1. Free
INSIDE
Campaign updates
Annual Conference
Campaign Map
The voice of modern republicanism 2009 | Issue 2 Much more...
Real Progress
Republic continues to make progress on
media, membership and money
See page 4
MPs’ expenses row threatens monarchy
Scotland steering group set up G!
Campaign Map featured on centre pages MU11
A
IN GE
W PA
Back issues and more at www.republic.org.uk/imagine

2. 2 | Imagine
MP expenses row triggers
serious reform debate
The parliamentary expenses scandal
has triggered a wide ranging debate
on reform of Britain’s antiquated and
unwritten constitution.
Discussion in the media has also
started to look at the role of the
Queen, with some papers asking if she
should step in and act by dissolving
parliament while others wondered if
the new mood of public hostility
toward the ruling classes would
spread to the palace.
“The Queen has demonstrated
that she is a lame duck head of A national debate is now underway about sweeping constitutional reform.
state. It is during crises … that
series of articles from columnists the issue of the monarchy. He said:
an effective leader is needed.”
exploring all the various possibilities “Those who insist the role is merely
for constitutional reform. The ensuing symbolic miss the point. It symbolises
The Daily Mail’s Peter McKay online debate was dominated by pro- something extremely corrosive in our
suggested “the Crown sits uneasy in republic arguments for wholesale history and culture: the notion that
this crisis” and asked if public anger change. your life chances are determined not
directed at Parliament could easily
spread into a wholesale re-evaluation
of our entire constitutional set-up. He online@
“It enshrines the notion that
quoted Republic saying: “The Queen republic.org.uk/news power can be unaccountable at
has demonstrated that she is a lame
duck head of state. It is during crises the very pinnacle of our system
such as these that an effective leader Republic supporter Jonathan of government.”
is needed who can stand above the Freedland argued in his column for a
political fray.” “shift from our current system – which
rests on the belief that the crown-in- by what you can do, but to whom you
“An elected head of state who is parliament is sovereign – to the were born – which is the very
chosen and respected by the people, simpler notion that it is the people cornerstone of a society riddled with
and who has the mandate to speak for who are sovereign in their own land.” class prejudice and privilege.
the people, would be able to show real Moreover, it enshrines the notion that
leadership at this time.” Guardian commentator Gary Younge - power can be unaccountable at the
who has just signed up as a Republic very pinnacle of our system of
The Guardian launched an extensive supporter - dedicated his column to government.”
Republic will be making the
Do we have your email address?
connection between royal and
parliamentary expenses when the
If we haven’t you could be missing out on important
royal finance reports come out at the
campaign news and regular opportunities to help us
end of June, arguing that
spread the word and tell the world about what Republic
accountability must be applied to all
is doing and saying. Email enquiries@republic.org.uk.
use of public funds.

3. Imagine | 3
So they say...
In Britain, power still belongs at the
top – with the crown and the palace of
Send your letters to imagine@republic.org.uk
Westminster – unless our rulers deign
to quot;devolvequot; some of it outward.
Maybe this fuss over expenses can with the freedom of information laws
be an opportunity for Republic. No that exposed the MPs’ expenses. Jonathan Freedland
one has their snouts in the trough as —
much as the Windsor family Lawrence Goodall When it comes to the little things like
Edinburgh declaring war and peace, dissolving
Mike Bickley parliament and ratifying treaties, all
Cumbria power lies with the monarch.
The information on Republic Day is
interesting, but can we make more of
Gary Younge
I thought the Spring Conference was it next year? Perhaps with more
—
very enjoyable. I think it would be notice and more information more
I think it's one of the greatest myths
great if more members can get members will get involved.
that the monarchy has put forward...
actively involved in the campaign in
it's just patently false. The monarchy
their local area. Can we use the Can I suggest we provide postcards
has immense constitutional power.
internet more to put people in touch to all members so they can send
with each other? them to their MP for Republic Day
Professor Adam Tomkins
2010? I expect we’ll have a lot of
—
Gillian Craven new MPs by then, so maybe we’ll get
One of the notions of a democracy is
Somerset some different responses.
that you elect those in power and you
can remove them if they abuse it.
