Queen calls emergency meeting

[northernladyuk]

Obviously he was implying that it isn't a new idea. But it would be new for the UK, unless you count the Commonwealth period. Perhaps Vetran would prefer an all-powerful "Lord Protector", like Oliver Cromwell?

Even an elected head of state would throw our constitution completely out of kilter, as they would have no less democratic legitimacy than MPs including the Prime Minister and other ministers.

You can have a largely ceremonial elected Head of State. Ireland does it pretty well.

[The_Equalizer]

You can have a largely ceremonial elected Head of State. Ireland does it pretty well.

And so does the UK with a monarchy. I'm not sure what difference there is. Ain't broke, don't fix.

[northernladyuk]

And so does the UK with a monarchy. I'm not sure what difference there is. Ain't broke, don't fix.

It is the difference between hereditary privilege and democracy.

[The_Equalizer]

It is the difference between hereditary privilege and democracy.

Not fussed so long as they do a good job.

[VectraMan]

Not fussed so long as they do a good job.

Which is the point. Her Maj does a good job; it's fair to say. The next in line might not. He might have political ideas of his own and feel the need to speak out and interfere. He could in theory refuse to approve the people's choice for government and there's nothing anyone can do about it short of another civil war (to finish off the job started at the last one), or adopt the French or Russian approach of having them all killed.

[The_Equalizer]

Which is the point. Her Maj does a good job; it's fair to say. The next in line might not. He might have political ideas of his own and feel the need to speak out and interfere. He could in theory refuse to approve the people's choice for government and there's nothing anyone can do about it short of another civil war (to finish off the job started at the last one), or adopt the French or Russian approach of having them all killed.

I very much doubt we'd have to resort to Roundheads and Cavaliers. Strong armed into abdicating would be the order of the day.

[SueEllen]

Which is the point. Her Maj does a good job; it's fair to say. The next in line might not. He might have political ideas of his own and feel the need to speak out and interfere. He could in theory refuse to approve the people's choice for government and there's nothing anyone can do about it short of another civil war (to finish off the job started at the last one), or adopt the French or Russian approach of having them all killed.

Or we could do what we did when William and Mary came to power e.g. sneakily choose the heir(s).