Abolish the Monarchy: Why We Should and How We Will

by Graham Smith

We're constantly told the same things about the monarchy:

But the monarchy is good for tourism...
It isn't! Evidence points to some royal weddings actually having a negative impact on inbound tourism.

But the monarchy makes a big difference to charity...
Of the approx. 1,200 charities with a royal patron, 74% had no contact with their patron during the preceding year.

But everyone loves the monarchy...
A January 2023 poll showed support for the monarchy is down 55 percent.

It's wrong in principle and it doesn't work in practice. It doesn't have to be this way.

They say Britain should be proud to have the mother of parliaments, to be a shining beacon of democracy and an example to other nations. But there's an elephant in the room.

At the heart of power is a single family. They weren't elected but they live off the public purse. They aren't accountable to anyone, and yet between them they are privy to more government secrets than many cabinet ministers. Divinely appointed using a special hat, the head of the family is your superior, you his subject. Apparently he is guardian of our constitution - but we're also told he wouldn't dream of interfering in politics.

If you accept the monarchy, you must accept the moral compromise that comes with it, from its erosion of the principle of equality to the secret interference in our laws. But the good news is that we don't have to accept it. True democracy is within our reach.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Audiobook, History, Society, British Literature

288 pages, ebook

Published May 4, 2023

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile contains books from multiple authors of this name.

Reviews

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Smith says in the book itself, if you are a monarchist, this book is probably not for you - which is the precise reason I would recommend it to all the monarchists out there. It has been long enough that monarchists and the democracy-averse refuse to engage with polemics that challenge their beliefs in hereditary rule and concentration of power in an secretive, corrupt, inbred and embarrassing bloodline. Smith correctly points out in this fantastic manifesto the fact that British media and public discourse does not allow for even a shred of anti-monarchy (thus pro-democracy) sentiment in the media or other spaces of debate, lest the lumpen learn that they’ve been duped into supporting their own (by all objective measures of wealth and political power) oppressors.

At the risk of hurtling into my own jeremiad against cheeky Charles, I will attempt to give a brief outline of Smith’s argument and how it develops into a well-rounded and justified plan for the transition from monarchy to democratic republic:

1) having a royal, unelected Head of State does not boost tourism nor fill the nation’s coffers
2) the royals are not hardworking and sincere individuals with the nation’s interest in mind
3) the royals hold the power to do things that they shouldn’t (by political and moral standards), and don’t hold the power that a Head of State (by political standards, at least) should have
4) monarchy is by its very nature anti-democratic and not suited to a country which prides itself as a world leader in political rights and freedoms
5) monarchy represents the unelected rule of the disproportionately privileged over those who suffer due to economic inequality. plus the ones we have in particular are petulant and refuse to hold accountability or show integrity in their elevated positions
6) an unwritten constitution is not as flexible as we think, and a written one is much more flexible than we think. the establishment of a republic and written constitution is not as difficult as imagined and has many successful and recent precedents
7) the monarchy is less staunchly supported than many think, and there are more than enough political mechanisms and resources for the establishment of a republic to come in the near future
8) this change will be a win for democracy and British pride, and the abolition of hereditary rule is a good rallying point for lovers of democracy, and furthermore a good first-step for other democratisation and anti-corruption practices that could be undertaken in government and Parliament

If this book changes at least one person’s mind, then Graham Smith has indeed done what a real democratic President does - win over the people not because of the family they are born into, but because of the integrity of their character and consistency of their principles. Well done Smith.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abolish the Monarchy: Why we should and how we will does exactly what it says on the tin: delivers an invigorating polemic on why the British monarchy can and should be done away with. It covers the same topic as The Enchanted Glass: Britain and its Monarchy but with an utterly different tone and style. While Nairn's book is dense, academic, and fatalistic (still great though), Smith's is accessible, journalistic, and optimistic. I think it oversimplifies a bit for effect, especially when discussing constitutional reform, but is nonetheless a very good read.

