God Save Our Queen - Funeral will be Mon 19th September (p26)

Karim_myBagheri said:

Chizz said:

tangoflash said:

I am a huge fan of the Queen and all that she has done for our nation and will continue to support her until the end, but I feel that with her death should also mark the death of the monarchy. The world has moved on from this.

There are two words I use to dissuade people of the notion that we should move from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. Just two words. But the two words are suffused with enough nuance and fear that anyone in their right mind will know that the dangers of a British Republic are far too real to risk. 

President Johnson 

is there anyway that the Monarch could actually sack a Prime minister? 

https://www.ft.com/content/2d8aee46-e42f-11e9-9743-db5a370481bc

Chizz said:

tangoflash said:

I am a huge fan of the Queen and all that she has done for our nation and will continue to support her until the end, but I feel that with her death should also mark the death of the monarchy. The world has moved on from this.

There are two words I use to dissuade people of the notion that we should move from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. Just two words. But the two words are suffused with enough nuance and fear that anyone in their right mind will know that the dangers of a British Republic are far too real to risk. 

President Johnson 

I'll add to the list (from my lifetime....)

Presidents:-
Heath
Wilson
Callaghan
Thatcher
Major
Blair
Brown
Cameron
May

and perhaps the best argument ever for a constitutional Monarchy, the (now surreal) prospect that Corbyn could ever have held power.

Karim_myBagheri said:

Chizz said:

tangoflash said:

I am a huge fan of the Queen and all that she has done for our nation and will continue to support her until the end, but I feel that with her death should also mark the death of the monarchy. The world has moved on from this.

There are two words I use to dissuade people of the notion that we should move from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. Just two words. But the two words are suffused with enough nuance and fear that anyone in their right mind will know that the dangers of a British Republic are far too real to risk. 

President Johnson 

is there anyway that the Monarch could actually sack a Prime minister? 

No.

I learnt that in school 40 years ago. 

She could, if she wanted, not accept a new Prime Minister forming a Government  - that's why any new incoming PM that wins a General Election first goes to see the Monarch to ask their "permission". Remember back in 2010 when we had a hung parliament & there were various thoughts on whether Labour could form a minority Government, seeing as they were the "sitting" one. If Gordon Brown had tried to do this the Queen could have just said NO. I doubt if she would, but she has it in her power. But she can't get rid of one.

Back strain seems a bit of an odd "excuse" if she really was I'll though. 

DaveMehmet said:

golfaddick said:

Back strain seems a bit of an odd "excuse" if she really was I'll though. 

Hope I’m wrong but doubt very much it’s a back strain. I get the horrible feeling it’s worse than that but they don’t want to worry people.

Afternoon Nicholas Witchell! 

I know it is a sombre occasion, but Prince Charles looked very sad this morning at the Cenotaph. I think this is probably the first time that he has attended without one of his parents being there.

The President Johnson idea, scary as that is, is false.

In many working democracies ie France, Ireland, Israel, the role of president is separate from the of Prime Minister and they are elected on a different basis, often for a longer term (7 years) while their roles are more likely to be ceremonial with real executive power remaining with the elected government, as it should IMHO.  They sometimes have power to resolve constitutional issues. 

IE they do a lot of what the Queen does now but aren't hereditary. 

As were aren't a republic or even have a written constitution it's impossible to say whether we'd have for example, an Irish model but I suspect we'd be closer to that than the American model if it ever happened.  Which I don't think it will.

golfaddick said:

Back strain seems a bit of an odd "excuse" if she really was I'll though. 

Perhaps she was due to play Millwall away this week…

Henry Irving said:

The President Johnson idea, scary as that is, is false.

In many working democracies ie France, Ireland, Israel, the role of president is separate from the of Prime Minister and they are elected on a different basis, often for a longer term (7 years) while their roles are more likely to be ceremonial with real executive power remaining with the elected government, as it should IMHO.  They sometimes have power to resolve constitutional issues. 

IE they do a lot of what the Queen does now but aren't hereditary. 

As were aren't a republic or even have a written constitution it's impossible to say whether we'd have for example, an Irish model but I suspect we'd be closer to that than the American model if it ever happened.  Which I don't think it will.

Why is it false? If we became a republic and chose to elect a president, would Boris Johnson not be permitted to run? 

Chizz said:

ME14addick said:

I know it is a sombre occasion, but Prince Charles looked very sad this morning at the Cenotaph. I think this is probably the first time that he has attended without one of his parents being there.

Isn't 'very sad' the only acceptable countenance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday? 

He looked quiet emotional as he laid The Queens wreath this morning

Rothko said:

Chizz said:

ME14addick said:

I know it is a sombre occasion, but Prince Charles looked very sad this morning at the Cenotaph. I think this is probably the first time that he has attended without one of his parents being there.

Isn't 'very sad' the only acceptable countenance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday? 

He looked quiet emotional as he laid The Queens wreath this morning

No doubt thinking about his dad

Chizz said:

Henry Irving said:

The President Johnson idea, scary as that is, is false.

In many working democracies ie France, Ireland, Israel, the role of president is separate from the of Prime Minister and they are elected on a different basis, often for a longer term (7 years) while their roles are more likely to be ceremonial with real executive power remaining with the elected government, as it should IMHO.  They sometimes have power to resolve constitutional issues. 

IE they do a lot of what the Queen does now but aren't hereditary. 

As were aren't a republic or even have a written constitution it's impossible to say whether we'd have for example, an Irish model but I suspect we'd be closer to that than the American model if it ever happened.  Which I don't think it will.

Why is it false? If we became a republic and chose to elect a president, would Boris Johnson not be permitted to run? 

If like the States, then no, as he was born in NY.

I wonder who, in the world of politics in the UK would be most keen on a well-paid, ceremonial role, with no responsibility, untrammeled opportunity to earn money writing and the offer of immunity from prosecution. I imagine if the monarchy were to be abolished (which it won't) and replaced by such a presidential position, then there would be few sharp enough elbows to get past the current incumbent of number ten. 

Blackheathen said:

They would get my vote too, perhaps adding Nelson Mandela

He'd have to come back as a brain munching Zombabwean (I know, I know he was South African...)