Republicanism_in_the_United_Kingdom

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Republicanism in the United Kingdom Republicanism in the United Kingdom United Kingdom • Shadow Cabinet Judiciary • Courts of the United Kingdom • Courts of England and Wales • Courts of Northern Ireland • Courts of Scotland • Constitution • Human rights Countries of the UK • Politics of England • English Regional Assemblies • Greater London Authority • Politics of Scotland • Scottish Government • Scottish Parliament • Politics of Wales • Welsh Assembly Government • National Assembly for Wales • Politics of Northern Ireland • Northern Ireland Executive • Northern Ireland Assembly • Reserved matters Elections • Parliament constituencies • Political parties • Last election • Next election Foreign Policy • Foreign relations • Politics of the European Union Other countries This article is part of the series: Politics and government of the United Kingdom Government • Sovereign • Queen Elizabeth II • The Crown • The Privy Council • Cabinet • Prime Minister • Gordon Brown MP • Chancellor • Alistair Darling MP • Foreign Secretary • David Miliband MP • Home Secretary • Jacqui Smith MP • Justice Secretary • Jack Straw MP • Full list of members • Her Majesty’s Civil Service • Departments • Executive agencies Parliament • State Opening of Parliament • Act of Parliament • House of Lords • Lord Speaker • Baroness Hayman • House of Commons • Speaker • Michael Martin MP • Leader • Harriet Harman MP • Prime Minister’s Questions • Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition • Leader • David Cameron MP · Atlas Politics portal Republicanism in the United Kingdom is a minority movement which seeks to remove the British monarchy and replace it with a republic that has a non-hereditary head of state. The method by which the head of state should be chosen is not agreed upon, with some favouring an elected president, some an appointed head of state with little power, and others supporting the idea of leaving the political system as it is but without a monarch. Context Within Great Britain republican sentiment has largely focused on the retention or abolition of the British monarch, rather than the 1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia dissolution of the British Union or independence for its constituent countries. In Northern Ireland, the term "republican" is usually used in the sense of Irish republicanism. While also against monarchical forms of government, Irish republicans are against the presence of the British state in any form in Ireland and advocate creating a united, allisland state. While this may be confusing, unionists who support a British republic also exist. There are republican members of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Scotland and Plaid Cymru in Wales who advocate independence for those countries as republics. The SNP’s official policy is that the British monarch would remain head of state of an independent Scotland, unless the people of Scotland decided otherwise. Republicanism in the United Kingdom Levellers, an egalitarian movement which had contributed greatly to Parliament’s cause but sought representation for ordinary citizens. The Leveller point of view had been strongly represented in the Putney Debates, held between the various factions of the Army in 1647, just prior to the King’s temporary escape from army custody. Cromwell and the Grandees were not prepared to countenance such a radical democracy and used the debates to play for time while the future of the King was being determined. Catholics were persecuted zealously under Cromwell, although he personally was in favour of religious toleration "liberty for tender consciences" not all his compatriots agreed. The war led to much death and chaos in Ireland where Irish Catholics and Protestants who fought for the King were persecuted. There was a ban on many forms of entertainment; as public meetings could be used as a cover for conspirators, horse racing was banned,the maypoles were famously cut down, the theatres were closed, and Christmas celebrations were outlawed for being too ceremonial, Catholic, and "popish". When Charles II eventually regained the throne,in 1660, he was widely celebrated for allowing his subjects to have "fun" again. Much of Cromwell’s power was due to the Rump Parliament, a Parliament purged of opposition to grandees in the New Model Army. Whereas Charles I had been in part restrained by a Parliament that would not always do as he wished,(the cause of the Civil War) Cromwell was able to wield much more power as only loyalists were allowed to become MPs, turning the chamber into a rubber-stamping organisation. This was ironic given his complaints about Charles I acting without heeding the "wishes" of the people. But even so he found it almost impossible to get his Parliaments to follow all his