Anti-monarchy campaigners have welcomed the news that the government will remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers from the House of Lords.

Campaign group Republic has pointed out the move raises questions about the future of the monarchy, and whether Charles should remain the last hereditary figure standing.

Speaking for Republic today, Graham Smith said:

"The government has said 'the hereditary principle in law-making has lasted for too long and is out of step with modern Britain', so clearly there's a case to answer on the future of the monarchy."

"The monarchy is central to the UK's rotten parliament and its antiquated practices. Not only is the monarch's role and position out of step with the needs of a modern democracy, but Charles and William use their privileged position to interfere in law-making."

"We cannot possibly argue that the hereditary principle is wrong for the Lords but right for our head of state. It is clearly wrong in a democracy for anyone to inherit public office."

"Britain needs an effective and accountable head of state, just as we need an effective and accountable parliament. When both are fully and directly elected, then we can call it real reform, and not just tinkering with a broken system."