User:Brian/FCS2

The Federal Commonwealth Society (FCS) is an organisation that promotes greater political affiliation between the Commonwealth Realms, seeking an eventual federal alliance. It also wishes to reinforce the underlying historic and cultural bonds between the constituent members of the Realms, oppose legislative changes that may be detrimental to its goals and of relations between the members, and increase international co-operation between the aforesaid countries. Unlike other superficially similar efforts, the FCS is not motivated by racial or imperialist thinking; it accepts and is proud of the multi-ethnic nature of the Commonwealth countries and does not seek to recreate a British Empire, but merely to reinstate between its members some of the corporation that has since dispersed.

Ideas and Objectives

 * "Given the shared history of the members of the Commonwealth, the FCS wishes to work for a closer union among its members so as to enhance the mutual benefits of membership."
 * "To achieve a closer union and protect our shared interests, the FCS wish to establish a federal body of some of the Commonwealth members, centred around the group of four founder members referred to collectively as CANZUK (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom), their friends and dependent territories."
 * "We wish for that body to be responsible for establishing a common trade policy, foreign policy, and defence policy for the members of the federation."

The FCS is opposed to Britain's membership of the European Union, which it believes compromises its ideals. There is also an unrelated movement for a Federal British Isles.

Why the Crown Commonwealth?
Proponents of the movement point out that the Commonwealth Realms are often far more closely related in the cultural, historic, and linguistic senses with the other Realms than with neighbouring countries or groups, such as the United Kingdom in relation to Australia rather than Europe. In the past, the British Empire was ruled more or less as one entity, despite enormous distances and slow communications; today, a similarly dispersed federation could easily be managed by employing existing satellite and telecommunications technologies - logistics are virtually immaterial.

Dissidents however point to the fact that various Commonwealth countries in Asia and Africa that have English as an official language are not regarded as prime candidates at this stage due to significant cultural and economic differences. The status of various non-sovereign nations is also a matter of great dispute. For example, Northern Ireland is considered by many of the membership to be a "country". Two areas are disputed territories, namely Gibraltar and the Falklands/Malvinas, which have also been claimed by Spain and Argentina for many years. A significant majority of residents of both dependencies consider themselves British.

There are also independence movements such as those of Quebec, and Scotland, but it is hoped that they would want to be take full part in a federal commonwealth, as the advantages posed by such a large grouping would be significant.



Monarchism and Republicanism
The FCS is neutral on the issue of the monarchy. Most of its members are monarchist, seeing Queen Elizabeth II not only as sovereign of the CANZUK countries, but also as a symbol of the common heritage, institutions and culture that make the federation appealing. There are also republican members, many of whom express the belief that a republican federation would be more attractive to many citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Economics and Trade
The Federation would require that the UK withdraw from the European Union, perhaps returning to membership of EFTA, thus preserving existing trade benefits without ceding sovereignty to the continent. Proposals for a common federal commonwealth currency have yet to be discussed in detail. Such currency would probably be based upon the pound sterling, although a currency from one of the other members could be used, or a completely new one could be created.

Free trade and freedom of movement between the CANZUK countries are ideals that could be pursued either as a step towards federation or as ends in their own right. The economies of New Zealand and Australia offer a model of integration in this regard, which could be extended to include Canada and the UK. FCS members belive that reciprocal rights for CANZUK citizens and the greater contact this would bring would help reveal the fundamental similarities between our societies and increase the desire for closer ties.

Government Structure
Some kind of federal structure would be created, with a directly elected lower house and an upper house that represents the provinces, regions and states. Lower levels of government may be given greater autonomy than they currently possess, with many powers from the old national governments being passed to the provincial level. This relatively decentralised structure, similar to those already in place in Canada and Australia, would ensure that each locality could pass legislation appropriate to its geography and demographics, as distinct from the general issues that affect the entire confederation. Unlike the present system in the United Kingdom, its constitution would presumably be codified, with admendments requiring specific 'consitutional enactments' or similar, rather than simple Acts of Parliament. This would bring it into line with the majority of countries around the world.

Name and Flag
FCS members have suggested a number of names for the proposed federation, including the United Kingdom of Commonwealths, the Federal Commonwealth, the British Commonwealth, the United Kingdom of Britain, the United Realms of the Commonwealth and CANZUK. None has met with universal approval.

Various proposals for a flag have also been suggested. These include the present Commonwealth flag, the Union Jack and various designs involving the North Star and the Southern Cross.

Federal Capital
Most members appear to want London, United Kingdom to be the new capital city of the Federation, usually because of its economic, cultural, and historical importance. It is also the largest city within the proposed federation. Other choices include Ottawa and Canberra. Alternatively, a system such as in the Netherlands may be employed, whereby there is more than one Capital City, each one responsible for different aspects of the government. This would be possible thanks to modern communications.

Armed Forces
Assuming that the British government's plans for regimental change do not go ahead, then reintegration of the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia would not be particularly problematic. The combined and diverse navy, for example, would be a great asset to all involved, and would replace NATO hegemony.