The Commonwealth

It embraces nearly a third of the world’s population. It includes some of the richest and poorest countries on earth, but what is the Commonwealth for? With the Commonwealth Games beginning in Glasgow All Things Considered explores whether a body which emerged from the former British Empires has value today? Is it just a talking shop and the sponsor of an occasional sporting event or can it be a force for good?

Roy Jenkins is joined by Dr Sue Onslow from the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, Rev Stuart MacQuarrie who is coordinator of the Religious Services Centre at the Athletes Village, Rt Rev'd Dr Trevor Mwamba, Anglican Bishop of Botswana and Father Nick James, Roman Catholic parish priest.