Republicanism in the United Kingdom

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Republicanism in Great Britain is a movement in the United Kingdom which seeks to remove the British monarchy and replace it with a republic that has a non-hereditary head of state. The method with which such a head of state should be chosen is not agreed upon, with some favouring an elected president, while others would support an appointed figurehead and others still support the idea of leaving the political system as it is with the absence of the monarch.

Contents

[edit] Context

Within Great Britain, republican sentiment has largely focused on the retention or abolition of the British monarch, rather than the 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, all-island state. While this may be confusing, unionists who support a 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 in an independent Scotland, unless the people of Scotland decided otherwise.

[edit] History

[edit] 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, then under Oliver Cromwell personally. First England (including Wales) was declared to be the Commonwealth of England and then Scotland and Ireland were forced in to union with England by the army. This decision was however later reversed upon the restoration of the monarchy. Later 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".[citation needed] He was often ruthless in putting down the mutinies which occurred within his own army towards the end of the war (prompted by Parliament's failure to pay the troops). Cromwell showed little sympathy for the Levellers, an egalitarian movement which had contributed greatly to Parliament's cause. 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 escape. Cromwell and the Grandees were not prepared to countenance such a radical democracy. Catholics were persecuted zealously under Cromwell, leading to much death and chaos in Ireland. There was a ban on many forms of entertainment; 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 regained the throne, 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, Cromwell was able to wield much more power as only loyalists were allowed to become MPs, turning the chamber into a rubber-stamping process. This was ironic given his complaints about Charles I acting without heeding the "wishes" of the people.

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 curb his power, as a King he would be obliged to honour such agreements as Magna Carta under the arrangement he had designed he had no such restraints, therefore preserving and enhancing his power and that of the army whilst decreasing the power of Parliament over his actions, most likely so he could maintain a well funded army which the Parliament couldn't be depended on to provide.

The office of Lord Protector was officially not supposed to be hereditary, though Cromwell was able to nominate his own successor.

[edit] 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.
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 restoration of Charles II and Glorious Revolution of 1688, 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.

[edit] Prohibition of republican advocacy

Parliament in 1848 passed the Treason Felony Act. This act made violation of the law punishable by lifetime imprisonment, even if such advocacy were by peaceful means. The law remains on the books.[1]

[edit] 21st century

The monarchy is still popular in the UK, though a vocal minority of the British public is opposed to it. Opinion polls in the recent past have put support for an elected head of state at between 15 to 25 per cent, with the most recent MORI poll in 2006 showing support for a republic at 18 per cent The Guardian newspaper approached the Attorney General in 2001, inquiring as to whether it would be prosecuted if it ran articles on the topic of whether British voters would have the right to chose a republic. The Attorney General refused to comment, so The Guardian published the articles anyway, then sued him. In 2003 the House of Lords found that the section of the 1848 Act prohibiting advocacy of republicanism is invalidated by the Human Rights Act 1998, furthermore, they found "that no Attorney-General or Director of Public Prosecutions would or could authorise a prosecution for such advocacy without becoming a laughing stock". However, they blasted The Guardian for bringing "unnecessary litigation ... in order to obtain obvious results". [2]

[edit] Supporters

[edit] 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 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.

[edit] 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 (that has roots in the anti-monarchist movements of the late 19th Century)[citation needed], who favour an 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 Welsh Assembly Member) and Norman Baker MP (a Liberal Democrat).

Outside Parliament, well-known contemporary republicans include journalist and author Claire Rayner; actress Honor Blackman; author Benjamin Zephaniah; and Michael Mansfield, QC.

The Scottish Socialist Party advocates Scottish republicanism, organising the republican rally at Calton Hill on the official opening of Holyrood by the Queen.

[edit] Arguments in favour of a republic

[edit] The benefits of a republic

Republicans feel that a republic is the next logical step of a historical process of gradual democratic reform.[3] They assert that the British people will excel within a non-hereditary democratic and open system for selecting 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."[4]

Such a system, argue republicans, 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 too could aspire one day to becoming Head of State themselves.[5]

[edit] Arguments against monarchy

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Republicans generally assert that hereditary monarchy is the ultimate symbol of unfairness and elitism[citation needed]. They claim that in a modern and democratic society no one should be expected to defer to another simply because of their birth[citation needed]. 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"[citation needed]. 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[citation needed].

Further, republicans argue that 'the people', should be sovereign, not the offspring of one family retained at public expense to occupy the nominally top job in a state system, permanently.

  • Monarchy denies the people a basic right

Republicans argue 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 public office, and that such a Head of State is more accountable to the people. The right to choose one's leaders is the sine qua non of pure democracy.

  • Monarchy devalues a parliamentary system

Ceremonial parliamentary events can include a mass of obsolete customs and out of date procedures to enhance the appearance of legitimacy. Monarchical prerogative powers can be used to circumvent normal democratic process with no accountability.

  • Hereditary monarchy is racially discriminatory

The monarchs themselves can only represent a single race by virtue of being from the same family; if the royal family are exclusively white, then - unless they were to marry people from other ethnic backgrounds and have children with them - only white people could be the Head of State.

  • Monarchy is religiously discriminatory

If the Monarch is the Head of the Church of England, that implies that all other religions are not endorsed by the Head of State. Only a Protestant may inherit the Crown, and anyone who has professed Roman Catholicism, or has married a Roman Catholic, is prohibited from succeeding. It is also argued that having an Anglican head of state is unrepresentative of a nation where the majority of citizens are non-religious. The UK is one of the most secular and religiously apathetic countries in the world, yet has a Christian head of state.

  • Monarchy is gender-discriminitive

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. Thus the monarchy is sexist because it denies females the same rights as males. If absolute primogeniture is used instead of male primogeniture, then the crown will be passed onto the eldest child, irrespective of gender so that daughters can enjoy the same rights as sons. However since absolute primogeniture is not used in the UK, females are less likely to become head of state than males. This method of succession not only disinherits daughters, but also her descendants.

  • A monarchy demands deference

It is argued by Republicans that the very way citizens are supposedly required to address a royal family, even the most junior members, is part of an attempt to keep subjects 'in their place'[citation needed].

  • It is the enemy of merit and aspiration

The order of succession in a monarchy dictates that only a few people have the capability of being the Head of State. This is anathema to meritocracy, and promotes aristocracy. They argue that the vast majority of common people, not being members of the aristocracy, are discouraged. The highest titular office in the land is not open to "free and fair competition"[citation needed].

  • It devalues intellect and achievement

Republicans argue that Royals bolster their position with unearned symbols of achievement. Examples in the UK might include the Queen's many honorary military titles of colonel-in-chief.[6] The Queen's sole military experience, though honorable and bold for its day, was as a driver and a mechanic. There is debate over the roles the members of the monarchy have played in the military, many highly doubt that members of the royal family took any part on the front line for any 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.[7]

  • It harms the monarchs themselves

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 monarcy. 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.[8]

  • Monarchs are not impartial, and lack accountability

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.[9][10][11]

While monarchists tend to feel that an impartial advantage is gained by various aspects of the civil service reporting into the Crown, (see example of police below), republicans see a lack of important democratic accountability and transparency for such institutions.

  • The Monarchy is expensive

Republicans claim that the total the hidden costs (e.g, the Royal Protection security bill) affiliated to the monarchy in fact lands the taxpayer with a bill of over £100 million per annum. Furthermore, they challenge the crown in their use of every child, infant and pensioner when dividing the cost amongst taxpayers.[12]

  • The Monarchy makes the UK look backwards

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[citation needed].

[edit] Arguments in favour of constitutional monarchy

  • Provides an impartial arbiter

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 this body holds all executive authority is seen as a bonus 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. Furthermore, monarchists assert that honours systems like the French Legion of Honour may not be as politically impartial as they feel that a monarch is.

