Abolish the Monarchy: Why we should and how we will

The British monarchy is a valuable institution, but it is also flawed and in need of reform. The monarchy is not accountable to anyone, and they live off the public purse. This has led to erosion of the principle of equality and secret interference in our laws. However, true democracy is within our reach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2024
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

A powerful and thought-provoking polemic in defense of one of humanity's most valuable achievements, democracy itself, is presented by Owen Jones. Graham Smith's book exposes the flaws in our constitution, portraying the monarch as a symbol of a nation plagued by nepotism, backhanders, chumocracy, and inherited privilege. Smith's book encourages readers to read and rebel against the status quo.

On the other hand, Polly Toynbee argues that the monarchy is not as beneficial as it is often portrayed. She points out that evidence suggests that some royal weddings may have a negative impact on inbound tourism. Additionally, she reveals that of the approximately 1,200 charities with a royal patron, 74% had no contact with their patron during the preceding year. Despite this, Toynbee argues that the monarchy is widely loved and supported, with a January 2023 poll showing that 55 percent of people still support it. However, she believes that this support is misplaced and that the monarchy is wrong in principle and does not work in practice.

Toynbee suggests that Britain should be proud of its parliamentary system and its role as a shining beacon of democracy. However, she points out an elephant in the room: a single family that holds power at the heart of government. These individuals were not elected but live off the public purse, and they are not accountable to anyone. They possess more government secrets than many cabinet ministers, and they are divinely appointed using a special hat. The head of this family is portrayed as the guardian of our constitution, but it is also claimed that he would never interfere in politics.

If one accepts the monarchy, Toynbee argues, they must also accept the moral compromises that come with it. These compromises include the erosion of the principle of equality and the secret interference in our laws. However, Toynbee believes that there is good news: true democracy is within our reach. She argues that we can create a system that is more democratic, accountable, and representative of the people. This system would involve a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch is not the ultimate source of power, and the government is accountable to the people through elected representatives.

In conclusion, Owen Jones and Polly Toynbee present two contrasting perspectives on the monarchy. Jones argues that the monarchy is flawed and detrimental to democracy, while Toynbee suggests that it is widely loved and supported, despite its flaws. However, both authors agree that true democracy is within our reach and that we can create a system that is more democratic, accountable, and representative of the people.

Weight: 202g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804992272