This idea "To Make The Commonwealth Great Again" (to coin a phrase) arises against the backdrop of a Brexit shambles, challenges to the UK itself in Scotland and Northern Ireland and little indication that the Commonwealth itself has a role or purpose in the 21st century.

I don't question that meetings of Commonwealth leaders provide a low-key opportunity for these leaders to get to know each other better and is especially useful in promoting such personal relationships between the leaders in the developed and developing member states.  However, I ask whether expanding the membership will largely serve to delute those very positive aspects.