I disagree with the persistence of monarchies and can only recall caring remotely about anyone in the British royal family when Princess Diana died in 1997, because I was a child and it was a moment of complete national hysteria. These days I take some pride in being considered the most anti-monarchy person one of my friends knows. Thus many of the pro-monarchy arguments mentioned sounded very familiar from discussions I've had, e.g. 'a Queen is better than a Trump', 'the monarchy isn't ideal but we're stuck with it now', and 'they represent tradition and stability'. Smith deals with these well. Although the material in Abolish the Monarchy: Why we should and how we will was largely familiar, seeing it all together set out systematically proved suitably enraging. The events of the last couple of years are examined in particular detail, as they've really exposed the weaknesses of the British royal family both as an institution and as individuals. On the constitutional paradox of the monarchy:

At the start of June 2022, we could see the Queen very publicly celebrating the jubilee. Yet just four weeks later, as the constitution, at the centre of which lies the Crown, was in crisis [because Boris Johnson's government ministers had nearly all resigned yet he still clung on as PM], the Queen had vanished. Not a word from the palace. No reassuring comment or useful clarification of the constitutional position offered. One moment we see the monarch, and are told of her great virtues, the next she is nowhere to be seen, as we're told that under no circumstances can the Queen be 'dragged into' doing her job.
[...]
Rather than the monarchy defending the constitution and, by implication, the British people, it has been the responsbility of subjects to defend the monarch not from injustice or tyranny, but from embarrassment. In the UK, embarrassment is, it seems, a central principle of our constitution.

That's an astute point. I also appreciated the emphasis on the monarchy acting as a block to any genuine constitutional reform:

The Crown, a source of real power, protected from serious scrutiny by the monarchy, a family and institution steeped in mythology and itself guarded by deference, is key to the failures of Britain's constitution. Constitutional reformers who demand an elected upper house, or electoral reform, are often missing one of the main fault lines in our political system: founded on monarchy, we are still governed using the outdated toolkit of a monarchy, regardless of whether or not it is the King himself who wields power. The demand for a republic isn't just about the job of head of state. It is a demand for a better, more equitable democracy.

When The Enchanted Glass: Britain and its Monarchy was published 35 years ago and until very recently, the British monarchy seemed pretty unassailable. That finally seems to be shifting, as I've commented to several pro-monarchy acquaintances. Smith summarises why much more effectively than I managed to:

The questionable behaviour of the royals is not new. But what is new is a public less tolerant and more critical of that behaviour and the family's loss of their trump card, the Queen. The Queen was their heat shield, able to deflect even the most serious questions and accusations, unable to do wrong in the eyes of much of the media and political class and, if she did, not someone many dared to criticise publicly. With Charles on the throne, that first line of defence is gone, in her place a man few would hesitate to criticise if they felt it was warranted. [...] Beyond that, two other men will continue to remind people - for very different reasons - what's wrong with the royals. Prince Harry, seemingly on the run from his own family, and Andrew on the run from serious allegations of sexual assault. As daylight gets through, behind the curtains of deference and secrecy, we increasingly see an institution that is ripe for challenge and criticism.

I found it unusual and very pleasant to see a positive vision for the future for Britain, with a democratically elected second chamber and head of state, albeit one that still seems very distant. The point is that more people need to consider it possible. Abolish the Monarchy: Why we should and how we will attempts to give the Overton Window a hefty shove, for which I commend it. Although it's not a particularly nuanced book, it's definitely a useful and galvanising one. I intend to try recommending it to reflexively pro-monarchy people who might be intrigued by the uncompromising title. Worst case scenario, they gain a better understanding of why some are anti-monarchy; best case scenario, they reconsider their own views. After reading it, I feel slightly more hopeful that Britain has the potential to get rid of our monarchy before being submerged beneath the sea. First we'd need to vote out the Tories, though.

[C R E Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're British and you've watched the news lately, you've probably heard of Graham Smith by now. On the day of Charles III's coronation, he was arrested on suspicion of carrying "locking-on devices" and spent the rest of the day in a cell.

The "locking-on devices" were in fact luggage straps, and he had in fact been in conversation with the police for weeks leading up to the arrest. They arrested him anyway.

This book, written by Smith in the lead-up to that coronation, lays out concisely and with great precision his argument for abolition of the British monarchy, and how a republican system of government could work in Britain.

The result is a very timely work, though it is doubtful how relevant this book will remain outside of this year, let alone the coming decades.