What are we doing about getting
The standards campaign is an Fundamentally, it's about
local groups organised? Now’s the
excellent idea. I can’t believe people accountability.
time for action right across the
are complaining so much about MPs
country! Scotland is a good start,
spending taxpayers’ money on moats Imran Khan
but we need more groups and
and second homes when the Windsor —
activists in towns around the UK.
family have been abusing the Nominate a quote by emailing
taxpayer for centuries. How many imagine@republic.org.uk
Bill Emery
homes and moats do they have?
London
I just hope we can get this exposed
Imagine
Republic Scotland sets up The magazine of Republic
Steering Group Republic
PO Box 69
Republic Scotland took another step There was a strong feeling that some Brighton BN50 9GS
forward recently when a meeting of action needs to be organised as early
volunteers and activists established a as possible and the June meeting will 08708 508 825
new Steering Group. work on the details of any proposals imagine@republic.org.uk
that come forward.
The group met at the University of Back issues of Imagine and more
Glasgow and will next meet at a venue Meetings are to be held once a month information about the magazine
in Edinburgh in early June. and if any Republic members or can be found online at
supporters would like to attend you www.republic.org.uk/imagine.
Volunteers have agreed that a number should get in touch with Graham
of tasks and jobs need to be shared Smith at the usual address or email. Members
out among members, including media Once a Scotland coordinator has been Let us know if you would prefer
contact, political lobbying, online agreed contact details will be posted your copy by post or email.
activism and events coordination. online.

4. 4 | Imagine
Republic secures increase
in support and funds
over story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover
Royal succession bill helps Republic
Republic’s campaigning and
fundraising strategies have been
rewarded in recent months with a
strong rate of growth in funds,
members and media coverage.
A big thank you to everyone who
donated to the various appeals we’ve
run over the past year. Income from
membership and appeal donations has
increased year on year by 75% while
membership is up by 55% on last year.
We’ve also calculated an increase in
press coverage of 100%.
This is all the result of increased
activity, continued work on developing Republic was mentioned in the Commons debate on royal succession.
media strategies and the addition last
year of an extra member of staff. Lib Dem MP Evan Harris introduced a point of the monarchy - that it
private member’s bill into the discriminates against the whole
Commons in March which was aimed country.
“We need to see continued at reforming the line of royal
succession. Graham Smith debated the issue with
growth in funding if we’re to
Harris on BBC radio and Republic
expand further in terms of staff Harris claimed his objective was not to made clear that while it welcomed any
further the republican cause but to opportunity to scrutinise the way the
and resources.”
end discrimination in the monarchy by monarchy works the bill was clearly a
removing the ban on the monarch waste of time.
James has been focussing on from marrying a Catholic and
fundraising and membership removing discrimination against In a statement to the press Republic
recruitment since joining the Republic women. said: “We welcome this bill not
team last year and the results speak because we believe the monarchy
for themselves. Republic pointed out that unless the should be reformed, but because we
monarch herself was allowed to be a believe the more we try to apply
Much more work needs to be done Catholic the discrimination argument modern standards to this insane
however. We need to see continued was simply misleading, while Evans institution the weaker it will become.quot;
growth in funding if we’re to expand was clearly missing the fundamental
further in terms of staff and quot;The monarchy discriminates against
resources. Recruiting new members us all, not just Catholics and women in
and raising major donations are two the Windsor family. The more public
top priorities. Our finances remain debate we have about the rules of the
challenging and scaling back monarchy the more people will
campaigning is not an option. With question the whole institution.quot;
the constitutional reform agenda now
gaining considerable media attention quot;The content of this bill will change
now is the time to be expanding and The Repbublic Blog features all the little of substance. Its importance lies
latest views, news and analysis from
building so we can continue to make a in the public debate it will generate.quot;
Graham Smith, James Gray and guest
forceful case for a republic. bloggers. Join the debate at
www.republic.org.uk/blog The bill was not passed.

5. Imagine | 5
Republican Round-up REPUBLIC TALKS
Republic has called for a full review of the Prince's Trust for the donation.
