Labour leadership: Clive Lewis calls for referendum on abolishing monarchy
The IndependentSign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Answering questions following a speech in south London, he said: “I think a lot of people would like to see the monarchy scaled down – there’s been a lot of talk. so why not have a referendum in this country on the future of the royal family?” He continued: “We’re a democracy, I’d rather see us as citizens than subjects in the 21st century. I don’t consider myself a subject, I think I’m a citizen of this country and I think the vast majority of people consider themselves citizens.” The suggestion comes after a torrid few weeks for the royal family, during which Prince Andrew was forced to step back from public duties over his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle caused shock waves by announcing they were abandoning most of their royal duties. Mr Lewis said: “As regards to the royal family, I completely respect the right of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to do what they’ve done – it’s a matter for them.
History of this topic
Labour MP Clive Lewis breaks ranks to criticise monarchist ‘lies’
The IndependentDiscover Related
