Category Archives: Media

Labour MP quizzes Clegg on an elected Head of State

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Labour MP Paul Flynn has exposed the limits to Nick Clegg’s belief in democracy in a Parliamentary question about the Monarchy.

Despite arguing in the same session of Deputy Prime Minister’s Questions that the House of Lord needed democratic reform, Clegg said he did not support electing the Head of State

In light of the current debate over Lords reform, Flynn asked “Will the Deputy Prime Minister extend his commendable enthusiasm to trusting the people and extending democracy by giving our people a right that is enjoyed in almost every other free country in the world—that is, will he allow them to vote on whether Charles, William or A. N. Other should be our next head of state?”

At a time when there is intense scrutiny on Britain’s constitution, it is essential that the scope of the debate is broadened to include a discussion on a democratic alternative to the Monarchy.

The Deputy Prime Minister has recently stated in the Commons that the Lords must be reformed because it has “no democratic mandate – none at all – but exercises real power”, but it appears that he is unwilling to apply this principle to our Head of State.

Queen’s income from the taxpayer up £200,000 despite austerity

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Recently published figures show that taxpayer funding for the Queen increased by £200,000 in the last year to over £32 million.

While the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Government is slashing benefits from the most vulnerable and imposing pay freezes on low paid public sector workers, they have introduced new legislation to ensure that the Queen’s income increases year on year.

The Royal family also saw the taxpayer subsidy for their transport increase by £100,000, with Prince Charles claiming £20,000 to visit poverty-stricken areas of London. This figure, already obscene, becomes even more extraordinary when compared to the £2,000 it costs to send the Prime Minister on a trip to Afghanistan.

Another trip to Middlesborough, Teesside, Redcar and Burnley, which Charles made by train, set the taxpayer back £38,016. Meanwhile, Charles’ brother, Prince Andrew racked up a staggering £350,000 travel bill in 2011/12 – a figure that is almost 17 times the average income in the UK.

Despite the swingeing cuts to public services and welfare, the Royals are continuing to lead a lavish lifestyle and seem to have exercised no restraint in billing the taxpayer exorbitant amounts. It seems utterly bizarre that the Conservative-led Government are implementing austerity measures which hit the poorest hardest whilst the Queen and her extended family remain exempt from cuts.

Labour for Republic believes it is unacceptable for ordinary working people, already paying for a crisis they didn’t create, to have to pay for the luxurious lifestyle of one of the richest families in the country. It is telling that the Conservative-led Government looked first to cut from the poor, but did not consider reducing spending on the Royals.

It is completely wrong that taxpayers on low incomes should be expected to fund not only the Head of State but also her extended family and this is a matter which needs to be addressed urgently.

Labour for a Republic calls for ‘Elizabeth Tower’ name change to be dropped

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Labour for a Republic is calling on MPs to drop plan to change the name of the tower which holds Big Ben to ‘Elizabeth Tower’.

The majority of MPs are said to agree with the renaming despite being opposed by 53% of Londoners and only supported by just 23% of Londoners. This is reflected across the country, with just 30% supporting the change of name to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee nationwide.

“MPs should listen to the public who clearly do not support plans to change the name of the clock tower and drop this proposal,” said a Labour for Republic spokesperson.

“As part of the Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben tower is not only one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, but also recognised globally as a symbol of British democracy. The fact that MPs are making a gift of this to an already-privileged individual, in the face of public opinion, speaks volumes about the corrosive effect of the hereditary principle on democracy.”

“It is incredibly disappointing to see Labour MPs and the Labour leader backing this name change and we will be speaking to these MPs to urge them to reconsider their position.”