Andrew's “trade ambassador” role for
UK Trade and Investment after a The Sun recently reported that
report found only 30% of businesses taxpayers are being charged over a
believed it had any impact. Republic quarter of a million pounds a year to www.republic.org.uk/talks
told The Telegraph: quot;At a time when protect Prince Andrew's two
MPs are being scrutinised over their daughters, despite the security risk Republic continues to visit schools,
expenses it would be unforgivable if being assessed as minimal. Republic clubs and societies to give talks and
Andrew's £128k bill to the taxpayer told The Sun that this was quot;a presentations on what we do and
wasn't also put under the microscope disgraceful abuse of taxpayers' what we stand for. We also
following this report.” moneyquot; while Norman Baker MP said participate in organised debates.
that the royals quot;seem to regard
Republic's Advisory Council met in security officers as some kind of If you would like to invite Republic
central London recently. Around status symbolquot;. to give a talk please call Graham
twenty eminent and high profile Smith on 07747 608 770.
supporters attended, including Yasmin Journalists Suzanne Moore, Francis
Alibhai-Brown, Roy Greenslade and Wheen and Gary Younge signed up to In the talks we cover the key issues,
Anthony Holden. Republic recently, as did the why we campaign for the abolition
playwright Julia Pascal. The Freedom of the monarchy and what the
Republic has called for Prince Charles of Information campaigner Heather alternatives are.
to make his political affiliations clear Brooke also pledged her support for
after the Charities Commission found Republic. Heather is best know for her We also talk about what Republic
the Prince's Trust made an illegal work exposing MPs' expenses and has does, how we campaign and what
donation of £10,000 to the Tories. pledged to support work to reveal the plans we have for the future.
The Commission severely criticised true cost of the monarchy.
Message from the Chair
Individual action is key to success John Campbell
This issue of Imagine developed by Republic's Board and There are lots of other ways of getting
comes at a hugely staff with the input of many experts more involved in the campaign,
exciting time for from the fields of PR and media. You including a range of volunteering
Republic. As you will can read much more about our opportunities. Have a browse of our
read about elsewhere 'campaign map', which sets out the website for ideas.
in the magazine we content of our strategy, on pages 6
have made excellent progress in the and 7. British democracy is facing its biggest
last few months. We are now regularly crisis in generations. For the first time
quoted in the national press, even by in decades we've seen serious
the supposedly monarchist papers.
“If our campaign is to succeed discussion about the need for radical
With 'scoops' such as those reported we need ordinary members like constitutional reform. Rest assured
on in the Channel 4 Dispatches that Republic will be working hard to
programme earlier this year, we are
you to take action in your ensure the views of republicans like
not simply responding to the story – communities.” you are heard in the debate. Its our
we are the story! members who keep us going and its
on your behalf that we campaign for a
This increased coverage in turn leads Of course, there is only so much the fully-functioning democracy where the
to new members, every one of which staff and Directors of Republic can do. people - not the Crown - are
makes our campaign stronger and our If our campaign is to succeed we need sovereign.
collective voice louder. But we can't be ordinary members like you to take
complacent. We won't rest until we action in your communities. Have you I very much look forward to meeting
have achieved our goal of persuading thought about writing to your local you at our Annual Conference in
a majority of the electorate to favour a paper, for example? It may seem like a London on June 20th. I’m sure it will
republic. To do that we work to a small gesture but it's a simple and be a great event. See you there!
professional campaign strategy, effective way of spreading the word.

6. 6 | Imagine
The Republic campaign map
Republic’s campaign covers a wide range of activities designed to raise our profile, promote greater political
and popular support and to raise awareness of the issues.
Our ‘campaign map’ has been devised to set out, in a clear and concise way, the various elements that make
up a comprehensive campaign strategy.
Media
Republic works tirelessly to increase media exposure and
to raise the level and quality of debate in the media. This
includes the press, radio, TV and the internet.
As well as responding to stories and news items we work
to make the news ourselves, using Freedom of
Information requests, research and events
to promote the republican debate.
Have you signed
The media is a vital part of the overall up to our Urgent
campaign, giving us access to a wide Response
Network? This is
audience around the UK. an excellent way
to support
Republic’s media
work.
e-Campaigning
Campaigning online is of increasing importance in
today’s 24/7 world. This part of our campaign is tied in,
to some extent, with our media work, but it is also aimed
at bypassing the media and reaching people directly via
email, websites, blogs and other social networking tools
such as Twitter.
