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Do we need the monarchy in this day and and age?

(722 Posts)
maddyone Wed 23-Feb-22 11:48:54

Okay, it was suggested on a different thread that a new thread should be started about this, so here goes.
So do we need a monarchy today? That’s it really.

DaisyAnne Thu 24-Feb-22 13:29:35

volver

Anarchists? shock

I want a Republic and I have explained why consistently. I also offer alternatives which are often countered by the "yes, but Trump" brigade. It's a bit scary that people who disagree with you are called anarchists and are told they are just shouting the odds. Should we just shut up and stop talking about it? How Putin-esque.

You appear - I admit it isn't that clear - to think you can inflict your wish for a republic on our country.

To me, that sounds as if you are aiming at ignoring or destroying our current controlling systems in an undemocratic way by forcing your wishes on a population that overwhelmingly doesn't want to change what we do now. That is anarchy.

Soozikinzi Thu 24-Feb-22 13:31:01

No we don't need the monarchy any more and we certainly don't need dukes, duchess, lords and ladies . It's a ridiculously outdated system . I think our Queen is wonderful and so only think the system should end when she passes. Than we should have a president and prime minister - Eire and lots of other countries seem to manage perfectly well .

Lucca Thu 24-Feb-22 13:31:15

Lilyflower

Do we want President Tony or President Jeremy instead? No thanks.

Why are those the options ? You could have president farage or widecombe I guess

Seabreeze Thu 24-Feb-22 13:34:28

The Royal family bring in millions of pounds each year from foreign visitors. They are very popular with many people as you can tell from the immense crowds on any Royal occasion.
I feel it draws us together as a nation in times of trouble.
The queen is a shining example as a sovereign.

volver Thu 24-Feb-22 13:35:27

No, of course I don't why would you think that? Nobody, certainly not me, is saying that this is the way we have to go and I'm not listening to anybody else's views.

The thread is about whether we want a monarchy or not. I don't, some people do and that's OK. But why should we stop talking about it? I'm not asking for overthrow of the status quo and imposition of a form of government that the majority don't want.

I am completely, totally sideswiped by the fact that you think advocating a different governmental system and explaining why, amounts to anarchy.

volver Thu 24-Feb-22 13:36:07

Lucca

Lilyflower

Do we want President Tony or President Jeremy instead? No thanks.

Why are those the options ? You could have president farage or widecombe I guess

Neil Oliver. He always seems so well balanced and fair.

Freya5 Thu 24-Feb-22 13:46:35

volver

No, of course I don't why would you think that? Nobody, certainly not me, is saying that this is the way we have to go and I'm not listening to anybody else's views.

The thread is about whether we want a monarchy or not. I don't, some people do and that's OK. But why should we stop talking about it? I'm not asking for overthrow of the status quo and imposition of a form of government that the majority don't want.

I am completely, totally sideswiped by the fact that you think advocating a different governmental system and explaining why, amounts to anarchy.

Overthrowing a Government = Coup d’etat really. Because I would think no one in this day and age wants another civil war on these islands.

Mimi1234 Thu 24-Feb-22 13:47:42

The monarchy is far from benevolent and the monarch's position is only at the tip of a pyramid of corruption. The history of monarchies will never be lost - it has scarred us throughout the ages. The monarchy can hardly be considered to be a harmless tourist attraction.

mokryna Thu 24-Feb-22 13:54:47

I would prefer to keep a small group of the RF., I admire the Queen,

But if the worst happens before ‘doing away’ with the RF the whole UK voting system has to be changed, one man one vote and how long between periods starting with the H of C, another for the H of L and then finally a system for voting a president. Look at other counties to examine what works well and rejet those that fail then choose the best.
Don’t anyone say that is too much voting, as people in some counties are not allowed to voice their on personal opinions.

mokryna Thu 24-Feb-22 13:55:38

own

Peasblossom Thu 24-Feb-22 13:56:12

Unfortunately the history of Republics and their Heads of State is also a history of corruption, oppression and self seeking.

There are only a handful of countries that have changed political systems peacefully. The majority have change, followed by dissent and then either followed by overthrow and conflict or by oppression of dissenters.

Eventually after decades (or even centuries-France) some sort of order emerges though it may not be a republic even then.

Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

TanaMa Thu 24-Feb-22 14:00:42

Who would you vote for to be Ptesident? Can't think of one person I would put my mark against and to think of a Trump, Biden, Macron or Putin, or even Corbyn in power is enough to chill to the bone.

pollyanna999 Thu 24-Feb-22 14:00:52

Yes, i believe we do need the Monarchy. They provide stability, [if we had a democracy we would forever be having elections and everything which goes with that, for president,] having a president would be just as costly, but more so as the ever revolving door for sitting President would always require funding. Currently we know what we have, [warts & all, - poor old Andy is the wart] and we can deal with that. Monarchs bring tourists - [income for tourist industry] Presidents are 10 a penny, no one comes to see them, & you only have to look around the world to see how some Presidents have treated the people who voted them in - & the treatment metered out to those who did not] So all in all i am in favour of the Monarchy.

Farzanah Thu 24-Feb-22 14:02:22

Well Ireland manages without a monarchy and they’ve had some great Presidents, for example Mary Robinson, and Mary McAleese.
GN is mainly used by the older members of the population whom I assume statistically to be monarchists, therefore I am encouraged by numerous posters here, who feel like me, that the monarchy is outdated in a modern democracy.

