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The Commonwealth of Nations formerly The British Commonwealth, is, as far as I know a unique collection of countries.

Many are colonialised nations and former members of the British Empire.

Some present members applied for membership have no connection to the UK.

There are no ruling members just a loose charter promoting simple democracies.

Is it just an archaic anachronism ?

Is there not some trade agreements as a part of the organization?

LarsMac;1460771 wrote: Is there not some trade agreements as a part of the organization?


None that I am aware.

The Commonwealth Games is happening at the moment in Glasgow, and I was asked at work about the Commonwealth, which made me investigate further.

It is a most peculiar setup, although most members are ex British colonial countries, there are some that have elected to join the 'Club'

The only thing that unites them is The Charter "The Charter brings together the values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth - democracy, human rights and the rule of law"

It is a relic of the British Empire obviously, but it appears to be a force for good in a gentlemanly old boys club sort of way.

Bruv;1460804 wrote: None that I am aware.

The Commonwealth Games is happening at the moment in Glasgow, and I was asked at work about the Commonwealth, which made me investigate further.

It is a most peculiar setup, although most members are ex British colonial countries, there are some that have elected to join the 'Club'

The only thing that unites them is The Charter "The Charter brings together the values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth - democracy, human rights and the rule of law"

It is a relic of the British Empire obviously, but it appears to be a force for good in a gentlemanly old boys club sort of way.


We could do with a lot more countries who value democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

My country seems to still be striving for such, though sometimes failing miserably I am sad to say.

Perhaps we should join this Commonwealth.

Were it not for the intransigence of your old Mad King George, we may have been a charter member.

As far as I'm aware, the Commonwealth continues to work as it remains more of a Trade & Diplomacy agreement & doesn't interfere with the inner Government workings of each other - Just as was the original intent of the EU (Common Market) before it got carried away with a Centrified European Government.

LarsMac;1460816 wrote: We could do with a lot more countries who value democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

My country seems to still be striving for such, though sometimes failing miserably I am sad to say.

Perhaps we should join this Commonwealth.

Were it not for the intransigence of your old Mad King George, we may have been a charter member.


That's it blame King George.........you had your chances and you blew it.

We still have that "Special Relationship" though remember, for what it's worth.

FourPart;1460822 wrote: As far as I'm aware, the Commonwealth continues to work as it remains more of a Trade & Diplomacy agreement & doesn't interfere with the inner Government workings of each other - Just as was the original intent of the EU (Common Market) before it got carried away with a Centrified European Government.


I expect any trade links are from days gone by, but trade is not the driving purpose as laid out in the charter.

Bruv;1460823 wrote: That's it blame King George.........you had your chances and you blew it.

We still have that "Special Relationship" though remember, for what it's worth.


I'll drink to that.

You can hardly 'drink to that' with a beer brewed in Dublin, they got headstrong like the Americans and went their own way........while still keeping all the benefits of being in the club.

If you are quick a toast with scotch whisky might be more appropriate, until September at least.

Bruv;1460836 wrote: You can hardly 'drink to that' with a beer brewed in Dublin, they got headstrong like the Americans and went their own way........while still keeping all the benefits of being in the club.

If you are quick a toast with scotch whisky might be more appropriate, until September at least.


Well, then, I shall have to break out my Glenfiddich this evening.