Po
It is v
Our blog is increasingly busy with debate and comment Westm
and we have a very popular and W
Facebook page, with around
Check out our
2000 members who actively We ro
blog, Facebook
engage with us online. page and Twitter suppo
account. These camp
are lively and
camp
interactive ways
to keep in touch
with Republic. Our m
this a
local

7. Imagine | 7
Community
We are increasingly seeking new ways to engage
members and activists, to encourage people to get
involved with campaigning in their own local areas. Two
projects are being further developed in this area:
Republic Towns and Republic Day.
Republic Day on June 2nd is all about
local and individual action around
the country. Republic Towns is Look out for news
about Republic
designed to get people working Towns and sign
throughout the year to build up to this new
support for Republic in their area. campaign. It’s a
great way to meet
new people and
support Republic.
Development
Development is all about the growth of Republic’s
resources through fundraising and membership
recruitment.
We’ve been running a very successful series of
fundraising appeals, as well as conducting a process of
recruiting high value donors. Our membership continues
to grow, and our website has been re-
designed to encourage people to
You can help us
add their name to our database. raise a steady
That way we can keep in touch with income by
an ever growing support base. signing up to
make regular
monthly
payments online.
olitics
vital we continue to seek new political support in
minster and in the devolved assemblies in Scotland
Wales.
outinely keep our existing parliamentary
orters updated on developments within the Writing to your
paign and through a variety of lobbying MP is really
important. Look
paigns we aim to recruit new supporters. out for our
campaign alerts
members and supporters play a crucial role in and check out the
area of campaigning, writing letters to their website for useful
tips.
MPs on a range of issues.

8. 8 | Imagine
Annual Conference 2009 LAST TI
CKETS
Saturday June 20th - 1pm to 5pm REMAIN
ING!
Directory of Social Change
24 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2DP
For the first time Republic is holding a newly styled Annual
Conference open to everyone, members and non-members alike.
The conference is being held separately from our Annual General
Meeting, which will continue to be a members and guests only
event in late October.
We are delighted to announce that Claire Fox, Director of the
Institute of Ideas think tank, will joining guest speakers Johann Hari
and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. www.republic.org.uk/annualconference
Republic Towns Prince Charles continues to cause
As part of Republic’s commitment to concern with string of interventions
promoting local activism around the
UK a new project called Republic Prince Charles has been in the news has been pointed out that his own
Towns is being developed. with increasing regularity in recent Duchy Originals company uses palm
months as he continues to insist on oil in its products, a major cause of
The project takes its inspiration from interfering in contentious and political rain forest depletion.
the Fair Trade Town campaign and is issues. His lectures and comments on
aimed squarely at giving a focus for health, the environment and Republic also revealed through its own
members and supporters to campaign architecture have proven useful to research that Prince Charles’ charity,
in their local area. Republic in raising our profile. The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated
Health, invests in oil and gas, further
Details are still being worked on (and In April Charles openly opposed plans calling into question his credentials.
suggestions are, as always, welcome),. for a new development on the site of
It is expected the project will provide the old Chelsea barracks in west Republic has made clear in the press
members with a set of targets for their London, favouring a mock-Victorian that while Charles must be free to
local area or town. Any town or alternative designed, surely by speak his mind he cannot also
locality that achieves these goals will coincidence, by a personal friend of demand the exclusive right to be head
be declared a Republic town. More his. The row that ensued reopened of state when his mother dies.
details to follow. old debates with architects which had Monarchy and politics do not mix, and
been going on for 25 years, since his he has made his position untenable.
infamous ‘carbuncle’ speech. We recently told the media: “Charles
Vicky Richardson On this occasion he was pointedly
cannot be a monarch and still demand
a voice in political debates. If his
accused of putting jobs at risk and of behaviour continues to be tolerated
Journalist and editor interfering in the democratic (if his accession to the throne would
of architecture flawed) planning process, and unduly represent a serious threat to British
magazine Blueprint, using his personal influence, both with democracy. We would be sent back
Vicky Richardson, the public and with the Qatari 200 years to the days when the
signed up to Republic developers. opinion of Kings held sway.”