wishes. His executive decisions were often thwarted most famously in the ending of the rule of the regional major generals appointed by himself. In 1657 Cromwell was offered the crown by Parliament, presenting him with a dilemma since he had played a great role in abolishing the monarchy. After two months of deliberation, he rejected the offer. Instead, he was ceremonially re-installed as "Lord Protector", with greater powers than he had previously held. It is often suggested that offering Cromwell the Crown was an effort to History Cromwellian republic The countries which eventually comprised the United Kingdom were briefly ruled as a republic in the 17th century, first under a Council of State, (1649-53) then under Oliver Cromwell personally (1653-58). Some commentators doubt whether the Commonwealth can truly be described as a republic: Hale, for example, argued that England was a monarchy in which the powers of the monarch happened to be exercised by the Lord Protector. If so, the Commonwealth could be compared to a regency, such as that of Franco in Spain or Horthy in Hungary. First England (comprising both England and Wales) was declared to be the Commonwealth of England and then Scotland and Ireland were briefly forced in to union with England by the army. This decision was later reversed when the monarchy was restored in 1660. In 1707 the Act of Union between England and Scotland was signed; the two countries’ parliaments became one, and in return Scotland was granted access to the English colonies. Many of Cromwell’s actions upon gaining power were decried by a number of commentators as "harsh, unwise, and tyrannical". He was often ruthless in putting down the mutinies which occurred within his own army towards the end of the civil wars (prompted by Parliament’s failure to pay the troops). Cromwell showed little sympathy for the 2 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia curb his power: as a King he would be obliged to honour agreements such as Magna Carta, but under the arrangement he had designed he had no such restraints. This allowed him to preserve and enhance his power and the army’s while decreasing Parliament’s control over him, probably to enable him to maintain a well-funded army which Parliament could not be depended upon to provide. The office of Lord Protector was not formally hereditary, though Cromwell was able to nominate his own successor in his son, Richard. Republicanism in the United Kingdom Prohibition of republican advocacy Parliament in 1848 passed the Treason Felony Act. This act made violation of the law punishable by lifetime imprisonment, however the Law Lords have stated that this does not prohibit peaceful printed advocacy of anti-monarchy sentiments. The law remains on the statute book.[1] 21st century The monarchy currently remains secure in the United Kingdom with MORI Polls in the opening years of the 21st century showing support for retaining the monarchy stable at around 70% of people.[2] In 2005, during the time of the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, support for the monarchy dipped slightly with one poll showing that only 65% of people would support keeping the monarchy if there were a referendum on the issue, with 22% saying they favoured a republic.[2] In 2009 an ICM poll, commission by the BBC, found that 76% of those asked wanted the monarchy to continue after the Queen, against 18% of people who said they would favour Britain becoming a republic and 6% who said they did not know.[3] Restoration of the monarchy Flag of a proposed "British Republic" used by Chartists and Radicals in the nineteenth century. Sea green colours were often used by the Chartists and earlier Levellers. A group of ’English republican’ intellectuals used a version of this tricolour with blue at the top. Although England became a constitutional monarchy, after the reigns of Charles II his brother James II and after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 had placed William and Mary on the throne, there have been movements throughout the last few centuries whose aims were to remove the monarchy and establish a republican system. A notable period was the time in the late 18th century and early 19th century when many Radicals were openly republican. During the later years of Queen Victoria’s reign, there was considerable criticism of her decision to withdraw from public life following the death of her husband, Prince Albert. However this did not translate into clear support for republicanism. Most of the criticism was dismissed when she came out of mourning and returned to public life. Supporters Political parties At present, none of the three major British political parties have an official policy of republicanism. However, there are individual MPs, usually from the Labour Party, who favour abolition of the monarchy. These include Tony Benn, who in 1991 