The article discusses the growing republican sentiment in Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It notes that the monarchy is seen as increasingly irrelevant in these nations. A recent poll showed little interest in a potential royal tour of Australia and New Zealand by Prince William in 2010. The author argues that while public opinion favors a republic, the challenge for republican groups is convincing politicians to take action to establish republics through referendums. The article outlines the work of the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand to advance the republican cause in that country.

1. Free
Latest
C
Lottery itizen
Inside Results
.
in it to Are you
win it?
The voice of modern republicanism 2009 | Issue 3
Republic Towns
Brand new campaign launched, giving
you the chance to make a real difference
See page 4
INSIDE
Plans for 2012
PLUS
Conference report Book your place at the
New publications Activist Day! See page 4
Much more...
Commonwealth turns against monarchy
Republic demands royal finance reform G!
Activist Day set to boost local campaigns MU11
A
IN GE
W PA
Back issues and more at www.republic.org.uk/imagine

2. 2 | Imagine
Commonwealth turns
back on the monarchy
2009 Republic
Strategy Survey
By now you will have
received the 2009
Annual Strategy
Survey.
To help Republic
develop our campaign strategies, we
want you to let us know what's
important to you, your motivations for
supporting Republic and what you
think our priorities should be in the
year ahead.
A national debate is now underway about sweeping constitutional reform.
“We also want to find out how
The various nations of the Meanwhile a poll in Canada showed
much you know about Republic
Commonwealth are turning their 65% now backing a move away from
backs on the monarchy as they look to the monarchy and toward a Canadian as an organisation - your
a more democratic future. republic. Canadian republicans are
organisation.”
expecting the debate to heat up there
Most countries in the Commonwealth when Charles visits the country later
are already republics, which may this year. We also want to find out how much
explain why a recent survey by the you know about Republic as an
Royal Commonwealth society found organisation – your organisation – and
online@ how we can help you make the most
republic.org.uk/news of your membership.
“The Queen has demonstrated
that she is a lame duck head of The survey should only take a few
At the same time the New Zealand minutes to complete, so please don’t
state. It is during crises … that
republican movement reports that MPs delay in getting it back to us - using
an effective leader is needed.” from both the two biggest parties, the FREEPOST envelope provided - by
Labour and Nationals, are organising Friday September 4.
that less than a quarter of parliamentary groups to press the
Commonwealth citizens want Charles government and opposition to back a
to head the organisation after his referendum on the issue.
mother dies.
Republic called on Britain not to be
Australia showed the most support for left behind in the push for reform
a royal succession, but even that was throughout the Commonwealth.
only 27%. Their Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd remains committed to the issue
of a republic and looks set to win a Chair of the Republican Movement The Repbublic Blog features all the
second term of office either later this of Aotearoa New Zealand Lewis latest views, news and analysis from
Holden talks about developments Graham Smith, James Gray and guest
year or some time in 2010.
down under on page 6. bloggers. Join the debate at
www.republic.org.uk/blog

3. Imagine | 3
So they say...
There never was a throne which did
not represent a crime.
Send your letters to imagine@republic.org.uk
Mark Twain
One of the counter-arguments that Why does the BBC always give the —
royalists put to me is: Who would royals such an easy ride? Charles It could have been no difficult thing in
you want to be president? Windsor has recently been the early and solitary ages of the
celebrating 40 years of being “Prince world, while the chief employment of
Recent news has shown me a of Wales” and the BBC dutifully go men was that of attending flocks and
wonderful candidate, and that is along with it, broadcasting just one herds, for a banditti of ruffians to
Joanna Lumley. She is above politics, ‘debate’ on the issue while overrun a country, and lay it under
which is what we would want, as well everything else is all about contributions. Their power being thus
as being a well respected public celebrating the prince’s “wonderful established, the chief of the band
figure. hard work”. contrived to lose the name of Robber
in that of Monarch; and hence the
Just a thought... Kim Isles origin of Monarchy and Kings.
Cardiff
Derek Allum Tom Paine
Hertfordshire —
The English think they are free. They
are free only during the election of
members of parliament.
REPUBLIC TOWNS Jean-Jacques Rousseau
—
Members have come forward to set up Republic Town campaigns If royalty is an emblem of the state of
in the following locations:
the nation, then its dysfunction is a
symbol of the chronic dysfunction of
Hastings & Battle, Middlesbrough, Nairn, Southend, St Albans,
Stevenage, Swansea, Winsford and York. the state and the constitution.
