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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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...

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

own

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 .

volver

Anarchists?

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.

The monarchy should end with the Queen. I don't want Charles on the throne.

I'm more open to William if I had my way, if the monarchy was to continue, taking over.

The homes/palaces etc and pageantry could be run by the museums and various. This would still bring in the crowds.

A republic? They still get to vote and have opposition. The system needs changing to P.R anyway.

There is no difference of having a primeminister to a president. Your stuck with whomever to the next election which happens every 4 years in either cas3e

There are pro's and cons tor each. I think when the Queen passes and the older generation go you will see more and more actively calling for a republic

Parsley3

Here's an idea. When the time comes, why not vote as a nation for whichever member of the Royal Family we would like to rule over us. Those in line to the throne can put themselves forward and with a simple FPTP system we can get the monarch we want. My vote would go to Edward if he stands. He seems like a good egg.

You still don't get that your views are very obviously minority ones. Why would we do what you suggest?

Yes, we need the monarchy in this day and age more than ever. Imagine getting a President like Trump or a leader like Putin instead. Horrific. They do so much for charity and good causes and bring in millions of revenue from foreign tourists.

sodapop

Are they still actually made of bearskin Yangste1007 I thought they were made from synthetic material now. I may be wrong of course.

Apparently they are still made of bearskin from the annual black bear cull in Canada. They had a trial of a synthetic material suggested by PETA but decided to go back to the ral thing. The bears will still be culled whether the guards use the pelts or not.