POLL OF THE DAY: Is the Commonwealth still relevant?

King Charles meeting with those from the Commonwealth organisation

King Charles meeting with those from the Commonwealth organisation

PA
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 23/10/2024

- 05:00

Do you think the Commonwealth is still relevant? Join thousands of GBN members voting in today's poll of the day - results will be announced on TV and online later today

With King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer preparing to meet Commonwealth leaders in Samoa, GB News asks its members if it is still relevant in 2024.

Charles and Starmer go into the six-day meeting with 56 other countries facing fresh calls for the UK to repay billions of pounds in reparations for Britain's role in the slave trade.


Despite No10 categorically rejecting the suggestion, many fear a rift is emerging between the UK and Commonwealth countries.

A growing number of countries have been contemplating becoming republics, with Barbados severing ties with the British Crown in 2021.

Australia, which decisively voted to remain a constitutional monarchy in 1999, appeared split on the monarchism during King Charles' visit Down Under.

A number of supporters were swamped by gleeful fans on the streets of Sydney.

However, left-wing Senator Lidia Thorpe accused the 75-year-old monarch of being responsible for "mass murder and mass genocide".

Senator Lidia ThorpeIndigenous senator Lidia Thorpe heckled the King while he gave a speech to the Australian Parliament yesterday where she shouted anti-colonial slogans, including "You are not my King."PA

An opinion poll conducted ahead of Charles visit showed 45 per cent of Australians want to remain a constitutional monarchy, with just 33 per cent hoping to become a republic.

However, only two countries have opted to leave the Commonwealth since World War Two.

The Republic of Ireland decided to leave the group in 1948, with Zimbabwe also cutting ties in 2003.

King CharlesKing Charles and the Queen are in AustraliaGetty

A number of other countries have decided to join the Commonwealth since the turn of the century.

Naura joined in 2000, with Rwanda following suit in 2009.

Togo was the latest country to join the Commonwealth in 2022.

Do you think that the Commonwealth is still relevant? Have your say by voting in our poll and leaving a message in the comments section below.

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