If you’d like to get involved in these areas or start a campaign Polly Toynbee
where you live get in touch at the usual address or find out more Send your quotes to
at www.republic.org.uk/republictowns. imagine@republic.org.uk
You can also turn to page 4 for more information
Imagine
2012 royal PR operation to The magazine of Republic
be challenged by Republic Republic
PO Box 69
The 2012 royal jubilee celebrations, almost certainly going to use this Brighton BN50 9GS
marking the fact that Britain has had opportunity to promote the royal
the same head of state for 60 years, brand and secure support for the 08708 508 825
are to be countered with a strong monarchy beyond the reign of the imagine@republic.org.uk
campaign from Republic. current monarch
Back issues of Imagine and more
The Board and staff have begun to Under consideration are plans for a information about the magazine
draw up plans for how we can counter rally or series of events in London and can be found online at
what will be relentless PR from the elsewhere, campaigns organised by www.republic.org.uk/imagine.
palace, coupled with widespread and local activists around the country and
unquestioning coverage from the BBC a high profile challenge to the media Members
and other media outlets. to balance their reporting with serious Let us know if you would prefer
critical analysis of the monarchy and a your copy by post or email.
The palace and the government are look at the republican alternative.

4. 4 | Imagine
Republic Towns project to
promote local activism
over story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover
Activist Day on 19th September
“Republic Towns” was launched
recently and has already attracted a
lot of interest from members and
supporters. To mark the launch of Republic Towns workshops covering various areas
we have organised the very first of such as dealing with the media, using
Republic Towns is about you taking what will be a series of Activist Days. the Freedom of Information Act, local
action in your local community, to activism and influencing politicians.
help build support for a republic right The Activist Day will be on Saturday
across the country. 19th September at the Resource Places are limited so book early.
Centre, Holloway Road, London (near There will be a £5 door charge
Holloway Road tube station). payable on the day. Further details
“A Republic Town is any town, are online at www.republic.org.uk/
Get in touch to book your place. activistday, or you can find out more
city or borough that can by calling Graham on
demonstrate a certain level of The day will consist of seminars and 07747 608 770.
support for a republic.” 1. Have in place an active local Republic will grant your community
coordinator or contact person Republic Town status and will
2. Have in your area at least 20 paid organise an event in your area.
A Republic Town is any town, city or
up members of Republic
borough that can demonstrate a
3. Raise at least £250 for Republic But it doesn't stop there! We will then
certain level of support for a republic,
4. Have at least three local councillors want the campaigning to continue,
through Republic membership,
(from District, Borough or County and we'll review the Republic Town
political support and campaigning
councils) from at least two status each year.
activity.
different parties signed up to the
campaign Already we have members coming
This project is about securing real
5. Have evidence of an active forward across Scotland, England and
tangible campaigning goals, including
programme of writing to the local Wales. Details will be posted in the
a minimum number of paid up
press next edition of Imagine and online.
members, councillors signed up to the
6. Have evidence of local online
cause and money raised for future
activity, for example comments Find out more at
campaigning.
and posts on local blogs www.republic.org.uk/republictowns or
7. Have an online presence, either give us a call on 08708 508 825
For your town to be declared a
with an active local Facebook page
Republic Town you need to achieve
or a local Republic Blog This is your chance to take an active
five of these seven criteria, including
role in the growing republican
the first one:
When you have achieved these criteria movement - be a part of it!

5. Imagine | 5
Republican Round-up Republic AGM ‘09
Republic Day was our best yet. A big editor of the Economist Bill Emmott.
thank you to all those members The book will also include some
around the country who took pertinent extracts from Paine’s work,
campaign actions to mark the event. to show how his ideas still live on in
Next year’s is set to bigger and better today’s world. www.republic.org.uk/agm
still.
We are continuing to work with our
This year’s Annual General Meeting
Republic was in the news again counterparts in the Commonwealth,
will be on Saturday 31st October at
following a damning report from a sharing ideas and information and
the Resource Centre, 356 Holloway
committee of MPs on the running of planning ways to highlight the
Road, London N7 6PA.