introduced a Commonwealth of Britain Bill in Parliament; Roy Hattersley; Leanne Wood (a Plaid Cymru member of the National Assembly for Wales) ; John Prescott and Norman Baker (a Liberal Democrat MP). The Scottish Socialist Party advocates the independence of Scotland as a republic, organising the republican rally at Calton Hill on the official opening of Holyrood by the Queen. Individuals Outside Parliament, well-known contemporary republicans include Professor Richard Dawkins; journalist and author Claire 3 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Rayner; actress Honor Blackman; film directors Paul Greengrass, Mike Leigh and Ken Loach; authors Michael Rosen and Benjamin Zephaniah; Michael Mansfield, QC; and Justice Geoffrey Robertson, QC. Republicanism in the United Kingdom the head of the executive branch of government as well as the head of state. "The new office of President would represent a new political culture - social inclusiveness would replace social hierarchy, mutual respect would replace deference, genuine intellect would replace the spurious wisdom of princes. Pompous titles, counterfeit ’generals’ and royal chancellors of universities would be consigned to history. The current system of honours would be simplified and modernised and based only on merit."[8] Republicans argue that such a system would advance the egalitarian cause of meritocracy, and create a political consciousness less connected with social class or birth. Every child growing up in a British republic, from whatever background, would know from an early age that they could aspire one day to becoming Head of State.[9] Institutions In June 2008 some UK newspapers reported[4] that the UN had called for the abolition of the British Monarchy. At a meeting on the UN Human Rights Council that month the Sri Lankan delegation had recommended "that the UK consider the holding of a referendum on the desirability or otherwise of a written constitution, preferably republican, with a bill of rights". The inclusion of this recommendation in the minutes of the meeting amounted to the alleged "call" from the UN. In response to the press stories the Sri Lankan delegation to the UN Human Rights Council clarified their recommendation and explicitly stated that no call for the abolition of the monarchy had been made either by Sri Lanka or the UN[5]. Arguments against monarchy Most republicans assert that hereditary monarchy is unfair and elitist. They claim that in a modern and democratic society no one should be expected to defer to another simply because of their birth. Such a system, they assert, does not make for a society which is at ease with itself, and it encourages attitudes which are more suited to a bygone age of imperialism than to a "modern nation". Some claim that maintaining a privileged royal family diminishes a society and encourages a feeling of dependency in many people who should instead have confidence in themselves and their fellow citizens. Further, republicans argue that ’the people’, not the members of one family, should be sovereign. • • - Republicans, influenced by philosophical assumptions regarding natural law, believe that it should be a fundamental right of the people of any nation to elect their head of state and for every citizen to be eligible to hold that office. It is then argued such a head of state is more accountable to the people, and that such accountability to the people creates a "better" nation. • - Monarchical prerogative powers can be used to circumvent normal democratic process with no accountability, and that such precesses Lobby groups The largest lobby group in favour of republicanism in the United Kingdom is the Republic campaign group, founded in 1983. The group has benefited from recent negative publicity about the Royal Family, and Republic has reported a large rise in membership since the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. In June 2006 the group handed in a petition of over 3,000 names to 10 Downing Street calling for a serious national debate about the future of the monarchy. The Centre for Citizenship[6] has a broader view of republicanism, which include a fully elected second chamber of parliament, abolition of the official honours system and disestablishment of the Church of England. Arguments in favour of a republic The benefits of a republic Republicans feel that a republic is the next logical step of a historical process of gradual democratic reform.[7] They assert that the British people will excel within a non-hereditary democratic and open system for selecting 4 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia are more desirable then not for any given nation-state. • Due to the history of Great Britain and especially Plots of Catholic Jesuits against Protestantism within the Nation, it is law that Roman Catholics may not inherit the Crown. It is argued by Republicans that having an Anglican head of state is unrepresentative of a nation where 4% of adults are practising Anglicans.