Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQs page answers the most common questions about Republic and what we do.
For more information on the arguments for and against the monarchy and a republic visit the Republic Replies page.
If you have any other questions about Republic which are not answered here, please email us at faqs@republic.org.uk.
What's the best way I can support Republic?
Democracy is all about working together for a common goal. If you want to see the change we are campaigning for there are some crucial ways you can support us. Firstly you can help strengthen our campaign by becoming a member or by making a donation. You can also help make our voice louder and stronger by signing up to Republic's Urgent Response Network and getting involved in our e-campaigning.
I want to join, how much does it cost?
You can join Republic for just £1 a month paid by card or standing order. For more details visit our Join page.
How can I help?
Republic relies on its members for practical as well as financial support. You may be able to help us with writing and research, web development and e-campaigning or with more mundane administrative jobs. For more details call our Campaign Manager, Graham Smith, on 07747 608 770 or email him at g.smith@republic.org.uk
When and where can I meet Republic members, directors or staff?
We hold a number of meetings and events throughout the year. All details are listed on the What's On page.
Can anyone join Republic?
Yes! So long as you agree with our broad aims and mission you can join up right away.
What do you do to campaign on the issues?
Republic has established itself as the organisation that both the media and the public turn to when they seek a republican viewpoint. We lobby elected representatives across the UK and our spokespeople regularly appear on television and radio. We also give talks in schools, write articles for newspapers and develop pro-active media campaigns. Republic also publishes a quarterly members' magazine, Imagine, which features articles by many high profiles supporters, members and campaign staff.
Do you stand in elections?
Republic is a campaign group rather than a political party. This means we're more like organisations such as Greenpeace, Amnesty or Liberty, rather than groups such as the Labour Party, Conservatives or Liberal Democrats. This is because our mission is not to govern Britain, but to change the way Britain is governed. We seek support from across the political spectrum and many of our members currently support existing parties. As governing Britain is not our goal fighting expensive and bureaucratic elections is not a good use of our resources or a good way of building support for our cause.
Does Republic have a view on nationalism in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales?
Republic has no formal view on the question of Scottish independence or on nationalist issues elsewhere in the UK. We simply believe that you, and all people in Britain, should have the right to elect our Head of State. Whether that is one Head of State or two is a separate question and a different debate.
Do you have a view on the European Union?
We view the question of the European Union as being quite separate from the issue of republicanism and the British constitution. Although the EU can have implications for British democracy it is the case that EU members include all sorts of democracies, with all sorts of constitutional arrangements. The Union can accomodate Britain no matter what our constitution or political institutions look like (so long as they meet certain basic criteria). As there are plenty of people taking up the case on both sides of the European debate we focus our attention on the issue of Britain's own constitution.
Is Republic affiliated with a particular party or political ideology?
No. Republic targets its message across the entire political spectrum and seeks support from members of all parties as well as from the wider public. Surveys of our current membership show our supporters come from all walks of life and support almost every political party, philosophy and ideology in Britain.
Do you have a view on the House of Lords?
While Republic commits itself to focusing on the principal issue of a republican constitution, and therefore does not campaign on the Lords, we do believe that all parliamentarians should be subject to democratic election. Therefore we would envisage the upper house in a republic being fully elected and would welcome any moves in that direction while the campaign for a republic continues.
Do you have a view on the Church of England?
Republic commits itself to focusing on the principal issue of a republican constitution, and therefore does not campaign on the issue of an established church. However, we do believe that the notion of a state religion is incompatible with the notion of popular sovereignty and republican democracy. We also see the established church as being very much bound up with the institution of the monarchy. We therefore would support the disestablishment of the Church of England and believe disestablisment would be inevitable in a republic.
Republic is in no-way against religion or against any particular church. As The Archbishop of Cantebury himself has acknowledged, there is a strong case to be made that the C of E would in fact prosper if it were disestablished.
Do you have a view on a written constitution?
For the real benefits of republican democracy to be felt it will be necessary to have a written constitution.
For sovereignty to rest with the people it is necessary for the powers of government, parliament and other parts of the state to be codified and limited. This will mean the state can only do what 'we the people' allow and, if the state or the people believe change to the rules is necessary, changing the rules will require the consent of the people.
A written constitution does not have to be a complex or lengthy document. It can simply set out the powers assigned to the different branches of the state and how those branches relate to one another. The job of legislating and governing will remain with parliament and government respectively.
Is your question not answered here? Send it to us and we'll do our best to answer it for you.
Simply send an email to: faqs@republic.org.uk
Facebook
Twitter