TOMMY Sheppard has renewed calls for the monarchy to be abolished as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry in Windsor today in one of the most expensive weddings of all time.
The SNP MP said there should be a review of the current constitutional and a public debate over whether the UK should continue to have an unelected head of state.
“We need to begin a serious conversation about constitutional reform and moving towards an elected head of state and that would mean the monarchy as we know it will cease to be,” Sheppard told The National.
“It’s a matter of democratic principle that people ought to be able to elect the head of state of the country they live in. It always staggers me that that position can be portrayed as some sort of extreme or controversial proposal. It really is just common sense and standard throughout most of the world.
“Once the honeymoon is over we have to ask ourselves how long this can continue with one family in the land having the sole right to the head of state-ship.”
Sheppard suggested the issue was particularly relevant today because of growing levels of inequality in society and welfare cuts which have harmed vulnerable people. It emerged the ceremony in Windsor will cost around £32 million with the royal family contributing £2m with £30m coming from the public purse. Markle’s dress alone is reported to cost £300,000. Most of the £30m is said to cover security arrangements.
“I just can’t as an elected politician defend a situation where £30m of public money is spent on the wedding of one of the UK’s wealthiest families when I have people coming into my surgery losing about £30 a week on their disability benefit,” he added. “It’s a bit rum – to put it in an aristocratic way.”
The Edinburgh East MP will put his views to an event today being organised by the campaign group Republic, which supports the abolition of the monarchy. The Labour MP Emma Dent Coad, whose constituency covers Grenfell Tower in London, will also speak at the meeting.
Sheppard called for the debate now saying there could be a chance to change the system in the run up to the next succession, which would see Prince Charles succeed the current Queen as monarch.
“We know now whose going to be king in 60 years or so. It’s just wrong that this is the preserve of just one family in the land,” he added.
“I want to see a sensible debate about this. I don’t envisage anything is going to happen quickly but there may be an opportunity when the current queen’s reign comes to an end which will not be that many years away.
“I think that would provide a very good opportunity for the country to have a review of the monarchy and the role of the head of state. I think what we are talking about is preparing for that debate now.”
Sheppard sent his wishes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“It’s really not about individuals. I wish Harry and Meghan every happiness. They are a young couple in love and I wish them well. It’s not about them as individuals. I do accept most of the royals do work very hard. It’s about the nature of the institution and whether in the 21st century it’s compatible with democratic values.”
He went on to say in terms of Scottish independence he recognised that some Yes supporters backed the monarchy and would want to see the queen as the head of state of an independent Scotland.
“You could have an independent Scotland with the queen as head of state or not. I would never suggest that people have to believe in changing the head of state in order to support independence,” he said. “I have and I will campaign with monarchists to support an independent Scotland.
“The future relationship of any independent Scotland and the monarchy should be determined by the people who live in Scotland.”
Sheppard went on the say if the monarchy ceased Buckingham Palace could be opened to the public all year round, while the Windsors would continue to be among the world’s richest families.
“The Windsor family will continue to be one of the wealthiest aristocratic families in the world and they may still wish to play a part in public life perhaps in terms of charity work,” he said.
“The state assets which they are custodians of could be put to very good use not least to demonstrate our heritage. Buckingham Palace could be accessible throughout the year to visitors and I’m sure would be a popular tourist attraction.”
Graham Smith of Republic said he was pleased to have Sheppard and Dent Coad speaking at the meeting which would also hear from campaigners from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
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