God save the Queen – but not the institution of monarchy

Letters to the editor: our readers share their views. Please send your letters to letters@independent.co.uk

We have been very fortunate in having a head of state devoted to public service for all these years, but it could have been otherwise (AP)

In common with most people, I have great respect for the Queen. But I have long held reservations about the institution of monarchy.

We have been very fortunate in having a head of state devoted to public service for all these years, but it could have been otherwise. A society which endorses hereditary privilege is not many steps away from condoning hereditary deprivation. It could be argued that ours still does just that.

The problem is, who would we have to replace the monarch, and how would they be chosen? Recent examples in the UK and the US have demonstrated the undesirability of populist politicians. Perhaps someone like a David Attenborough or a Captain Tom, if that could be arranged in a democratically acceptable manner?

Similarly with the House of Lords – there is much to be said for an upper house of people with wisdom, knowledge and experience in a variety of fields, only a minority of whom are politicians. A system of nominations and public voting would have to be devised, but clearly there are dangers.

It’s often said that democracy is not a good form of government, it’s merely less bad than all the others. I’m coming round to the view that something similar might be said of monarchy.

So, for now, God save the Queen!

Susan Alexander

Frampton Cotterell

Should Boris Johnson stay?

The platinum jubilee has shown that the Queen’s lifetime desire to serve her country is appreciated by millions.

To respect her work in helping to unite the country, policies that created deep divisions in the UK must be reversed. Therefore, since Boris Johnson’s political actions contributed to the deep divisions that now exist in the UK, should he continue to be prime minister?

Sadly, until a general election is called, the electorate can only watch parliament deliberate on who should be the PM.

Chris Lovejoy

Beverley

Retire the monarchy

I read with interest Jamie Reid’s piece on the need for a revolution to get rid of the monarchy and the aristocracy, and free the working classes.

I haven’t seen many houses displaying the British flag during this jubilee period or many street parties.

As a proud British republican, can we decide as a country to retire the monarchy after the Queen finishes her service, because whatever reverence they inspired in the past has all gone.

Kartar Uppal

Sutton Coldfield

London weighting

I have often wondered about the fairness and need for a London weighting allowance.

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Paying people more so they can live and work in an area of high and well-paid employment, with access to world-beating facilities and comprehensive transport infrastructure purely to help with the high cost of housing, seems wrong – particularly given that this increased income only fuels higher house prices, so those in greatest need see no real benefit.

Now that rising energy prices makes keeping warm a major cost, might we consider a similar allowance for those in the colder north? Relatives in the south tell me they use little or no heating after March and can swim in the sea well into October. We are only just reducing our heating in June and will be firing up again in late August if not sooner.

So at least we will be getting used to the higher costs, while those in the south will be in for a shock come autumn.

G Forward

Stirling