I can't say that I agree with everything in favour of which Smith argues. He often falls back on tired tropes in an effort to make himself seem more patriotic, and makes a couple of questionable comparisons that I found quite odd and behind the times for what is otherwise a progressive work.

Smith is an advocate of a parliamentary republic. I am in favour of a republic, but I am not entirely convinced by his arguments for keeping the Westminster system of democracy. While he does admit that the Union may not survive long enough to see a republic, he does appear to, ultimately, want our current political and economic system to stay mostly the same, but with the royal cyphers filed off.

Regardless, he still makes a compelling case for a republic, arguing for it nobly. He does not resort to caustic insult, and what barbed remarks there are have a good reason for being there. His writing style is plain, clear, direct and to the point. A lesser polemicist may well have lost my interest by waffling interminably.

This is a book that is bound to upset and anger monarchists, but at the same time, I think there are valid republican criticisms of it to be made. It is a great introduction to republican ideas and arguments for the undecided layman, but for those of us who are already convinced, I can say that I would like to see a far more equitable future than the tepid liberal democracy that Graham Smith envisions.

Nevertheless, nobody should be arrested for advocating what should really be common sense in this day and age. I admire Smith immensely as an activist, and this book has given me a newfound respect for his dedication to the cause. I only wish he had a little more imagination.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-reasoned and passionate rebuke of every defence of this mystical institution, and a call to action for a fairer, more democratic and more transparent system.

I was already fairly convinced, but Smith sheds alarming light, through recent political events, on quite how much unchecked power de facto trickles down to the government de jour, as well as how little the monarch actually does to keep it in check. His aspirational democratic principles stand in stark contrast to the way we are actually governed today.

[Jemma Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is a labour of love that explains in accessible detail the constitutional and societal problems caused and influenced by having a monarchy. It helped me to properly understand the tax position of the Duchy of Cornwall and help me debate with others on this matter. I definitely feel more informed! This excellent guide made me want to engage in the Republican cause more, as the book is so hopeful and champions strengths of our country. This is a worthy companion to Smith’s years of tireless and selfless campaigning.

[Elizabeth Orton · Rating 5 out of 5]

hell yeah

[James Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good shout

[Gok · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye opener. Very interesting read. Very good points. And I think the author and Republic have a very strong case.

As a country the equality of its people is not as equal as we are led to believe. Royals have different rules to the normal folk. They get away with things the normals will get in trouble for, and they don’t pay tax in the same way we do. This is only two things there are many other cases shown in the book. Abolishing the monarchy sounds achievable and won’t be as complicated as Brexit.

There is a lot of information to take in from this book, but it’s worth a read to make your own mind up. Maybe it is time for a change.

[Zachary Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graham Smith is the Chief Executive of Republic, which is a campaigning group that calls for the abolition of the British Monarchy and it’s replacement with a democratic alternative.

“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.” Thomas Paine.

“We must not let in daylight upon the magic.”
Walter Bagehot on the British Monarchy.

The British Monarchy appears so invincible and unassailable that it’s defenders are getting complacent. This is Graham Smith’s experience of attending innumerable public and media debates with defenders of the institution. The trouble is many of the old justifications aren’t really justifications at all. Tourism? You can pack more tourists into empty palaces and castles, just as France and Germany. Besides no one is asking Japan to back to Feudalism just so we can take selfies with Ninjas. No self-respecting country should base it’s governing system on how many tourists it is likely to attract. But it goes beyond that. Much of the time the justifications are emotive and rooted in nationalism. Meanwhile the uglier institutional undercurrent is often, conveniently for the British Monarchy, left out of most conversations.

The reality of the institution is that it is more secretive than even the Security Services (MI5). The real powers and privileges of Royals are little understood and even less discussed. Academics and journalists have faced either stonewalling or outright lawfare in response to even modest attempts at getting scrutiny. That which we do know is concerning. Royal Consent laws allow for senior Royals access to legislation at the drafting phase to make sure they don’t compromise their private interests. As some of the largest land and business owners in the country, those interests are considerable so consequently is their interests in our lawmaking process. Independent research has revealed a dizzying amount of Royal secret scrutiny of our laws, and this is not even close to the whole picture. Their attitude to spending Public Money is far from restrained. But due to their protections from Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, yet again the whole picture is not easy to obtain.