Mummer Thu 24-Feb-22 14:05:11

We kinda do Jim, but not as we know it!!
Figurehead family that's good for business and those who feel they need them in their lives, but that don't cost so blooming much!! Time to trim all the fat to the bone! Only the monarch family and those next in line say two removed, the rest can get a job!

volver Thu 24-Feb-22 14:08:14

TanaMa

Who would you vote for to be Ptesident? Can't think of one person I would put my mark against and to think of a Trump, Biden, Macron or Putin, or even Corbyn in power is enough to chill to the bone.

David Attenborough. Not that I suppose he'd want it.

What was that young footballer called, the one who thought feeding children was probably a good thing? Him. I'd vote for him.

Please, please, please, the whole "President Corbyn" thing is so old now...

Sparkles Thu 24-Feb-22 14:09:26

We need this as something for tourists to see and for us to be proud of - pity a few of these family members have not realised that they are in our employ and have a lot of wonderful homes and priviliges and their lives should be exemplary. If they cannot behave suitably they should resign like anyone would who does not like their job and not expect to keep the perks that went with the job and be housed in any of the royal residences

Joesoap Thu 24-Feb-22 14:09:29

Maybe we dont NEED a monarchy but without one,it may turn out to be having a President, think one like Macron or god forbid Putin or remember Trump.
No, I think its better with a monarchy.Now I am going to hide behind the sofa!

paddyann54 Thu 24-Feb-22 14:10:15

volver that WAS a joke ...right?Neil Oliver ? The man who rewrote Scottish history to suit his unionist beliefs ...I dont think so.In fact I'd rather have Jamie Oliver than Neil and I cant stand him either

volver Thu 24-Feb-22 14:14:31

paddyann54

volver that WAS a joke ...right?Neil Oliver ? The man who rewrote Scottish history to suit his unionist beliefs ...I dont think so.In fact I'd rather have Jamie Oliver than Neil and I cant stand him either

Yes it was a joke grin

Somebody will be along in a minute to tell me I'm an anarchist.

Lupin Thu 24-Feb-22 14:14:52

I'd go for a modernised system and a reduced number of royals. Do away with curtseys and bowing, and titles, Do we really need Dukes, Earls, Barons etc? Lords and Ladies? A constitutional monarch as head of state can unite us outside of politics which divides us. The pageantry represents our history and is a tradition worth keeping so we don't forget what's gone before and our identity as a country. . I'm thinking of Remembrance Sunday here and other ceremonies that link us together. I rather like the pageantry and theatre of it all.
These points are just opinions.

rowyn Thu 24-Feb-22 14:16:13

I can't justify the Monarchy in one way, but I jolly well can in another.
What is the alternative? A president voted for by the people? Would you really want to end up with a figurehead like megalomaniac Trump or aging Biden, and now, of course Putin, who probably wasn't even voted for?

It's no use saying that British people have more sense - clever propaganda can lead even British people astray. Once you have demolished the monarch and voted in a President then you will never be able to trust media at all.

With a Monarch who has no power to make decisions that affect us all,and who is apolitical, at least we have a Parliament that debates and votes and can be changed every 4 years. .
Of course it's not ideal in many ways, but infinitely preferable to a President with the most money behind him/her to persuade voters to choose them.

pollyanna999 Thu 24-Feb-22 14:16:31

Yes, I believe we do. The Monarchy has given us stability over the decades, [especially recent ones] & i think anything else would be a step in wrong direction. If people think the Monarchy is expensive, they are not going to be as expensive as setting up the 'revolving' door of a Democracy, with a President. Take a look around the world at all of the failed 'Democracies' that have been put in place. Many of them cost a 'hidden' fortune in lost lives. livelihood's, & the cost to people generally, in constant 'elections', disruption, and sadly at times, bloodshed. a lot of them if you are lucky , just cost a fortune, & for the lucky few, those in charge, a very nice life. Then take a look at the 'successful' democracies, & think about how you would like to live under one? some you might think, ok, not to bad, but the rest? I think maybe not.

StoneofDestiny Thu 24-Feb-22 14:20:39

No - in a democracy the very existence of an unelected ‘Queen’ or ‘King’ to reign over is an affront. This lot rake the biscuit - a huge family of independent billionaires who are not accountable in any way - ‘never complain never explain’ live in extraordinary luxury with taxpayers support. Despite our financial support they feel entitled to keep their financial affairs secret - seen Prince Philips will anybody?
A whole family living their lives with no experience of what real work or balancing your budget means - all free from worry about affording a home, healthcare, children's education or household chores, no worry about unemployment or future prospects. We have Charles still serving an apprenticeship for an unnecessary job at age 73 and his son serving the same apprenticeship at 39! Seriously - we are taken for fools and by sheer luck it’s not Andrew next in line.
A more disfunctional family would be hard to find, yet we elevate them above all others and they expect our deference.
As for the model of the modern woman they portray - laughable. Kate has carved a little niche for herself as a clothes horse and ideal mum (despite having a battery of staff - nannies, servants, cooks, shoppers, dressers and chauffeurs - and no job to get in the way.
The tourists will come regardless of their existence as they do to France, USA and other republics.

Bijou Thu 24-Feb-22 14:34:56

Maybe it was just during the war that they changed to nylon hats.