Buckingham Palace. Graham Smith growing support for abandoning the
was on BBC Breakfast calling for the monarchy in Australia, Canada and
Full details will be sent to all
management of the palace to be taken New Zealand.
members over the next few weeks,
fully under the control of a including details of how to submit
government department, answerable Republic has renewed its call for the
motions or nominate to be elected
to parliament. Duchy of Lancaster to be fully
to the Board of Directors.
transferred to public ownership after it
A new book is set to be published by was revealed that the Queen's income Guest speakers will include
Republic, commemorating the 200th from the estate rose by three times Professor Stephen Haseler, expert
anniversary of the death of Tom Paine, the rate of inflation to £13.3 million on the monarchy and long-serving
one of England’s most famous last year. Contrary to the myth former chair of Republic.
republicans. The book will contain a peddled by the Palace, revenue from
selection of essays from contemporary the Duchy is not the Queen's private Full details will be posted at
republicans, including Michael income. See www.republic.org.uk/ www.republic.org.uk/agm.
Mansfield, Peter Tatchell and former royalfinances for more details.
Message from the Chair
A busy time for Republic John Campbell
Welcome to another the conference one of the most Republic's Campaign Manager Graham
packed issue of enjoyable and stimulating to date. Smith appeared on BBC, Sky News, ITV
Imagine! It's been a and a range of other radio and
hectic few months July saw the publication of the official television stations, ensuring the views
here at Republic. royal finance reports, our response to of republicans like you and me were
which was covered by all the national heard amid the royal spin.
Republic Day on June 2nd was our media outlets. Each year the
most successful yet, with supporters We've also been busy organising our
from across the country taking action very first Activist Day, developing our
“Our estimated cost of the
in their communities. We're going to e-campaigning strategy, recruiting
make community campaigning a monarchy (£183m this year) is new volunteers and undertaking
central part of our work in the coming original research into the monarchy.
now widely reported alongside
months, starting with our exciting new Meanwhile, the Republic Blog
Republic Towns project (see opposite). the official figures.” (www.republic.org.uk/blog) has been
building a reputation as the place to
Then came our new-look Annual Buckingham Palace PR team tries to debate republicanism and the future
Conference – a truly thought- hide the massive cost of our of the monarchy.
provoking event which explored all hereditary head of state through
aspects of our campaign. It certainly evasion and half-truths, so it is We're continuing to make good
helped me to focus on my core testament to the hard work of progress – media coverage,
motivations for opposing the Republic's campaign team that our membership and money (in the form
monarchy and supporting a new estimated cost of the monarchy of donations) are all increasing at a
republican constitution. A huge thank (£183m this year) is now widely very healthy rate. Thank you for
you goes to Vicky Richardson and our reported alongside the official figures. playing your part in this vibrant and
guest speakers for helping to make ever-growing movement!

6. 6 | Imagine
A view from New Zealand
Lewis Holden and constitutionally irrelevant enough Commonwealth realms is to convince
to appear inoffensive to the general politicians in favour of a republic to
public. Of course, republicans turn their words into action. This is
The news that Prince
anywhere consider a system of difficult because being a republican is
William may tour
inherited political office as offensive. sometimes more convenient to
Australia and New
In addition, the Prime Ministers of our politicians than having a republic.
Zealand in 2010 has
countries appoint, de facto through
barely registered in either country. In
the Queen, Governors-General who are Being a republican shows vision, and
the past such news would have been
presidents in all but name. Not only creating a republic requires effort.
greeted with widespread interest and
does this underline the absurdity of Bridging the gap between vision and
fawning from supporters of the
the monarchy, it also reflects the way action is the purpose of republican
monarchy. The muted response to the
in which the monarchy serves our campaign groups. We know long-term
upcoming tour (which is officially
local politicians. In Australia and New
denied) is indicative of the low level of
Zealand politicians over every political
interest in the monarchy and Royal “The muted reaction… to
colour have served in the office of
family in the Commonwealth realms –
members of the Commonwealth where
Governor-General. William’s potential tour shows it
the Queen is head of state. will take more than celebrity to
“The challenge for republicans save the monarchy.”