[10] yet when realising that Protestantism is not only subjected to Anglicanism, over 38%[11] of the British Population would still consider themselves Protestant. The exclusion only applies to Catholics (officially ’Papists’) not members of any other faith. • The British Royal Family uses male primogeniture, which means that the crown is inherited by the eldest son, and is only passed on to a daughter if the monarch has no sons. If absolute primogeniture were used instead of male primogeniture, the crown would be passed on to the eldest child irrespective of sex so that daughters had the same rights as sons. This method of succession disinherits not only daughters but their descendants. However this is not an argument against Monarchy per se, only against particular monarchical systems. • It is argued by republicans that the way citizens are expected to address members, however junior, of the royal family is part of an attempt to keep subjects ’in their place’. • The order of succession in a monarchy specifies a person who will become head of state, regardless of qualifications. The highest titular office in the land is not open to "free and fair competition". However, it can be argued that the position of Prime Minister, which is the title with real power, is something anyone can aspire to become. • Republicans argue that members of the royal family bolster their position with unearned symbols of achievement. Examples in the UK include the Queen’s many honorary military titles of colonel-in-chief.[12] The Queen’s sole military experience, though honourable and bold for its day, was as a driver and mechanic. There is debate over the roles the members of the monarchy have played in the military, many doubt that members of the royal family took any part on the front line for any Republicanism in the United Kingdom length of time. It is seen to some as more of a PR exercise then military service. It is also seen that members of the royal family are fast tracked to higher ranks in the army.[13] • Republicans argue that a hereditary system condemns each heir to the throne to an abnormal childhood. This was historically the reason why the anarchist William Godwin opposed the monarchy. Johann Hari has written a book God Save the Queen? in which he argues that every member of the royal family has suffered psychologically from the system of monarchy.[14] • Republicans argue that monarchs are not impartial but harbour their own opinions, motives, and wish to protect their interests. Rather than feeling comforted that monarchs are impartial by their freedom from election, republicans claim that monarchs are not accountable. As an example, though he has clarified that he will avoid "politically contentions" issues, republicans argue that Prince Charles has spoken or acted in a way that could be interpreted as taking a political stance, citing his refusal to attend, in protest of China’s dealings with Tibet, a state dinner hosted by the Queen for the Chinese head of state; his strong stance on GM food; and the contents of certain memos regarding how people achieve their positions which were leaked to the press.[15][16][17] While monarchists tend to feel that an impartial advantage is gained by various aspects of the civil service reporting to the Crown, (see example of police below), republicans see a lack of important democratic accountability and transparency for such institutions. • Republicans claim that the total costs to taxpayers including hidden elements (e.g., the Royal Protection security bill) of the monarchy are over £100 million per annum.[18] The Telegraph claims the monarchy costs each adult in Britain around 62p a year.[4] • Republicans argue that the monarchy may be considered an embarrassment: as a concept it is dated and while the UK has a hereditary head of state it can not claim to be a modern nation, and that such a claim to be "modern" is an overriding value.. 5 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Republicanism in the United Kingdom Monarchists argue that separating the head of state from the head of government (the Prime Minister), offers some advantages. This separation can be achieved by a constitutional monarchy, or a republic with both president and prime minister. • Monarchists argue that in a limited, constitutional monarchy the monarch is able to give impartial non-political support to the work of a wide range of different types of organizations, faiths, charities, artists, craftsmen, etc. It is difficult to prove that the support of the monarchy is politically impartial, but it is easily documented that monarchs have supported charitable causes and NGOs. The police in the UK are charged with protecting the monarch’s peace, and are thus servants of the Crown