Abolish the Monarchy: Why we should and how we will

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Both in principle and in practice, he states repeatedly, monarchy contravenes the ‘values’ of the British people: it is undemocratic, expensive and impractical; it enthrones privilege, nepotism and inequality. The book is not only an insult to the royal family and their supporters, but also to the intelligence and common sense of the reader.

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.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. 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. To give Smith the benefit of the doubt, it could be argued that the general public, at which this book is aimed, would quickly lose interest in a work clotted with centuries-old theories. 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. 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.

Even in my most evangelical of days as a teenager (I really must have been insufferable in my religious fervour) I could see that the belief the monarchy was somehow 'God-given' was simply not true. Perhaps what is most encouraging about this book is Smith's arguments against the contention that most people want the monarchy to continue.

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. 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.

I mean, I was always going to enjoy a lengthy diatribe on why the UK should get rid of its outdated and expensive monarchy. Making a compelling case for the various downsides of a constitutional conservation of inherited privilege, Graham Smith delivers a passionate and eloquent analysis of how monarchy impedes the full realisation of British democracy. 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. On the question of government power, Smith likewise assumes that the existence of a strong executive is at odds with British values. When The Enchanted Glass: Britain and its Monarchy was published 35 years ago and until very recently, the British monarchy seemed pretty unassailable.

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. 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. 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. I would say that in places it could use a bit more humour to break up the dense constitutional discussion. This is the crux of the matter: it is likely that those who truly want to keep the monarchy are actually now in the minority.