The basic structure of the author’s book starts with addressing some usual defence arguments put out in favour of the British Monarchy, but then moves on to discuss what a republican model could potentially offer the UK. I largely like how this book is structured, which on the whole feels like a natural progression. However, I did feel that the book started to lose it’s way when it was talking about the House of Lords, seemingly ignoring concerns that a fully elected chamber runs the risk of having some of the same issues and the Commons. There are however, valuable discussions about the possibility of the UK one day having a singular codified (written constitution). Sadly, the author neglected to mention the London School of Economics’ massive public consultancy on this issue which happened in recent years and managed to get a lot of interest. More discussion of British political interests that have looked into a codified constitution could have livened this section up a bit.

Overall, I liked this book for it’s confident and clear delivery of an argument for reform. I used to volunteer in Graham Smith’s organisation, so a lot of these arguments and how he tells them is very familiar. I liked his use of personal anecdotes, such as him visiting Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London with his nephews. I think this helped dispel a common straw man argument hurled at Republicans that we disdain our history and have no interest in people looking into it. Who would have thought it! The mothership of British Republicanism walking around Crown Estates sites! I would say that in places it could use a bit more humour to break up the dense constitutional discussion.

I appreciated the author’s direct but informative attempts to speak about republics in a hopeful but practical way. Too often we Republicans get stuck hit with the usual freak examples of presidencies, usually from the US, Russia and occasionally France. Graham Smith makes very clear the type of British presidency he wants is one that is strictly defined in terms of powers and responsibilities, not a massive Executive/Imperial presidency like in France or the USA, never mind Russia. He takes the opportunity to look through many honourable but too often unsung European examples including, but not exclusively, the presidencies of: Ireland, Iceland, Finland and Germany. If I were to offer Graham Smith some constructive criticism I would recommend that he could have replaced the Lords chapters with one trying to focus more into de-toxifying the idea of what a presidency would actually mean and how we could make it work for our country.

I did very much appreciate one of the last word’s Graham Smith signed off with. He commented on the rather sad assertion put by Royalists that the British Monarchy cannot be abolished because it represents the best of our country. What it means to be British and British culture goes way beyond the British Monarchy. I would say if it doesn’t then we are in a lot of trouble. This puts our country down and ignores our great contributions to exploration, science, music, literature, sport among many other aspects to our culture. I once asked an Indian friend of mine (India being a republic), if there were ever such concerns when India became independent and lost their principalities. He described a country of thousands of villages, where each village had it’s own unique belief systems, festivals and micro-cultures. It seems it is possible to live without a monarchy.

[Miles Row · Rating 4 out of 5]

While dissolution rather than reform is the aim of this book, it highlights where reform is needed for monarchists.

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-communicated analysis which lays out the case for abolition logically and without resorting to emotion-driven arguments. Interestingly, the book takes a comparative approach with similar movements around the world and also finishes with a consideration of what a republican Britain would look like.

I’m no diehard, but this book went a long way towards convincing me that, at the very least, this is a national conversation worth having.

[Chris Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on “Audible” and enjoyed it immensely. I am going to buy a Kindle edition so I can read some sections in more detail and work out which bits I agree with and which I don’t (which is quite a lot).

Graham Smith clearly isn’t a fan of the royal family either as individuals or a group and makes a strong case for change. What I liked about his argument however was that he sees the monarchy in the context of the whole system of governance in our country. So for Smith abolition of the monarchy is just part of, but a necessary part of, a wider democratic reform as he sees it.

I also liked the way he addresses the usual arguments for the monarchy - surprising how often I have heard people trot out these very issues - and debunks them.

I don’t agree with the book but found it to be a great “read”, challenging perspective, made me think.

[Michael Morar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and excellent indictment of a hollow, corrupt, dated, and useless institution.

Apart from tearing apart the concept of hereditary, unelected heads of state and aristocracy, Smith also shows us a wholly democratic Britain with concrete, productive proposals for what we could have if only we went for it!

Read this book and spread the word!

[Gallagher McKendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books well structured, doing as the cover says showing how and why we should abolish the monarchy. In my eyes the majority of his Smiths arguments are common sense. Although if one were to be a monarchist or even on the fence I could see them leaning towards republicanism after reading this. Much of what is said throughout the book is fact with very little opinion involved, which I feel only strengthens the argument for a republic.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

[Elliot Vasegaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

required reading

[Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a great job of debunking myths and common arguments in favour of the monarchy, such as their contribution to tourism and being a harmless institution. A must read for any royalist.