“It is culturally and
in the Commonwealth realms is
constitutionally irrelevant the public agree with a republic, and
to convince politicians… to turn the general trend is in our favour. The
enough to appear inoffensive to challenge is to convert more of those
their words into action.”
the general public.” who are “undecided” on the issue into
republic supporters. We know from
Fortunately, the Royal family public opinion polls that the largest
Across Canada, Australia and New
continually help republicans by group in the undecided camp are the
Zealand, the public’s interest in
showing that the monarchy is indeed 18 – 25 year olds. Thankfully, this is
Royalty has substantially decreased
broken, at the very least in a symbolic the group who are meant to be the
over the last 50 years. This was
sense. Recently Prince William threw most easily swept up by the celebrity
confirmed in a recent YouGov poll,
his profile behind England’s bid for of the two young Princes.
showing fewer than 25% of
the 2018 Football World Cup. This Unfortunately for the monarchy, the
Commonwealth citizens want Prince
apparently trivial action highlights muted reaction of the public to
Charles as the next Head of the
how the monarchy is “broken” – it is William’s potential tour shows it will
Commonwealth.
often argued that the Royal family is a take more than celebrity to save the
wonderful international family. monarchy.
This lack of interest in the
William’s actions highlight that this is
constitutional functions of Royalty
not the case. This is perhaps one of
does not translate automatically into Lewis Holden has been Chair of the
the reasons why support for the Republican Movement of Aotearoa
republican sentiment. The biggest
monarchy remains subdued, despite New Zealand since 2006. This post
enemy of republicanism in both
monarchists believing that Princes was originally written for the our blog
countries is not Royalty or its at www.republic.org.uk/blog
William and Harry will be the salvation
supporters, but apathy from
of the beleaguered institution of
politicians and the public at large. The
monarchy. Go on - visit the shop...
monarchy survives in the former
British Empire not because it is seen
The challenge for republicans in the
as relevant, but because it is culturally
Do we have your email address?
If we haven’t you could be missing out on important
campaign news and regular opportunities to help us
spread the word and tell the world about what Republic
is doing and saying. Email enquiries@republic.org.uk.
www.republic.org.uk/shop

7. Imagine | 7
Brown to extend Citizens’ Lottery
royal FOI rules The
May: £130.80 ~ D Bennington
June: £130.80 ~ R Kimber
Republic has condemned government
latest
July: £132.80 ~ W Summers
plans to place new restrictions on winners!
access to royal documents by
amending the Freedom of Information
Join the Citizens Lottery to win cash prizes and help the cause
laws and has asked “what have the
royals got to hide?”
Title Name
The plans would see a blanket ban on Address and postcode
access to all royal documents for 20
years, removing the current public
interest test. Bank name Acct name
Sort Code Acct Number
Pay £ on the first day of each month until further notice.
“The government says the
[You will be entered for the Lottery draw once for each pound received]
monarchy must be secretive in OFFICE USE: Please pay, with immediate effect:
Account name: Republic Campaign Ltd; Signature
order for our constitution to be Bank: Natwest; Branch: Castle Square, Brighton.
Account number: 2712 ; Sort code: 60-30-
OUR REF: 100M
preserved...” Date
RULES: You must be over 16 years old to enter. Each name will be entered for the first full month after
receipt of the form. For further details call 08708 508 825. This is a lottery registered with Lewes District
Council under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 and promoted by Republic.
Graham Smith told the press:
“Republic has been successfully using
freedom of information to raise
questions about royal use of public
funds and resources and to question By leaving a gift to
Andrew's role as trade ambassador.”
Republic in your will,
“Our requests are also beginning to you can help
expose the extent of Charles' political
interfering.” us build a truly
“It is already very difficult to obtain
democratic future.
information on the royal family
because of an exemption that is
currently in place. Removing the
public interest test will make it
impossible.”
“The government says the monarchy
must be secretive in order for our
If you leave a gift to Republic in your will you can ensure that your commitment to
constitution to be preserved - that's an
democracy lives on. Your gift will make a lasting impact on our campaign—and on
argument for a new constitution, not Britain’s future.
for rolling back FOI laws.”
For more information see www.republic.org.uk/giftinyourwill, call James Gray
on 07920 776 329 or email j.gray@republic.org.uk.
FOI campaigner Heather Brooke, who
was instrumental in exposing MPs' Please send me a hard copy of Republic’s wills guide.
expenses, added her support to
Membership number (if known) Title
Republic, saying: “The Royal Family
costs the taxpayer a good deal of Name
money and it's essential in a Address and postcode
democracy that people have a right to
see how that money is spent.”
Please return to Republic Fundraising, PO Box 69, Brighton BN50 9GS

8. 8 | Imagine
Fundraising news from James Gray
Have you made the annual payment, you will never again
switch? have to worry about renewing. You'll The best way to keep in touch with
also be helping us cut our Republic throughout the day.
