What we want

A democratic Britain with an elected head of state

Republicans campaign for the abolition of the monarchy, an elected head of state and a new democratic constitution that really puts power in the hands of voters.

• We want to reform Britain's politics so it is genuinely democratic.
• We want a new constitution - a new set of rules for our political system - that puts power in your hands.
• We want voters to be able to elect their head of state - instead of having a 'job-for-life' monarch.
• We want to give voters more power over parliament and parliament more control over government.
• We want a head of state that has a meaningful role and who can be held to account on their record in office.
• We want Britain to be a republic.

Why get rid of the monarchy?

Hereditary public office goes against every democratic principle. And because we can't hold the Queen and her family to account at the ballot box, there's nothing to stop them abusing their privilege, misusing their influence or simply wasting our money.

Meanwhile, the monarchy gives vast unchecked power to the government, shutting out the people from major decisions that affect the national interest.

Expensive, unaccountable and a drag on our democratic process, the monarchy is a broken institution. A head of state that's chosen by us could really represent our hopes and aspirations - and stop politicians exceeding their powers.

What's so good about a republic

A new constitution based on democratic values - not medieval ones - could give voters real power over their politicians and enshrine in our society ideas about the democratic rights of the people.

A republic is more than just an elected head of state: it's a new way of doing politics that is centred around the power of the people. A new set of rules and reformed institutions would give voters more power of parliament (and importantly would limit the power of parliament over the people!)

The Crown currently gives our government huge powers that it can use without needing parliament's permission - they include a long list of official appointments, signing treaties with the EU and foreign countries and declaring war. Getting rid of the Crown would give our elected parliament more power and control over the government.

In a republic the head of state would be elected and would have a real job to do. She or he would not run the government - that would still be the prime minister. An elected president would act as a guardian of our constitution, protecting the rights of voters and ensuring the government doesn't over-step the limits of its power. They can also act as an arbiter when our MPs can't agree on forming a government if we have a hung parliament.

What kind of republic does Republic want?

Republic advocate a parliamentary system whereby a ceremonial Head of State would be directly elected by the people. This non-executive Head of State would have only limited reserve powers... Read more