after coming out
against Prince Charles has also been flying around MASSIVE TAX BREAK FOR CHARLES
Charles’ interventions on planning. Europe proposing various ’green’
initiatives and drumming up support Prince Charles received a massive tax-
Vicky caused a stir by calling out from politicians, in what can only be break recently after the government
“abolish the monarchy” at the end of described as an openly political agreed an exclusive deal. The deal
Charles’ RIBA lecture. Vicky said, in allows him to deduct costs of William
campaign. His policies on protecting
explanation: “the deferential silence rain forests have been criticised by and Harry’s PR office before
when 400 architects stood as a mark international rain forest campaigners calculating tax on the Duchy of
of respect for the prince was too as inadequate and unhelpful, while it Cornwall, saving him around
much to bear.” £700,000 a year.

9. Imagine | 9
In need of leadership
Graham Smith whole expenses debate developing:
when confidence in parliament and
the whole system is shot to pieces,
We are in a crisis. The
what should the Queen’s role be?
long list of MPs
exposed daily in the
Make no mistake, despite all the
Telegraph over their
habits and “gentlemen’s agreements”
expense claims, and the Commons’
battle over the Speaker’s future have
seen trust in Britain’s political system “If the Queen chooses to use
sent into freefall. There are demands
these powers, there isn’t a
for more resignations , there are calls
for a snap election and there are calls single legal mechanism available Crisis has left monarchy exposed.
for sweeping reform.
to stop her.”
powers, there isn’t a single legal
It’s been suggested by newspapers
that shape our so-called parliamentary mechanism available to stop her. She
and even some senior MPs that the
democracy, the Queen retains – can dissolve parliament, she can
Queen should get involved, either by
formally at least – considerable appoint a new prime minister, she
pushing the Speaker Michael Martin
power. As professor Adam Tomkins could choose to simply sack Brown
onto his sword (no longer necessary)
points out in an interview for Republic
or by dissolving parliament. And here
TV, if the Queen chooses to use these
we see an interesting aspect of the Continued on page 10
Fundraising news from James Gray
'communications' budget.
The monarchy may have a virtually
The biggest If you haven't yet made your donation limitless sources of funds (you, the
fundraising news there's still time. You can make an taxpayer) but we have the principles
since the last issue of online donation at and the arguments on our side. That's
Imagine has been our www.republic.org.uk/10kappeal or why we continually punch well above
'10k Appeal'. We simply send a cheque to Republic at our weight. With the right level of
wanted to raise funds the usual address. funds we can knock the monarchy out
specifically to challenge the royal PR for good.
machine, which on media promotion The Palace PR machine has been in
alone outspends Republic by at least overdrive recently, illustrating just
James Gray is Republic’s full-time
33 to 1. how important it is that we have the Development Manager, with
particular responsibility for
online@
republic.org.uk/fundraising
fundraising and membership
“At the time of writing we are development.
resources to fight back. With your
well past the half way mark and help, we can counter the monarchist
nearing £6,000 - in just three myths — developing campaigns that
expose royal spin, and get republican
weeks!” spokespeople into the media.
With your support, we can expand our The next big royal PR campaign will be The best way to keep in touch with
campaign to the tune of £10,000 and around the release of the official Republic throughout the day.
help close that gap – hopefully by Buckingham Palace and Clarence
Join us on Facebook, take part in
Republic Day on June 2. At the time of House financial reports at the end of competitions, join
writing we are well past the half way June. There is much that is excluded in the debate or
mark and nearing £6,000 – in just from these reports but they do give us just enjoy some
three weeks! That's an amazing a broad overview of what the royals do friendly banter.
achievement and shows just how with our money. There are the See the website
committed to the cause you all are. extravagant holidays, the luxury travel for details.