When is your administration costs - meaning every
Join us on Facebook, take part in
membership next due penny of your subscription can go on competitions, join
for renewal? The campaigning for true democracy. in the debate or
chances are you don't know. It's hard just enjoy some
friendly banter.
to keep track of these things – Already over 40 per cent of our
especially when we are all leading members have moved to regular See the website
such busy lives. We will write to tell payments. To join them, just visit for details.
you, but we know how easy it is to www.republic.org.uk/members.
keep putting it off until it's forgotten
about altogether. Where there's a will … members! Republic's membership
grew by over 10 per cent in July,
We've recently updated our guide to thanks largely to widespread media
online@
republic.org.uk/fundraising leaving a gift for Republic in your will. coverage of our response to the royal
A legacy gift costs nothing in your finance reports.
lifetime but will make a real and
That's why we're working hard to lasting difference to what we can We've been using a variety of tried and
encourage Republic members to sign achieve. tested techniques to encourage new
up for regular payments. You can do members to join up, including special
this either through our secure online To find out more go to offers and targeted email recruitment
FuturePay© system, which www.republic.org.uk/giftinyourwill or campaigns.
automatically charges your credit or request a hard copy of the guide by
debit card at a pre-arranged time, or returning the slip on page 7. James Gray is Republic’s full-time
by setting up a standing order with Development Manager, with
your bank. Membership boost particular responsibility for
fundraising and membership
development.
By setting up a regular monthly or A big welcome from me to all our new
Republic calls for Civil List to be scrapped as ICM poll
shows 62% want royal finance transparency
Republic has called for the Civil List to Of course Republic continues its firm how that money is spent.”
be scrapped as a poll carried out by commitment to the abolition of the
ICM for Republic, and reported in the monarchy, but believes greater “It is time our head of state was given
Sunday Times, has shown 62% of transparency in the meantime will only a salary, and all running costs were
people want royal finances to be fully add fuel to the campaign. met directly by a government
available for public scrutiny. department that is answerable to
parliament.”
As Buckingham palace prepared to “It is time our head of state was
release its annual report in June the given a salary, and all running “Clearly there is a public demand for
poll showed there is a widespread greater transparency in public
view that royal expenses must be as costs were met directly by a spending across the board. The time
accountable as those of MPs. government department...” when the royals could just spend,
spend, spend is over. They must now
The call to scrap the Civil List is be made fully accountable for the
included in a list of seven reforms Republic told the press recently: “The money they waste on their extravagant
being proposed by Republic, aimed at Civil List is completely outdated. It is existence.”
making royal spending completely clearly a daft idea to just throw
transparent and accountable to millions of pounds at the Queen Republic secured widespread media
parliament. without any proper accountability for coverage of its finances campaign.

9. Imagine | 9
Annual Conference 2009
Republic supporters from across
Britain gathered in London this
Saturday for Republic's Annual
Conference. Titled 'Power to the
People', the themes of this year's
event were popular sovereignty and
radical constitutional change.
In his presentation on Republic's “If the Queen chooses to use
media strategy, Campaign Manager these powers, there isn’t a
Graham Smith argued that journalists
were rarely interested in stories about single legal mechanism available
republican principles. Instead, they to stop her.”
looked for conflict between two clearly
opposing sides. Often the only way for
Republic to get into the media is to
attack the monarchy, Graham said, but
national media coverage means many
thousands of new supporters are
exposed to the positive case for a
republic.
Guest chair Vicky Richardson speaking on the Charles architecture row.
“Claire Fox… urged republicans Charles recently addressed. Vicky provoke a constitutional crisis, Johann
described her anger at the deference said, which would be a huge
to challenge the prevailing anti- shown by the audience of architects, opportunity for Republic. Johann
democratic, anti-intellectual leading her to shout "abolish the described the "cruel" upbringing that
monarchy" at Charles. gave Charles Windsor such an
culture...” exaggerated sense of his own abilities
But Vicky had a warning for and argued that in a real democracy
For Peter Facey, and his organisation republicans: tempting as it may be, power runs through voting lines - not
Unlock Democracy, the biggest single resist throwing your support behind blood lines.
obstacle to popular sovereignty is the Sir Richard Rodgers, Baron Rodgers of
"Crown-in-Parliament". Facey described Riverside. Rogers does not argue for
the UK as one of the most centralised constitutional change because he
wants to bring power to the people, “Genuine popular sovereignty
democracies on earth, where 95% of
tax revenue is administered by central Vicky argued, but rather because he demands dissent and
government. A lively and wide-ranging wants a new elite to take over.
