Join CEO of Republic, Graham Smith, co-founder of Agora, William Hagerup, and others in a debate about the Monarchy. Is it time to replace the UK Monarchy with an elected Head of State?
Should Britain sweep away centuries of royal tradition and replace the Crown with an elected head of state? Supporters say it’s time to drag the constitution into the 21st century — arguing that no public office should be handed down by birth, and that an elected president would finally give the people a direct say at the very top.
But critics warn that scrapping the monarchy would gamble with one of the nation’s last great stabilising forces. The King stands above party politics, they argue — a symbol of continuity in turbulent times. Would an elected head of state simply become another politician, dividing rather than uniting the country?
Expect great arguments on either side and plenty of room for YOU to put your opinion across as we ask: is the Crown the glue that holds Britain together — or an outdated relic ready for retirement?
We invite you to test the motion, challenge assumptions, and share your views during the Q&A.