and of course that all-important

10. 10 | Imagine
monarchists who claim the Queen’s
In need of leadership Continued from page 9
lack of power as a virtue, or who
entertain the fantasy that she is there
to ‘advise and warn’ the prime
and not replace him, or replace him monarchy and public cries of “snouts minister. It is precisely at times like
with someone from outside the in the trough” will undoubtedly these when a head of state can play a
Commons. There are many things she provoke unfavourable comparisons vital role. If our head of state had
can do – but what should she do? between the House of Commons and been chosen from among the
the House of Windsor. After all, a brightest and best, chosen by the
In a sense the Queen is “damned if she £15,000 profit for an MP who ‘flips’ people and for the people, and given
does and damned if she doesn’t” – and his second home seems distinctly less public office on the proviso of
rightly so. It would be unthinkable scandalous when the Queen blows transparency and accountability, then
and scandalous if she were to decide £23,000 of our money on a trip to the
to act independently of the prime races. And then there’s her own
minister, to begin to wield her feudal second-home allowance, and her third- “Instead we’re left with a
powers, even if done so with the best home allowance, and fourth-home charade, a lame duck head of
of intentions. Such a move would allowance.
trigger a monumental constitutional state and a political crisis crying
crisis, setting down a direct challenge As Peter McKay pointed out the Mail out for national leadership.”
to the last two hundred years of this week: “The current public anger
democratic progress. The monarchy directed at Parliament could easily
would overnight become a deeply and spread into a wholesale re-evaluation she could act. Such a figure would
politically contentious institution. of our entire constitutional set-up … command the mandate and the moral
Serious questions would be asked authority to stand above the
about how an unelected, “Current public anger directed squabbles of parliament, speak to the
unaccountable hereditary figure could frustrations and anger of the people
at Parliament could easily and demand action and resolution.
spread into a wholesale re- She could, if all else fails, dissolve
“There are inherent PR dangers
parliament and give the power to the
evaluation.”
for the palace should the people to start afresh, full in the
knowledge that she too would be
monarch get anywhere near … accountable for her actions.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg
debates about openness.” called for a written constitution. But
can any modern constitution be That is the role the British head of
exercise such considerable power. written that protects the hereditary state should play at times like these.
Democrats would rightly point out right of one family to provide our Instead we’re left with a charade, a
that if there’s a problem that needs heads of state? What began as petty lame duck head of state and a political
fixing – and few can deny such a bickering over the perks of our rulers crisis crying out for national
problem exists – then it is down to the could bring down the entire rotting leadership.
people, not to the Queen, to fix it. edifice.”
Such a confrontation between the
power of the people and the power of So the Queen remains silent and aloof, Graham Smith is Republic’s
the Crown could very well spell the well aware of her own position and Campaign Manager. This article
end of the monarchy altogether. The what she must do to inoculate the was originally published on the
Queen knows the risks, that’s why she monarchy from any threat that public Guardian website and the Republic
Blog at www.republic.org.uk/blog.
won’t do a thing to help solve the anger may turn her way. As a result
current crisis. It is also why some we are left with no head of state at all,
Are you following us?
ardent monarchists propose royal at least none worth having. She is, as
action, but only in the form of I said, damned if she does and
“steadying the ship”, whatever that damned if she doesn’t. For all her
Find RepublicStaff on
means. formal power modern conventions
have rendered her powerless and
Moreover, there are inherent PR pointless while the nation’s democracy You can
now keep up
dangers for the palace should the struggles with a serious crisis the like
to date with all
monarch get anywhere near the murky of which we’ve rarely seen before. the latest news
dealings of parliament and debates and campaign
about openness, accountability and This is a damning indictment on the alerts by
following
scrutiny. Any connection between the monarchy, and a challenge to RepublicStaff
twitter.com/republicstaff

11. Imagine | 11
Republic Replies
.
WIN A MUG
Q
What building was first
Republic answers the most common described as a
monarchist arguments. “carbuncle”?
A
They say: “Look at Europe, the
most stable countries are all Answers to the usual
monarchies - so monarchy address or email by July
must bring stability!” 20th.
REPUBLIC REPLIES
The answer to the last competition
By ’stable’ monarchists mean that was “the Navy”. The winner was
these countries have had a long German republic is very stable. Marjory Smith.
history of having the same
constitutional system, barring invasion
during WWII. When proposing this argument
monarchists will cite Germany, Russia,
Italy and so on, suggesting that they
“It is a nonsense to suggest that are republics with an unstable history.
