The Queen

Hmm. Personally, I consider the monarchy an outdated anachronism. I find, when people are finding things so difficult - many still working to help their adult children afford their rent, or struggling to make ends meet, I would have more respect for the institution if they said 'No. We are all multi-millionaires. There is no reason the tax payer should be funding the 'five-houses-knocked-into-one 'cottage' deemed necessary for Harry and Megan to live in, or anything else. We live rent free in a variety of palaces and mansions, we complain at 'intrusion' and take 6 weeks off to get over it when the ordinary person would be sacked, or unable to put food on the table. We accept the fawning celebrity status but don't seem to want to put up with what comes with it.'

I feel it is just wrong, in this day and age, to have this elevated family, funded by ourselves (yes, I know they bring money in, but can we afford this Mickey Mouse equivalent?)

The Queen has done a good job. The little I can know of her, she has put in her full effort and service. It isn't personal. But perhaps, yes, it is time to at the very least re-think our relationship to this family of people that some seem to put on such a pedestal.

How would it be decided who would be the elected head of state?
Oh, I know, we could have a referendum......

I agree with Jeremy especially after the Andrew mess

I don’t agree with Corbyn, Charles will be a good head of state.

An elected head of state , elections every few years, whoever was President would start campaigning, no thanks

3 marriages , quite a record

I didn't realise Jeremy Corbyn had been married so many times! We hear all about Boris's relationship failures but little of this although I do realise that there is some difference if there was no infidelity involved. On both sides, I should imagine it is quite difficult to keep a marriage happy with the hours they work!
I would never vote with Corbyn because I sincerely disagree with his economic policies. If you look at the Labour record it has always ended with having to do up your belts because of overspend. However, I do think that JC is probably a sincere enough person and has never made any bones about his thoughts on having an elite Royalty. Once again, I don't agree with his view but it is hardly earth shattering news.

I do not think Jeremy Corbin is making the decision to end the monarchy but merely expressing his view.

I agree with him. Our Queen is exceptional. When eventually she passes, it will be the end of an era. An era of a blameless and dutiful Monarch who sincerely serves her people and the country.

The royal family itself has brought the end of the monarchy in its old fashioned dignified place into being. There can be no monarch to succeed the present Queen who will bring the respect and love that she receives from the nation.

It will be time to think of another way. To get up to date. And we can't have people gadding abroad in the name of being a son of the monarch saying they are doing service for British industry and trade or anything else for that matter. They clearly are not bright enough and do not have the acumen, morals or ability in any way.

I want to say that Princess Anne deserves respect for her dedication tot her work. She never asks for glory or riches. She knows her own abilities and uses them to help others in need. She has given years of service, quietly, honourably and without fuss. She deserves our thanks, love and support.

Great post Tilly.

Well, he's entitled to his opinion, but unless he wins an election and this is in the manifesto, I don't think it's any more than that. One person's opinion.

Whenever this topic comes up, I wonder which politician in my lifetime I'd like to see as head of state, and shudder. I just don't think our political system is producing people who are mature or altruistic enough to make a good president - who has to act in the best interests of the nation.

I thought I would check before I called anybody a liar and copied what Dottynan wrote and put it in a search engine. He did, in fact, say it in April 2001 when The Countess of Wessex's troubles in the wake of the "fake sheikh" interview prompted renewed calls for reform of the monarchy. Along with other MPs interviewed for and against the monarchy his quote was as follows and reported by the BBC:

Jeremy Corbyn, the left-wing Labour MP for Islington North, repeated his calls for an elected head of state.
"I think it's time that we just moved on and said, when the current Queen completes her reign, wouldn't that be an appropriate time to call it a day and have an elected head of state, either by both Houses of Parliament, or by popular vote."

I think his views on the monarchy are pretty well known.

Considering the referendum and the voting in parliament?

Let’s stick with the monarchy

BJ’s answer was spot on.
Really? I don't see how anyone can say the Monarchy is beyond reproach. I am not particularly a Republican but I certainly do think it needs modernising.

How should it be modernised ?

EthelJ

Boris actually said “ The Institution of the Monarchy is beyond reproach” not “The Monarchy is beyond reproach”.
Not quite the same.

I’d rather have William as King thanks ! I think he’s an absolutely excellent king for our future ! We’re very lucky to have him and Kate and their family ! The rest are a shower although I could hack Charles if it wasn’t for too long ! No elected heads of state , too much corruption , end up with a Trump , God forbid !

I haven't seen an apology from suziewoozie to Dottynan for suggesting she's a liar so vehemently.

I think the OP presented the statement as if it were breaking news, not something uttered in 2001? Maybe?

The monarchy plays no useful part in the life of most people in the UK. It is an outdated concept and the wealth they hold is obscene. Many countries manage without a monarchy and I firmly believe UK would be just fine without them.
I, like Jeremy Corbyn, and everyone else is entitled to their opinion I believe.

We have to have a Head of State and I think this is the cheapest option. They already have all the regalia. Can you imagine a male Head of State wearing that crown?

ps Corbyn is entitled to his opinion but so are we all.

No useful part ? Let’s take just one - The Princes Trust

Here's a photo of the Queen at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, with David Attenborough. She had just presented an award to him and Julian Hector, Head of the BBC Natural History Unit, for their work in highlighting ocean plastic pollution.
This is taken very shortly after she had just given her son the sack.

She is a trooper.

Two 90+ troopers.

The thought of an elected head of state is a horrid thought. I can just see the likes of Tony Blair etc putting themselves forward.
The Queen is good value and brings mega bucks into the country via tourism.
Prince Charles has already stated when he accedes to the throne he will slim the royal family right down to the monarch and direct heirs. Anne and Edward have said they're fine with it, only Andrew tried to fight it but even he has agreed under pressure. Charles has apparently wanted shot of Andrew for years and after the Epstein affair he's got the perfect excuse.

Well said Bridgeit x

Doubt Edward will be stopped , when the Duke Edinburgh dies Edward will take the title and he already works for
The Duke Edinburgh Award, good work, and Sophie carries out official duties too as does Anne.

All this could not be done by William