and not of the government: this allows them to be independent of the government, thus separating the administration of justice from the executive power. In practice the monarch exercises no direct power over such institutions, which are, therefore run by the government, for the people. • Monarchists argue that constitutional monarchy creates a head of state who is under the democratic control of Parliament but remains in power for a long time, giving stability and experience to the state. This was not the case in earlier times when factions fought over the monarchy. Modern constitutional monarchs, such as those in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, have reigned for long periods and seen many Prime Ministers come and go. • Republicans have argued that the existence of a monarchy or an aristocracy amounts to snobbery, and that a monarch should not inherit power without qualifications or merit . However, a monarchist might counter that the loss of a monarchy would do nothing to diminish discrimination, and point towards the presidency of George W. Bush in the United States or even Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan partly on the grounds that their fathers were noted politicians before them as testimony to the fact that a person can and will be placed in power on unfair grounds with or without the presence of a crown. • Constitutional Monarchists argue that where elections are not needed they are only divisive, and that the head of state need not be Arguments in favour of constitutional monarchy • Some argue that, due to the Monarch’s constitutional position (with the little used power to dissolve or refuse a government) could safeguard against Britain ever becoming a dictatorship. Examples of this include the 1981 April Fool’s Day Coup in Thailand and the El Tejerazo coup in Spain when King Bhumibol and King Juan Carlos I repetitively stepped in to restore democracy in their countries. • Monarchists argue that an impartial, symbolic head of state is a step removed from political, commercial, and factional interests, allowing them to be a non-partisan figure who can act as an effective intermediary between various levels of government and political parties, an especially indispensable feature in a federal system. The fact that the monarch nominally holds all executive authority is seen as advantageous by monarchists, who state that the Crown is a guarantor against the misuse of constitutional power by politicians for personal gain. This view of the monarchy could have developed after Oliver Cromwell’s Republic which eventually became a military dictatorship; there has been little desire to attempt a republic since. Monarchists assert that honours systems like the French Legion of Honour may not be as politically impartial as they feel that a monarch is. • Monarchists argue that a constitutional monarch with limited powers and non-partisan nature can provide a focus for national unity, national awards and honours, national institutions, and allegiance, as opposed to a president affiliated to a political party. • Monarchs tend to be linked with the monarchs of other nations, or in the case of the Commonwealth, one person is the head of state for a number of nations. • As governor of the Church of England, the monarch plays quite an active role. This provides a standard set of ethics, hopes and vision for the people, allowing the nation to be more focused in how they see themselves and strive for their self-improvement. • 6 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia elected. This relates to the first argument that they are impartial and are figures of unity that people from all sides of the political spectrum can unite behind. • The annual expenditure, since June 2005 has been a total of £36.7 Million[19] or approximately 61 pence per person. When compared to the relative size and the duties that the Royal Family perform, this is significantly more cost effective as their only job duties are the meeting of foreign dignitaries, attending events and ceremonial events, to which they devote the majority of their time. In most states with a presidential system, the duties are divided between political and ceremonial responsibilities resulting in less time for both. Republicanism in the United Kingdom • Honor Blackman, actress (Pussy Galore in Goldfinger) • Jo Brand, comedienne • Russell Brown, MP • Joe Canter, television comedy script writer • Nick Cohen, The Observer columnist • John Cole, former BBC political editor • Jeremy Corbyn, MP • Richard Dawkins - Evolutionary biologist and writer • Ian Davidson, MP • Bill Ethrington, MP • Johann Hari, The Independent columnist • Roy Hattersley, former MP, Member of the House of Lords • Paul Heaton, singer (former member of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South, noted for anti monarchist lyrics) • Christopher