Anti-monarchy group 'Republic' stages Jubilee protest on the banks of the Thames
Protest by campaign group ahead of Queen's Diamond Jubilee river pageant
Sunday 03 June 2012
Related articles
Anti-monarchy protesters today staged a demonstration on the banks of the Thames ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee river pageant.
The protesters, supporters of the campaign group Republic, held banners and placards saying “power to the people”, “citizen not subject”, and “democracy not monarchy” as they called for the abolition of the monarchy.
Republic is campaigning for an elected head of state to replace the monarchy.
They have also called for a new constitution that 'really puts power in the hands of voters.'
Today's protest involved a delegation from the Swedish republican movement as well as representatives of Republic from branches in Scotland and Wales.
Speaking today the chief executive of Republic, Graham Smith, said the protest was held at the same time as the river pageant to “raise the profile” of the republican movement.
He said: “We're opposed to celebrating hereditary privilege and power. The message is to the millions of people who oppose the monarchy that there is a movement you can support.
“The whole country isn't in love with the monarchy. It's a minority interest. We'll keep going until the monarchy is abolished.”
The group faced a hostile response from some of those gathered Thames-side for the 1000-strong flotilla led by the Queen.
Despite assuring the Metropolitan Police that the protest would be peaceful this afternoon the protest group appeared to be having difficulties accessing the river protest site.
A message on the Republic account on the social networking site Twitter this afternoon stated:
'Literally hundreds being prevented from joining main #jubileeprotest. We're working with police + security to resolve this.'
Graham Smith said of the protest this afternoon, “The royals spend most of their lives shielded from criticism - this protest will give them a rare glimpse of the strength of republican sentiment in Britain today.
“The hereditary system is offensive to all the democratic values this country has fought for in the past. The jubilee represents a celebration of everything we, as republicans, oppose - it is our right and duty to challenge it and promote the alternative.
“The heightened Palace PR campaign of the last 18 months has already backfired.
“People are sick and tired of being told they must celebrate 60 years of one very privileged, very remote and very uninspiring head of state. The idea that the monarchy's future is any safer as a result of the jubilee is completely laughable.”
-
Have shock jocks gone too far?
-
Former Google exec says he has 100,000 emails showing how 'immoral' company avoids paying UK tax
-
Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
-
British man confesses to slitting two children's throats in Lyon flat
-
'Swivel-gate': David Cameron goes to war with the press over 'swivel-eyed loons' slur
- 1 Asteroid nine times the size of the QE2 liner to sail pass Earth
- 2 Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
- 3 British business: We need to stay in the EU - or risk losing up to £92bn a year
- 4 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 5 It’s official: thanks to Stephen Hawking's Israel boycott, anti-Semitism is no more
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Independent Dating
iJobs General
Senior Employment Solicitor - Birmingham
Excellent Package: Austen Lloyd: This is a senior appointment with huge potent...
Teaching Programme Officer with Qualified Teacher Status
£28000 - £31500 per annum + benefits: Randstad Education Newcastle: Permanent ...
SAP FI-CA Consultant - up to £58k
£50000 - £58000 per annum + Benefits and Bonus: Progressive Recruitment: SAP F...
PHP/ Drupal Developer - £35k - WC
£30000 - £40000 per annum + BENS: Progressive Recruitment: Drupal Developer A ...
Day In a Page
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'







Comments