WITH independence Scotland can be a modern democratic republic, the Scottish Greens have said.
Speaking on Commonwealth Day, and with King Charles’s coronation on the horizon, the party’s co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP has reaffirmed their support for the abolition of the monarchy in an independent Scotland.
Harvie said: “The monarchy is an outdated and fundamentally undemocratic institution. With a new king on the throne, this is exactly the time to question and challenge the system of hereditary privilege and build a proper democracy.
“One of the reasons that independence is such an exciting prospect is because it would give us the powers and the opportunity to do things differently and to tackle the inequality that is so prevalent.
“Scotland can be a modern and democratic republic with an elected and accountable head of state.
“We can be a fairer, greener country where power and sovereignty lies with the people and where the public wealth held by the crown, from land to palaces, is used for community benefit.”
If the monarchy was abolished in Scotland, the Scottish taxpayer would no longer need to contribute to the Sovereign Grant – which for 2022-23 is £86.3 million of UK taxpayers’ money.
With the cost of living crisis still ongoing, and people unable to heat their homes, pay bills and afford food, the Scottish Greens have pointed to cash spent on the coronation as being wasteful.
Harvie said: “The UK Government is about to spend millions of pounds on an elaborate celebration for an institution we have never voted for and that many feel increasingly alienated from.
“That is why, when the coronation takes place this May, my Scottish Green colleagues and I will be proud to join the protests that will be taking place across Scotland and beyond.”
The biggest planned protest is scheduled to take place at Westminster on May 6, the same time as the King’s coronation.
Harvie concluded: “All over the Commonwealth there are countries having these debates and reconsidering their relationship with monarchy. It is time for us to do the same.”
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