Hitchens, author and columnist[1] • Kevin Hopkins, MP • Mick Hume, Times columnist • Brian Iddon, MP • Richard Littlejohn, Daily Mail columnist • Michael Mansfield, QC • John Milton • Morrissey, musician • Thomas Paine • Edward Pearce, Daily Telegraph columnist • Claire Rayner, journalist • Brian Reade, Daily Mirror columnist • Alan Rusbridger, Editor, The Guardian • Arthur Scargill, former trade union leader, leader of the Socialist Labour Party • Will Self, journalist • Dennis Skinner, MP • Mark Steel, comedian • Sue Townsend, author (wrote the best selling Political Satire The Queen and I in which Britain becomes a republic) • Benjamin Zephaniah, poet (publicly refused to accept an OBE in 2003) Other considerations Meritocracy vs aristocracy The heir to the throne, Prince Charles, has been criticised for writing a private memo on ambition and opportunity.[20] This memo was later leaked, and widely understood to criticise meritocracy for creating a competitive society, which republicans took as proof that the head aristocrat, and symbol of monarchy, was attacking meritocracy and the motivation of the common man towards greater achievement. In humorist Lynn Truss’s critique of British manners entitled Talk to the hand,[21] Charles’s memo is evaluated with respect to the putative impact of meritocracy on British boorishness. Truss came to the conclusion that the prince might have a point, that the positive motivational impact of meritocracy might be balanced against the negative impact of a competitive society. The British aristocratic system is not however entirely inherited. Honours and titles are bestowed by the monarch in recognition of service to the state (example: Baroness Margaret Thatcher) thus demonstrating aspects of meritocracy within the monarchical model. See also • • • • • • • • • • • Republic Commonwealth realm Commonwealth republic Constitution of the United Kingdom Constitutional monarchy Elective monarchy Golden Jubilee International Monarchist League Republic (political organisation) Republicanism in Australia Republicanism in New Zealand Notable advocates of republicanism for the UK • Norman Baker, MP • Tony Benn, former MP[22] 7 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia • Republicanism in Canada Republicanism in the United Kingdom newstopics/theroyalfamily/2122182/ Britain-should-get-rid-of-the-monarchy,says-UN.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-28. [5] http://washminster.blogspot.com/2008/ • Republic 06/whats-story-behind-story.html • Throneout [6] http://www.centreforcitizenship.org • New Chartists [7] Republic Policy sheet: Benefits of a • Centre for Citizenship Republic • International Monarchist League [8] Republic statement • Monarchy Wales [9] Republic’s Benefits Statement • British Republic [10] http://www.centreforcitizenship.org/ • Res Publica: Britain international antimonarchy/mon6.html monarchy Web directory [11] http://www.britsocat.com/ Body.aspx?control=Registration&ReturnUrl=%2fBod [12] Queen Elizabeth II’s Military titles [13] Queen Elizabeth II’s military career [14] Johann Hari - Archive [15] "Tibet News Network: Charles furore [1] Clare Dyer (June 27, 2003). "Guardian grows with Tibet missive". vindicated in treason case". The http://www.tibet.ca/en/wtnarchive/2002/ Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/ 9/26_5.html. Retrieved on 2006-09-01. uk_news/story/0,3604,985915,00.html. [16] St James’s Palace Defends Charles’s Role [2] ^ [Politics UK. Page 402, Bill Jones, [17] Assinder, Nick; BBC News: Royals Dennis Kavanagh, Michael Moran, Philip dragged into Haider row; February 9, Norton. Pearson Education, 2007, ISBN 2000 1405824115. http://books.google.com/ [18] Republic Organization Challenges books?id=6hynlgLMxbAC&printsec=frontcover#PPA401,M1 Queen’s Finances [3] "PM and Palace ’discussed reform’". [19] Monetary statistics BBC. 29 March 2009. [20] BBC NEWS | Magazine | The rise of the http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/ meritocracy 7967142.stm. Retrieved on 29 March [21] Carlton, Royce Talk to the Hand: The 2009. Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World [4] ^ "Britain should get rid of the Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay monarchy, says UN". The Daily Home and Bolt the Door. Gotham: Telegraph. 14 June 2008. November 8, 2005. ISBN 1-59240-171-6. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ [22] Republic | Our supporters External links References and further reading Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republicanism_in_the_United_Kingdom" Categories: Republicanism in the United Kingdom This page was last modified on 19 May 2009, at 16:50 (UTC). All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details.) Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) taxdeductible nonprofit charity. Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers 8