Labour man seeks vote to end the monarchy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Labour MP will this week table a parliamentary Bill aimed at ending the monarchy by means of a popular referendum, writes Paul Routledge. Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, wants to have the issue debated in the Commons as a preparatory move towards ending the reign of the House of Windsor when the Queen dies or abdicates.
His initiative, which is likely to anger Labour leader Tony Blair, comes as Labour MPs prepare to set up a parliamentary Republican or Royal Referendum Group. This idea was raised by Lynne Jones, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, at a meeting of the left-wing Campaign Group four days ago, and was endorsed yesterday by Ken Livingstone.
Mr Flynn said last night he had been advised by clerks to the House that a Royal Referendum Bill would be "acceptable and in order". His Bill will propose that at some stage before the Queen dies or abdicates, there should be a referendum to determine whether the country wishes to become a republic. Britain would still have a head of state, chosen by an electoral college composed of MPs and non-hereditary peers.
Mr Flynn argued: "We have a system that is no longer defensible. We need a strong personality as head of state, someone we can elect rather than someone who is there by accident of birth. The Prince of Wales will not unite the nation. He will certainly divide the nation."
Mr Livingstone said: "I think it is important that we should set up a parliamentary republican group, because clearly at some time in the future the British people will have to be consulted about the continuation of the monarchy. My preference would be a referendum that would ask `Would you like a republic to come into being once the Queen abdicates or dies?' so that this is not seen as an attack on the present monarch."
Labour's constitutional policy envisages a reformed House of Lords with only life peers being able to vote. But Tony Blair has rejected any suggestion that Labour would try to change the monarchy and only last month forced his Shadow Welsh Secretary, Ron Davies, to apologise for saying that Prince Charles was not suitable for the throne.
Royal knockout, page 6 Does she care? page 21
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments