TOPIC GUIDE: Monarchy
"An unelected head of state should have no place in 21st century Britain"
PUBLISHED: 31 Aug 2010
AUTHOR: Patrick Hayes
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INTRODUCTION
This year marks the 350th anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy following the English Civil War. Despite the industrial revolution and the collapse of the British Empire, the UK remains a constitutional monarchy with the Queen as the unelected head of state [Ref: Direct.gov]. Debates about whether the monarchy should be abolished have taken place for centuries; however the nature of the debate today differs from previous eras. Whilst few people in secular Britain would now support the notion of a divine right to rule, many enjoy the celebrity, pomp and ceremony of the Royal Family; seeing it as part of a harmless British tradition, good for tourism and international trade, and a bulwark against political and social instability. Campaigners against the monarchy point out the more insidious anti-democratic aspects of having an unelected head of state, for instance the use of the ancient royal prerogative by the Prime Minister and members of the cabinet to pass legislation and make decisions without having to consult elected representatives in parliament [Ref: History Learning Site]. Indeed in 2008, the UN Human Rights Council published a report recommending that the Britain should consider holding a referendum on whether the monarch should remain the head of state [Ref: Daily Telegraph]. Others argue there is no public appetite for such an initiative and that Britain benefits from having a monarchy that stands apart from the ‘murky’ process of electioneering and the potential ill-judgement of the electorate.
DEBATE IN CONTEXT
This section provides a summary of the key issues in the debate, set in the context of recent discussions and the competing positions that have been adopted.
An anchor in a changing world or holding back progress?
After the 2009 MPs’ expenses scandal [Ref: suite101.com], the Queen was held up as a shining example of reliability and trustworthiness compared to the rotten, corruptible political class [Ref: Daily Telegraph]. Following the hung parliament in the May 2010 general elections, the presence of a monarch was said to be crucial in keeping Britain from chaos [Ref: Daily Telegraph] The fact that the head of state is unelected, it is argued, is positive, as it allows him or her to look to Britain’s long-term interests, rather than pandering to the short-term desires of the public to secure votes. Many agree with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s description of the Queen as ‘an anchor for our age’ in a ‘changing and churning world’ [Ref: United Nations]. Opponents argue that such a position shows an elitist contempt for the idea that the public are capable of governing their own affairs. Far from ‘steadying the ship’, argues commentator Brendan O’Neill, the presence of a monarch encourages the idea that people are not in control of their own destinies and need a blue-blooded ‘expert’ to make decisions on their behalf [Ref: spiked]. Supporters point to the knowledge and experience the monarchy possesses, and argue that focusing on overturning centuries of tradition distracts from looking at other, more important problems with contemporary society [Ref: New Statesman]. Opponents argue that the existence of the monarchy is fundamentally at odds with a society promoting democracy and equality, perpetuating the idea that wealth and power result from an accident of birth, rather than merit [Ref: Guardian].
A threat to democracy or harmless figureheads?
Walter Bagehot’s The English Constitution (1867) famously outlined a template for relations between monarch and parliament – the monarch has ‘the right to be consulted, the right to encourage, the right to warn’ - which has been broadly followed since. Whilst the pomp of traditional regal ceremonies remains, the monarch does not interfere in the business of parliament. Consistent with this, Buckingham Palace made it clear that the Queen’s personal preference would play no role in determining the outcome of the hung parliament at the last general election [Ref: BBC News]. On the other hand, Prince Charles is notorious for using his position to campaign around certain causes [Ref: Guardian], from opposing GM food to promoting alternative medicine to lobbying the Qatari Prime Minister to alter the design of the Chelsea Barracks building [Ref: Daily Telegraph].
Critics further point out that the royal prerogative allows the Prime Minister to bypass the democratic process, and according to The Observer, endows the PM with ‘quasi-dictatorial powers covering everything from making war to signing treaties’ [Ref: Guardian]. The royal prerogative is not simply a dormant principle: for example, former Prime Minister Tony Blair used it in 1999 to commit UK forces to Kosovo without parliamentary approval [Ref: The Times]. Supporters of the monarchy point to the flaws in politicians and Parliament, and argue that electing a President as head of state could result in a more powerful politician whom the electorate do not trust. Opponents argue that the virtue of elections is that people get to make the choice of their political representatives; and that a bad politician, unlike the Queen, can always be stripped of his or her power by being elected out [Ref: spiked].
Popular and good for tourism?
Reasons often given by the public in support of the monarchy include its importance for tourism, trade and international relations, particularly with the US. But such assertions have been criticised as a Royal spin campaign [Ref: Republic]. A leading polling organisation has reported that public support for the monarchy has remained consistently high: only 18% would see it abolished, the same as when polls began in 1969 [Ref: Time]. This, it is argued, demonstrates public support for the monarchy, rendering a referendum unnecessary; and at a time when there is little republican fever in the UK, there seems to be neither the will nor the basis for abolishing the monarchy. Opponents counter that if people use popular support as an argument for the monarchy, why not allow a referendum to take place to prove this?
ESSENTIAL READING
It is crucial for debaters to have read the articles in this section, which provide essential information and arguments for and against the debate motion. Students will be expected to have additional evidence and examples derived from independent research, but they can expect to be criticised if they lack a basic familiarity with the issues raised in the essential reading.
British Monarchy: will it continue to endure?
Dominic Sandbrook BBC History Magazine 14 April 2010
The Barriers to a Republic in Britain
Brendan O’Neill spiked 29 November 2009
MPs’ expenses: the Queen has a role to play in stabilising government
Simon Heffer Daily Telegraph 18 May 2009
Britain should get rid of the monarchy, says UN
Telegraph 13 June 2008
The Times 6 February 2006
FOR
Queen of Scots? No thanks, Ma’am
Ian Bell Herald Scotland 12 May 2013
Thanks, your majesty, but it’s time we Scots moved on
Fraser Matheson Scottish Review 24 July 2012
This royal frenzy should embarrass us all
Johann Hari Independent 15 April 2011
Monarchy spending should have been squeezed
Graham Smith Guardian 23 June 2010
We should cut off more than their handouts
Rob Lyons spiked 3 June 2010
There can be no constitutional renewal while a monarch sits on the throne
New Statesman 9 July 2009
Peter Tatchell Guardian 1 June 2007
AGAINST
Shut up, royal baby haters. Monarchy is awesome
Washington Post 23 July 2013
Nelson Jones New Statesman 30 May 2013
Monarchy is anachronistic, privileged and unfair – but it works
Hamish MacDonell Caledonian Mercury 6 June 2012
Jubilee may make Scots think again
Peter Jones Scotsman 7 February 2012
Simon Walker New Statesman 9 July 2010
Stop the Queen opening Parliament? We need the wise old trouper more than ever!
Tom Utley Daily Mail 30 May 2010
Gawd bless yer, Ma’am – a hung parliament shows how crucial the Queen is
Harry Mount Daily Telegraph 7 May 2010
The Queen’s pearls of wisdom over 50 years
Christopher Howse Daily Telegraph 22 December 2007
IN DEPTH
Scottish monarchy depends on people’s will
Michael Fry Scotsman 23 July 2013
Does the monarchy still matter?
New Statesman 9 July 2009
Prince Charles: Ready for active service
Jonathan Dimbleby Sunday Times 16 November 2008
Diana Meyer Time 16 August 2007
The Monarchy as entertainment: Is it more than a joke?
Frank Vilbert openDemocracy 14 November 2002
Republic
KEY TERMS
Definitions of key concepts that are crucial for understanding the topic. Students should be familiar with these terms and the different ways in which they are used and interpreted and should be prepared to explain their significance.
BACKGROUNDERS
Useful websites and materials that provide a good starting point for research.
Telegraph 13 August 2013
Royal baby: The fact that the monarchy is a symbol of inherited privilege is a reason to preserve it
Toby Young Telegraph 23 July 2013
Almost all Britons satisfied with the Queen as Monarch, but Prince William is the most popular Royal
Ipsos Mori 19 November 2012
Do we really need the monarchy?
The Cambridge Union Society Huffington Post 3 July 2012
She’s still our Queen for a’ that
Allan Massie Telegraph 1 July 2012
A long reign and a lost republic
David Hayes Inside Story 19 April 2012
Why the royal wedding might drive me to republicanism
Simon Varwell 25 April 2011
Richard Alcock Guardian 1 August 2010
Simon Walker New Statesman 9 July 2010
Prince Charles meddling : a royal right, or a privilege too far?
Robert Booth Guardian 30 June 2010
The Royal family is a bargain for Britain
Gerald Warner Telegraph 23 June 2010
Why are we still supporting the Monarchy?
Jennifer O’Mahony Liberal Conspiracy 22 June 2010
Prince Charles, disgusted of Windsor
Guardian 21 June 2010
The Queen and a hung parliament
Nicholas Witchell BBC News 7 May 2010
Gawd bless yer, Ma’am – a hung parliament shows how crucial the Queen is
Harry Mount Daily Telegraph 7 May 2010
Prince William shows he can do the job – but does he want it?
Michael White Guardian 22 January 2010
The barriers to a Republic of Britain
Brendan O’Neil spiked 27 November 2009
Is it time for a Scottish referendum on the monarchy?
Judith Fisher Progress Online 23 July 2009
Can you call for the abolition of the monarchy without risking the noose?
Anna Fairclough Guardian 21 July 2009
The dangers of a political king
Graham Smith Guardian 21 April 2009
The Queen’s pearls of wisdom over 50 years
Christopher Howse Telegraph 22 December 2007
Lords scrutinise royal prerogative
Politics 11 August 2005
‘The Royal Family are parasites, they cost us too much’
M Macleod Scotsman 28 December 2002
The Monarchy as entertainment: Is it more than a joke?
Frank Vilbert openDemocracy 14 November 2002
Republic
Republic
Parliament
Directgov
Ipsos MORI
ORGANISATIONS
Links to organisations, campaign groups and official bodies who are referenced within the Topic Guide or which will be of use in providing additional research information.
IN THE NEWS
Relevant recent news stories from a variety of sources, which ensure students have an up to date awareness of the state of the debate.
Scots demand vote on keeping the Queen
Scottish Sunday Express 31 August 2013
Scottish independence: Aileen Campbell says Scots should decide on monarchy
BBC News 13 August 2013
Prince Charles faces scrutiny by MPs over veto on laws
Guardian 12 August 2013
Scots ‘should have vote on Queen’ after Yes vote says SNP minister
STV 11 August 2013
Yes campaign split over Canavan’s call for referendum on Royals
STV 29 July 2013
Scottish independence: Dennis Canavan reopens monarchy debate
BBC News 28 July 2013
Confidence in British monarchy at all-time high, poll shows
Telegraph 27 July 2013
Kirk calls for Scottish coronations if country backs independence
STV 25 April 2013
Scottish independence: Ditch the Queen, Salmond told
Scotsman 25 November 2012
MSPs vote to keep Queen as Head of State if Scotland Splits from UK
Scotsman 31 May 2012
Lib Dems demand clarity on the role of the Queen in an independent Scotland
STV 12 February 2012
The big day: Scotland celebrates the royal wedding
STV 29 April 2011
Kate and William return to St Andrews
Guardian 25 February 2011
Australia ‘should drop Royal ties’
Press Association 16 August 2010
Value of Queen’s private estate increases by £25m
BBC News 27 July 2010
Royal Spending cut by £3m a year
Guardian 5 July 2010
Queen’s visit open debate over her future in Canada
BBC News 2 July 2010
Queen’s Civil List payment frozen at £7.9m for 2010
Independent 23 June 2010
Cameron hung parliament defiance ‘could threaten monarchy’
Politics.co.uk 4 May 2010
Britain should get rid of the monarchy, says UN
Telegraph 13 June 2008
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