[Gemma Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fascinating and well considered arguments to consider. Worth reading.

[Alan Middlemass]

It's non-fiction so the reason for the book being written has to be obvious before purchase. In this case it is clearly in the title. All of the title, not just the large font bit.

I don't think it is possible to assess the quality of the written word without addressing the subject matter but that may just be my limitations. I bought the book because I am a member of Republic but felt that I should at least make the effort to read it although unlikely to be persuaded by the arguments therein. Well I shouldn't be really otherwise why join in the first place? But there is more to the book that the big font!

A point made by Graham Smith in the book is that staunch monarchists are not a target group for persuasion in Republic activities. So may be not the book for them to buy. Could also be said for the supporters of his point of view but it is effectively a donation in part if it goes unread.

What I was realising in reading this is that Graham Smith is dealing with a much bigger topic than simply #NOTMYKING.

I have been aware of the Privy Council and some of its activities as well as the power exercised by a Prime Minister which meets the criteria for the Quinton Hogg (Hailsham) assessment of their position as an elected dictatorship. While I know we are a constitutional monarchy Smith goes into the framework of government to examine how power is not exercised by King or Queen but is subservient to that Prime Minister. Most worrying is the way in which we have created a ruling elite that can bypass the elected Parliament.

I was startled awake with the familiar story of the forced evacuation of the Chagos Islands not requiring any reference for an overview from Parliament and how the process is available to be repeated. And possibly has been because these need not be reported.

And the backend of the book title is also covered with process of removal of the monarchy and how a republican replacement can be introduced. Reads like a fantasy but we can only hope.

Glad I made the effort to read this.

I gained more than merely confirming I could share his views. As with many books, I imagine, the publication timing is selected deliberately because it might benefit sales. Obviously a coronation is good timing but in this case we have the author being arrested!!

Not relevant to the book? I don't know. Not relevant to a book review certainly.

[Geoff McArthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The people who need to read this book the most simply won’t. That’s the way of it with the monarchy. A book filled with myth busting, clear evidence of ridiculously bogus claims of fiscal value of the royals and proper grown up logic about governance - is the very type of book you need to avoid reading is you want to believe in something nonsensical . Asking a royal sycophant to read this would be like asking a devout Christian to read The God Delusion. They won’t, they can’t, they don’t want to because they fear the contents. They happily rubbish it without reading a word though. That how you have to roll if you’re into worshipping things that you thank are superior beings. Smith nails argument after argument. He must be a nightmare for the royal
Industry but still he’s up against it. The need to believe this rubbish is seemingly profound and all evidence to the contrary will be ignored

[Will · Rating 1 out of 5]

Smith's writing style is often condescending and he makes a number of personal attacks on the royal family.
Smith's arguments are based on a number of outdated and inaccurate assumptions about the monarchy.
Smith fails to provide any concrete proposals for how the monarchy would be abolished or what would replace it.
Overall, "Abolish the Monarchy" is a disappointing book. It is a missed opportunity to have a serious and constructive debate about the future of the monarchy. Instead, Smith has produced a polemic that is more likely to alienate people who are already opposed to the monarchy than to persuade them to change their minds.

[Paul Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and convincing book about how and why Britain will become a republic.

Graham Smith eloquently sets out the irrefutable logic for abolishing the monarchy and paints a picture of a better, more democratic future for our country. A must read for anyone interested in the way Britain is governed. I'd encourage everyone to read this book and then to get involved with the movement to abolish the monarchy.

[Huw Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as a republican, there were some shocking things that I hadn't heard before. Having said that, I thought the book would be a bit more balanced and do more to try and win over people who are on the fence. I found some of the arguments quite dismissive and would maybe put some people off. All in all, a good insight into why the monarchy is wrong and how we can move toward a republic.

