not many African countries have hosted the Olympics either. To host these events takes a lot of money and infrastructure that might be beyond the smaller countries.

Here’s what Australia say about why they’re in the Commonwealth

uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/Australia_Commonwealth.html

Maybe check your facts? Barbados has removed the Queen as head of state but chosen to remain part of the Commonwealth.

Let's also not forget that for the first time para athletes were included in the 'main' event rather than a second event.

This. I saw some swimming and table tennis events and the para-athletes races and matches, were just treated as events in the scheme alongside the standard ones, mixed in and given equal gravitas and importance. I loved it.

but most countries in the commonwealth don't have Queen Elizabeth as head of state. There are quite a few republics in the commonwealth. Some countries like Malaysia even have their own monarch.

And Rhys McClenaghan competed in CG this year after having to put up a big fight to appear at all. Shows how relevant some top athletes view the games.

Well after learning that the Governor General allowed Scott Morrison to swear himself in as a back up Minister last year and knew it was being kept from the public, I'm even more keen on getting a republic and out of the Commonwealth.

'well I like that commonwealth citizens can vote in the UK as it means i can keep my singapore passport but still vote!'

onthefencesitter what? Commonwealth citizens cannot vote in the UK. Otherwise I think lots of us would do you a solid and vote the Tories out.

I agree Commonwealth Citizens can not vote in Britain.
There are no real advantages.

Living in the UK they can.

Not strictly true. It's the first time it has been so intergrated.

This!

Yep. Op has many anti Royal threads on the Royal Family board and now is starting to colonise AIBU 😀

my parents/grandparents were from commonwealth countries. I feel positively towards the commonwealth (though obviously different people will have different opinions).

Googling showed that there is an Education/learning branch where countries can collaborate to run courses - eg how to promote literacy. www.col.org/education/

they also have advice and support for different aspects of the democratic process eg election observation. thecommonwealth.org/our-work/promoting-democracy

sharing knowledge, ideas and lessons learned from implementation of different policies sounds quite positive. Apparently the last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022

Actually, they can.

Some Commonwealth Citizens can vote in Britain if they are resident there.

They just can't help themselves trying to destroy what was before in order to make us all just like themselves, grey identikit humourless subservient drones.

Not because they don't agree with them.

Some opted out because of fixture congestion or injury, such as Dina Asher Smith. Adele Tracey has changed allegiance and something didn't get processed in time (she is now Jamaican- or indeed always was but now competes for Jamaica) and some of the other athletes decided to take part in the Diamond League because they get appearance fees.

The Australian swimmers take the Commonwealth Games very seriously.

As for the Commonwealth itself, there are countries which are now members which were nothing to do with the British Empire, like Rwanda. I imagine there will be a rethink when the Queen dies, but it will be a gradual thing.

I think it meant a lot to Tom Daly to compete under the Isle of Man at the time

did you mean Mark Cavendish? Tom Daley is from Devon.

Oops yes, Tom Daly on the brain lol.

What a wonderful Thread for getting the wrong end of several sticks.
It is called The Commonwealth, the word British was dropped years ago. UK is a member, it is not ours.

The members chose the Queen to be it's leader. Partly because she had met many of those leaders who were in office at their independence.
After the Queen dies it will be up to them to chose a new leader.

Comments already about countries joining or leaving.
Tom Daley, I think, did not compete because some in countries being gay is illegal and carries severe punishment. He got a fair bit of attention.

Surely, it's good to be part of a big supportive network for the members' mutual benefit?

I believe the UK is head of the commonwealth, I think that has had its day. If it's to continue, they need a rotating head or all countries being equal.

I think the commonwealth heads of governments have already confirmed Charles will be the next head.

I had a feeling they were planning Harry to perhaps take it over as part of removing it from the British monarch.

Either way, it's up to the HOG who is in charge after Charles.

@Twizbe Only because the Queen asked them to accept Charles.

Meghan had all the flowers of the Commonwealth embroidered on her wedding veil.
I know they're no longer doing the job, but H and M were keen to take on a Commonwealth role, so it can't all be a bad thing.