  • Provides a focal point for unity and tradition

Monarchists argue that a constitutional monarch with limited powers, and ostensibly non-partisan nature can provide a focus for national unity, national awards and honours, national institutions, and allegiance, as opposed to a president, who, due to the election process, would cause a relative amount of division between his or her supporters and detractors.

  • Provides links with other states

Monarchs tend to be linked with the monarchs of other nations, or in the case of the Commonwealth Realms, one person is the Head of State separately for each nation.

  • The Church

The Queen is, by notoriety, the Head of the Church of England and plays quite an active part within this role. The days are gone when Catholics, or followers of non-Christian religions, would be persecuted by The Crown as traitors and heretics.

  • A separation from government duties (in figurehead monarchies)

Monarchists argue that separating the Head of State from the Head of Government (the Prime Minister), offers some advantages. But it is unclear if a system like that of France, wherein there is a separate president and prime minister would have the same advantage, it being possible that having both an elected president and prime minister could lead to the two coming to odds over who holds more authority; each could claim to be "elected by the people".

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. Another legal example could be the role of the Police in the UK, where the Police are occupy of the Office of Constable that are there to protect the Queen's Peace. As a result, it effectively means they are servants of the Crown and not servants of the government. This allows them to be completely impartial of the government, thus separating the administration of justice from the government. In practice, however, the reigning monarch exercises little or no power of control over such institutions, which are, therefore run by the government, for the people.

  • Monarchies have staying power

Monarchists argue that Constitutional Monarchy creates a Head of State that is under the democratic control of Parliament but does not rotate and change on a short term basis. In the days of absolute monarchies however, there were certainly tumultuous periods with multiple monarchs. Perhaps the examples of Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Queen Mary I would serve as an example of 3 monarchs in 11 years. However, modern Constitutional Monarchs, such as that in Denmark, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have had monarchs that have had many Prime Ministers, but only one Monarch during a given span of time.

  • Discrimination?

Republicans have argued that the existence of a monarchy or even an aristocracy amounts to snobbery and that one should not be placed in power purely because of inheritance and without any qualifications or legitimacy to hold it. 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.

  • No divisive elections

Constitutional Monarchists argue that where elections are not needed they are only divisive, and that the head of state need not be 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 Royals are cost effective

The annual expenditure, since June 2005 has been a total of £36.7 Million[13] 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.

[edit] Other considerations

[edit] Meritocracy vs aristocracy

The heir to the throne, Prince Charles, has been criticised for writing a private memo on ambition and opportunity.[14] 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,[15] 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.

[edit] Famous Advocates of Republicanism in the UK

[16]

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References and further reading

  1. ^ Clare Dyer. "Guardian vindicated in treason case", The Guardian, Friday June 27, 2003. 
  2. ^ House of Lords - Regina v Her Majesty's Attorney General (Appellant) ex parte Rusbridger and another (Respondents)
  3. ^ Republic Policy sheet: Benefits of a Republic
  4. ^ Republic statement
  5. ^ Republic's Benefits Statement
  6. ^ Queen Elizabeth II's Military titles
  7. ^ Queen Elizabeth II's military career
  8. ^ http://www.johannhari.com/archive/article.php?id=603
  9. ^ Tibet News Network: Charles furore grows with Tibet missive. Retrieved on 2006-09-01.
  10. ^ St James's Palace Defends Charles's Role
  11. ^ Assinder, Nick; BBC News: Royals dragged into Haider row; February 9, 2000
  12. ^ Republic Organization Challenges Queen's Finances
  13. ^ Monetary statistics
  14. ^ BBC NEWS | Magazine | The rise of the meritocracy
  15. ^ Carlton, Royce Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home and Bolt the Door. Gotham: November 8, 2005. ISBN 1-59240-171-6.
  16. ^ http://www.republic.org.uk/supporters/index.php
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