[Dean HOCK1NG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this 5 stars due to the clear amount of research and passion put in to the book! Most importantly it is very thought provoking and the contents has actually changed my perception and opinions on many issues raised in this book. I was on the fence for a long time but I am definitely now pro republic! Definitely worth reading especially for UK/GB “subjects”

[Jacob Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly-soft four stars - but four stars nevertheless. I am a republican, but I was not always, and so I do have at least one worked example of what can work to change someone's mind about the British monarchy. With that perspective, I do think this would have a good chance at convincing someone who was uncertain, on the fence, or at least only supported the monarchy as a default position. I reckon it successfully rubbishes basically every argument I have ever heard in favour of the monarchy, other than "I just want to have a King/Queen", and the book admits it has no chance of convincing anyone who's that committed of a monarchist.

Graham Smith has structured and written the book quite well. His first part attacks the idea that the monarchy is in any way actively good for the UK; his second attacks the idea that the monarchy is not really a problem for the UK; and his third lays out a vision of the future that the UK could have as a republic. Again, although I already agreed with the conclusion from the start, there's a lot of good stuff in here that is either new data or new arguments to me. For example, not just demolishing the "royals are good for tourism" from the qualitative point of view, but actually getting into numbers and showing a) the headline number quoted for "royal tourism income" is spurious and b) even if it was accurate, it is barely a rounding error compared to the scale of the UK's tourism sector. There's discussions that get into the weeds (in a good way) about questions like which royal properties belong to the Windsors as private individuals, which belong to the nation, and which are deliberately being kept in a legal grey area. There's light shone on the sheer waste being committed by the royals - if you got angry about Rishi Sunak's abuse of private flights, wait till you read this... There's detailed discussion about the difference between monarchy, monarch, and Crown, and thoughtful discussion applied to what this means for a republic. There's examples of other countries that transitioned to republics peacefully to rubbish the idea that it would be somehow too complicated for us: this last one's particularly funny when compared, as in the book, to the relative ease with which the UK eventually left the EU (in the strict legal sense).

Something else that I think is very strong here, is how Smith is both realistic and optimistic in his prescriptions. He talks about the way that support for a republic has grown and become a genuine talking point in only a few decades, but he's not pretending that it's a view held by some vast silent majority; he is talking about how to win majority support for what's currently a minority position. Some of the most interesting sections to me were where he actually links several of the UK's political malaises to monarchism: the aristocratic, unelected, and essentially useless upper house; the amount of potentially unchecked political power invested in the Prime Minister; the precarity of actually any of the rights or freedoms we take for granted, with an unwritten constitution and a single Act of Parliament being all that's required - Smith links all of these to the way that we've added piecemeal bits of democracy to our constitutional monarchy, without ever actually becoming a democratic republic. While I think he stretches it slightly to directly link all of these to the monarchy (because you could easily imagine a UK which abolished the monarchy and didn't fix any of these) the book is stronger for presenting a vision of republicanism as an opportunity for broad democratic reform, with a proper constitution, a fully elected parliament, and a separate elected head of state.

I've got two issues with the book. One: it does make factual claims which should be backed up by sources, but usually don't have references, even when I feel these should be provided (for example, numbers for the total value of tourism in the UK in a given year). I just complained about this in another book, I can't let this slide just because I liked this book... although, everything I fact checked in this book appeared to be true. Two: the book's subtitled "Why We Should And How We Will", and it's a little weaker on the second part. Specifically, it does seem to gloss over a bit of a gap in the journey, from "gain popular support for a republic" to "make any government actually take steps towards a republic". See, Smith does come across as a bit of an idealist in politics, which I'm not complaining about (he is staking out an idealistic political goal here) but he seems to believe/hope that popular support for the republican position will automatically translate into political change. I've lived in this country for a while... I don't think one automatically follows from the other, sadly. On drug legalisation, on LGBTQ rights (which Smith does actually mention as an example of how to drive political change from a starting position of limited popular support), on the UK's relations with the EU, and all sorts of other issues, there's not really much evidence that popularity of an idea is sufficient to make politicians act.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in understanding the republican argument in the UK, and I hope - in a complimentary way - that it will be the vanguard of more to come.

[Phil Eames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading: this book easily dismantles the arguments for retaining a monarchy in this country, and shows how moving to a republic will empower us all.

[Simon Herdson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. Thoroughly recommended.

[Howard Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in the country should read this book. A real eye opener.

[Alice Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love

[Bernd Schnabl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's only a question of when