But these are all republics because
the stability is a product of their monarchies failed them. Indeed,
having a monarchy in place. It all European republics are in essence
failed monarchies. And there are
is the other way around.” more failed monarchies than there are
successful ones.
Want to do more for Republic?
It is a reasonably accurate observation
that these stable countries have Germany is a very stable republic. It Have you thought about joining
monarchies, but it is a nonsense to was designed to be after the war. If Republic’s Board of Directors? If you
suggest that the stability is a product monarchies are so good at ensuring think you might be interested get in
touch with Graham Smith to find out
of having a monarchy in place. It is stability why didn’t the Allies reinstate
more. Call him on 07747 608 770 or
the other way around: they are still the German Kaiser? It’s because the email g.smith@republic.org.uk.
monarchies because they have been best guarantee of stability is
stable. democracy. The more democratic a
country the more likely it is to contain
Most monarchies fall at times of
instability, war and revolution. At one
and resolve divisions and disputes, so
they won’t cause the sorts of violent
Director
time most of Europe was governed by
one monarch or another. Those that
conflicts and political crises that bring
about instability. Profile
faced revolution and war fell, those
that didn’t survived. So clearly Send your suggestions for Republic NAME: Charles Brooker
Replies to imagine@republic.org.uk DIRECTOR SINCE: Aug 2006
monarchy was no source of protection
against instability. Charles has served as Vice-Chair for
the past two years
Royal protection costs criticised
and was the first
chair of the Policy
and Strategy
Committee. He
Following stories about Prince every two weeks meaning two officers had a career in
Andrew’s daughter Eugenie taking fly across the world in business class the Trust
round-the-clock police protection with to relieve their colleagues. Company of a
her on a lengthy holiday abroad there major clearing
bank, where he retired as a manager.
has been widespread criticism of the Recent reports have suggested a high
growing costs of royal protection. level review is now taking place in the Charles has been a member of a local
Met, which is responsible for the royal authority and an active member of
Two police officers are with Eugenie at protection squad. the Scout Association over many
years.
all times. A new shift must take over

12. Republic is a campaigning
organisation supported by
thousands of British citizens around
the country. It’s easy to get
involved. This regular page shows
you some of the simple things you
can do to help promote Republic
and make the case for change.
online@
republic.org.uk/takeaction
Sign up to Republic’s Urgent Response Network
We want you to be our voice, and our eyes
JOINING IS EASY
and ears. Republic’s campaign work relies on
the support of people like you,
In today's 24/7 media environment news citizens who are committed to the
stories move quickly, so we need to be able idea of a republic. If you’re not a
to respond quickly and effectively when a member already you can join online
story breaks. or over the phone.
By signing up to the Urgent Response www.republic.org.uk - 08708 508 825
Network you can help strengthen our media
presence - joining in online debates,
sending emails or texts to news
TOP TIP
programmes, calling radio phone-in debates
or writing to the press. With some issues
additional parliamentary lobbying can also
be important, to quickly reinforce our
message to MPs and ministers. Join the Republic Facebook
group and get involved in
When a story breaks we will ask you to:
debates. You can post your
Sign up today! own news articles and keep
* Join debates on various news websites up with what’s going on in
* Sign online petitions or vote in online polls the campaign really easily.
* Write to the BBC or other media outlets
* Send emails to raises objections to media bias
* Write to your local press or selected national newspapers From Yvette Gibson
* Write to your MP to raise issues highlighted by media stories Republic member
And you can tell us...
You can also alert us to stories that break, just send us an email or text if you Send your Top Tip to
see something about republicanism, the monarchy or constitutional reform. imagine@republic.org.uk
www.republic.org.uk/urgentresponse
Imagine: how far
can yours go?
Did you know, this magazine is a You could even leave it lying around
valuable promotional opportunity in waiting rooms or staff canteens.
waiting to happen?
Help spread the word and promote
Once you’ve read it, don’t file it in Republic with your copy of Imagine.
the bin, pass it on to friends, family Leave your copy around for
or work colleagues. someone to discover.
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Find out more at www.republic.org.uk