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.
Well done Paul Flynn. At last a Labour M.P. behaving as a Labour M.P. should, ignoring the protocol that makes our parliament a pantomine and asking a pertinent question on behalf of millions who believe that if our society is to be better then our politics must first improve through genuine,lasting, history making reform.
its taken 99yrs for the Liberals to get this far in government to winning a general election and all Clegg does is muff it, by refusing to implement reform of the monarchy and which goes hand in glove with reform of the Lords, you cannot reform one without the other, or is Clegg thinking of his won post government peerage
I just received a link to this site over on LabourList. Its a real breath of fresh air to hear a Labour MP asking about the monarchy – I’m sure Labour for a Republic will attract many supporters.
Thanks Andrew – even I’ve been surprised at the almost-universal approval we get from Labour party members when we tell them about what we’re doing. I really do feel that people fear a backlash about ‘coming out’ as a republican, but it simply doesn’t happen. Many party members throughout the hierarchy – from ordinary members like us, right through to our councillors, NEC reps, and MPs – are proud to admit to being republicans. I’d advise you to sign up to our mailing list to make sure you’re always up to date on our activities.