Republicans should be opposed to disagreement.”
question and answer session followed
Peter's presentation. both aristocracy and technocracy, she
said.
E-campaigning expert Duane Raymond If there was a unified message from
then gave Republic supporters a Guest speaker Claire Fox, director of the speakers at this year's conference
thorough grounding in the basics of the Institute of Ideas, stressed that it was that genuine popular
campaigning online. He went on to popular sovereignty will not be won sovereignty demands dissent and
analyse some successful online simply by abolishing the monarchy. disagreement. As if to prove that point
campaigns of recent times and She urged republicans to challenge Johann and Claire argued throughout
suggested ways in which republicans the prevailing anti-democratic, anti- the question and answer session,
might learn from them. intellectual culture which allows the nearly coming to blows over the issue
monarchy to flourish. of Jamie Oliver's democratic mandate.
The Chelsea Barracks controversy was There was some debate over the
unsurprisingly referred to throughout Johann Hari told the audience that question of ordinary people taking
the day. Guest chair Vicky Richardson, Charles was the republican responsibility for their own political
editor of Blueprint magazine, spoke movement's greatest ally. His views, rather than following celebrity
about attending the RIBA lecture that incessant meddling was sure to endorsements.

10. 10 | Imagine
Best of the Blog Republic TALKS
Posted by Graham Smith come from the good, ordinary people
of these islands, not from one isolated
It’s been a busy few days for Republic family, and I am tired of monarchists
and an excellent opportunity for us to rubbishing our nation in the name of
get on the airwaves and into the defending their beloved royals.
papers to make the case for a
republic. What has struck me as I’ve 6:30 for 7pm start, 2nd September
debated with various monarchists is “We are a strong and talented Hampstead Town Hall
what a low opinion they have of the 213 Haverstock Hill
country, quite capable of
British people. London NW3 4QP
building a strong and successful
online@ republic.” The first in a regular series of
republic.org.uk/blog seminars, talks and debates will
explore republicanism, religious
The two most common put-downs are identity and secularism.
“who would we have as president?” It’s time we turned the tables and
and the classic “we can only get demanded monarchists recognised the Guest speakers include the
tourists if the Windsors are living in great things ordinary people do in this playwright and writer on Jewish
Buckingham palace!” country and took pride in the good culture Julia Pascal and Jonathan
our society is capable of. It’s time they Bartley, co-director of Christian
So monarchists believe that the 60m acknowledged that we do not need the think-tank Ekklesia.
people in this country cannot find Windsors, we are a strong and
among them a number of good, talented country, quite capable of FREE ADMISSION
respectable and eminent individuals building a strong and successful
who would do as well as Charles republic. Say you like the Windsors Republic TALKS is a new series of
Windsor in the job of head of state. and royalty if you wish, but don’t do- events being held in London and
It’s not exactly a high benchmark, yet down Britain in the process. throughout the country.
monarchists think this is beyond us.
Details will be posted online at
Join the debate at republic.org.uk/
www.republic.org.uk/whatson as
blog. Articles are posted by Graham
Smith, James Gray and guest well as in Imagine.
“They believe Britain is too dull
bloggers.
and uninteresting to attract If you would like to suggest topics
You can submit articles to the usual for future talks please get in touch
visitors [without the Windsors].” email address. at the usual address or email.
network‘25
They also believe that the hard work
of the hundreds of thousands of
ordinary people in the tourism
≥
industry counts for little, compared
with the noble efforts of Liz Windsor
and her extended clan. “Tourists only Network ‘25 is Republic’s regular giving club. In return
for a monthly gift of at least £25 you will receive:
come here to see the royals” the
≥ invitations to regular events where you can meet
monarchists cry – telling us all that the Republic team and our distinguished supporters
they believe Britain is too dull and
≥ regular reports from Republic’s campaign team, so
uninteresting to attract visitors you know exactly what your support is helping us
achieve
otherwise.
≥ free entry for you and a guest to all Republic’s paid
events, including our Annual Conference.
In so much as you can be proud of
For more information, and to join online, visit our ‘join’
such things I am proud of the good page at www.republic.org.uk/join and select the
my country does. Too often we take Network ‘25 option.
for granted the peace, stability and
prosperity we enjoy. These things

11. Imagine | 11
Republic Replies WIN A MUG
Q
2009 is the 200th
Republic answers the most common anniversary of the death
monarchist arguments. of which famous
republican?
They say: “It is unpatriotic to
A
oppose the monarchy!”
Answers to the usual
REPUBLIC REPLIES address or email by
September 20th.
Patriotism is a love of your country,
your fellow countrymen, and the most
important values that your country
stands for. This country stands for Patriotism is about the people.
the values of freedom, democracy,
equality and tolerance that, by broad and to provide us with a Head of State.
political consensus, are said to be at Republicans have a much more
the heart of a modern Britain. The patriotic and positive view of our great
monarchy stands for none of these. country - we have an impressive
history, a unique culture and have
provided the world with many great
“Monarchists routinely rubbish names in the fields of politics, arts,
our nation by claiming that we
music, science, law and so on. Are you following us?
Wanting a republic is about wanting
are dull and incapable of what’s best for Britain. Find RepublicStaff on
managing our own affairs.”
We are more than capable of being
responsible for our own destiny and
It is the monarchists who are least identity - managing our own affairs You can now keep up to date with
all the latest news and campaign
patriotic - they favour loyalty to a and choosing our own Head of State
alerts by following
single privileged family over loyalty to from among our own people. It is RepublicStaff on
our nation. They routinely rubbish unpatriotic to say we cannot. Twitter.
our nation by claiming that we are dull twitter.com/republicstaff
and incapable of managing our own Send your suggestions for Republic
affairs - arguing instead we need the Replies to imagine@republic.org.uk
Windsor family to bring us tourists
Director
Win the Argument for just £3.99! Profile
NAME: Suzanne Campbell
Win the argument every time with DIRECTOR SINCE: August 2006
the latest edition of How to Win
the Argument! Suzanne is an independent financial
advisor as well as
How to Win the Argument being an
delivers clear and concise experienced
political activist in
responses to the many common
Wales.
and misleading arguments put
forward in favour of the Suzanne has been
monarchy. actively involved
in Republic for
How to Win the Argument has now some time and often speaks at
been fully updated - the second edition is now available schools and colleges in south Wales
for just £3.99! Order your copy by sending a cheque to the usual and elsewhere.
postal address or buy online.
In July of 2009 Suzanne became
www.republic.org.uk/publications Republic’s new treasurer.

12. Republic is a campaigning
organisation supported by
thousands of British citizens around
the country. It’s easy to get
involved. This regular page shows
you some of the simple things you
can do to help promote Republic
and make the case for change.
online@
republic.org.uk/takeaction
Start a Republic Town campaign in your area
Republic Towns is about you taking action
JOINING IS EASY
in your local community, to help build Republic’s campaign work relies on
support for a republic right across the the support of people like you,
country. citizens who are committed to the
idea of a republic. If you’re not a
A Republic Town is any town, city or member already you can join online
borough that can demonstrate a certain or over the phone.
level of support for a republic, through
Republic membership, political support and www.republic.org.uk - 08708 508 825
campaigning activity.
Republic Towns is about securing real
TOP TIP
tangible campaigning goals, including a
minimum number of paid up members,
councillors signed up to the cause and
money raised for future campaigning.
I found the advice on writing
* Republic Towns gives you a clear set of local goals and activities to work on.
to MPs that Republic supplies
* Republic Towns gives your local campaigning focus and direction.
* Republic Towns gives you opportunities to meet other supporters, to work really useful. It could also be
together to make a real difference. used when writing to local
For your town to be declared a Republic Town you need to achieve five of seven councillors as part of our
criteria, including having an active local coordinator. local Republic Town
campaigns.
When you have achieved these criteria Republic will grant your community
Republic Town status and will organise an event in your area. From Terry Osman
Republic member
But it doesn't stop there!
We will then want the campaigning to continue, and we'll review the Republic
Town status each year. Send your Top Tip to
imagine@republic.org.uk
www.republic.org.uk/republictowns
Imagine: how far
can yours go?
Did you know, this magazine is a You could even leave it lying around
valuable promotional opportunity in waiting rooms or staff canteens.
waiting to happen?
Help spread the word and promote
Once you’ve read it, don’t file it in Republic with your copy of Imagine.
the bin, pass it on to friends, family Leave your copy around for
or work colleagues. someone to discover.
Republic Campaign Ltd is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating under the name ‘Republic’.
Registered number: 05891072. Registered address: Dalton House, 60 Windsor Avenue, London SW19 2RR.
Find out more at www.republic.org.uk