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2011 Issue 1 FREE

Widespread disinterest in royal wedding as Republic is busier than ever

Republic has seen a huge surge in interest since the announcement of the royal wedding in November, attracting hundreds of new members, thousands of new supporters and overwhelming interest from the international media. The Republic website, Facebook page and Twitter profile have been busier than ever with republicans joining, donating and pledging support. An army of new volunteers have come forward to offer their skills to the cause and journalists from around the world have visited Republic activists to find out more about their plans for the wedding day. Weve been struggling to keep up with demand, says Cathy Elliott, Republics administrative assistant. Every day we have more new members, merchandise orders and enquiries from people who want to get actively involved. Republic now has more than twelve thousand supporters and expects to see that number grow steadily up to and beyond the wedding day. The response is far removed from the predictions of monarchists and a few republicans who predicted the royal wedding would be bad news for the republican movement. It appears that the PR campaign orchestrated by Buckingham Palace, and shored up by Parliament and the media, may have backfired. For the first time in years people have begun to think critically about the royal family and the monarchy, explains Republics Graham Smith. All those people who never had much time for the royals have been motivated like never before to do something about it. And in a 24-hour news world where tension, debate and fresh angles keep the cogs turning, well have more opportunities than ever to get our message across. The best the palace can hope for is a grudging indifference from the vast majority and some positive coverage from the ever-loyal BBC. Public opinion is turning off the royal family with polls and surveys showing widespread disinterest in the royal wedding. The Observer, among others, has reported record numbers of bookings for flights out of the country and polling has shown a majority have no interest in marking the wedding day. The Observer reported: On Oxford Street yesterday, a shop owner who didnt want to be named admitted that there was little interest in Kate/ Wills memorabilia. Tourists were buying union-jack-emblazoned products for their kitsch appeal. Paula Hilton, 26, from Lancaster, in London with her mother Elizabeth, 56, for the weekend, was buying her son a model of a London taxi. I wouldnt come near London on the day, she said. Ill have a look at the dress in the paper or whatever, but Im not invited so Im not watching! On announcing Republics own events Graham Smith told journalists: The problem the palace is going to have to come Page 2 to terms with is that Media round up most people are no longer Page 3 interested in the royals. That Investigation into Andrew leaves the field open to Republic Page 4 to make the case for change in Republic wedding events a positive and engaging way Page 7 and this is a great opporRepublics Palace protest tunity to do just that.

MEDIA ROUND UP
The Republic teams trip to Stockholm to find out how the Swedish Republican Movement capitalised on anti-monarchy feeling at the time of their royal wedding was reported by The Independent. The Times included a two-page feature on Republics plans for the royal wedding, later reprinted in Canadian newspaper The Ottawa Citizen. The Daily Mails Ephraim Hardcastle column focused on the three QCs on Republics supporters list: Michael Mansfield, Geoffrey Robertson and Anthony Scrivener. Queens Counsel trying to abolish Her Majesty? Off with their wigs! said the pseudonymous diarist. The internal VisitBritain correspondence obtained by Republic which revealed royal weddings have previously had a negative impact on tourism was reported by The Guardian and mentioned by Republic supporter Joan Smith in her Independent on Sunday column. The Guardian, The Express and The Telegraph all reported Republics view that the Queens decision to invite the King of Bahrain to the royal wedding just days after he ordered troops to fire on pro-democracy demonstrators was a catastrophic error of judgement. Roy Greenslade reported on Republics Buckingham Palace protest against the monarchys exemption from freedom of information rules on his blog for The Guardian. The protest was also covered in detail by The Observer. Republics response to continued speculation surrounding Prince Andrews role as trade envoy was reported by The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail and The Express.

Republic calls for investigation after string of allegations against Andrew

to dictatorial regimes in the Middle East and the blurring of his public and private interests. It is clear that the continued speculation about the Dukes friendships, business interests and professional conduct risks bringing UKTI, the Department for Business and the Foreign Office into disrepute, the letter said. Had any one of these allegations been made against another public official, such as an MP or civil servant, they would result in immediate suspension followed by an internal investigation and quite probably resignation or dismissal. Labour MP Chris Bryant called for Andrew to be dismissed from his trade role during an emergency Parliamentary session on the Libya crisis, but was reprimanded by Speaker John Bercow, who said references to the royal family in Parliament should be very rare, very sparing and very respectful. Republic branded Bercows intervention a disgrace. Andrews role is officially voluntary, despite costing the taxpayer around 700,000 in food, drink, travel and hospitality expenses.

Republic has lodged a formal complaint with UK Trade & Investment calling for an investigation into a string of damaging allegations relating to Prince Andrew, the organisations trade envoy. The complaint highlights recent reports concerning Andrews friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his personal links

CONTACT REPUBLIC
Republic Campaign Suite 14040 145-157 St John Street London EC1V 4PY T: 020 7608 5742
Representatives of Republic travelled to Oslo in March to meet colleagues from the Alliance of European Republican Movements and to mark the formal launch of the Norwegian republican movement. The Alliance is formed of republican organisations from Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, who share resources and expertise with the ultimate aim of a monarchy-free Europe. A range of campaigning topics were discussed, including working with the media, lobbying politicians and fundraising, while delegates made plans for future collaborative projects and joint initiatives. Graham Smith was guest speaker at the launch event which was attended by local members as well as BBC radio. The next meeting of the Alliance will be held in London on Saturday April 30th, the day after the royal wedding.

Republic heads to Oslo as plans for monarchy-free Europe take shape

ed up to re you sign A email list? Republics

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Republic relies on the financial support of republicans like you. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference.
Donate online at www.republic.org.uk/donate or call 020 7608 5742

Republics Graham Smith with Max Hermansen from the Norwegian republican movement

.org.uk or w.republic n up at wwh your email address. Sig wit contact us

For more news from Republic go to www.republic.org.uk

Not the royal wedding republican street party

WEDDING EVENTS
Republicans may be immune to royal wedding fever, but they are determined not to repeat the mistakes of previous generations of antimonarchists by sniping from the sidelines.
Royalists would like nothing more than for republicans to live up to the stereotype of snarling, cantankerous killjoys, explains Dr Emily Robinson, executive chair of Republic. Thats why well be using the opportunity to show that theres a strong, positive alternative to the monarchy. Inspired by the Swedish Republican Movement, which received a huge boost when Crown Princess Victoria married in Stockholm last year, Robinson hopes that British republicans will be similarly motivated to take part in a national day of action. Three events across two days will celebrate republicanism, raise awareness of the republican movement and act as a launch pad for a stronger and louder campaign. Our advice to republicans who are sick of the wedding is: please dont flee to France! she implores. Come to one of Republics events, organise your own or celebrate Britains proud tradition of radicalism and democratic reform in some other way. This really is a huge opportunity for the republican movement!

Friday April 29th 11.30-4pm Earlham Street, London WC2 See www.republic.org.uk for details
Join us in central London on April 29th for Republics Not the Royal Wedding alternative street party. Weve taken a traditional royalist street party as our inspiration, but there will be one key difference well be celebrating democracy and people-power rather than inherited privilege. With food, stalls and entertainment, Republics alternative street party is sure to be a fun day out. But there will also be a very serious message Britains 10 million republicans wont be ignored, and we certainly wont be hiding. Were out and proud and determined to succeed! Party-goers will have the opportunity to discuss the campaign with republican activists and find out how they can get involved in a real movement for change.

Love Republic party and fundraiser

Friday April 29th 7:30pm onwards Borough Bar, 10-18 London Bridge Street, London SE1 Tickets 8. See www.republic.org.uk for details
Republic is proud to host a night of top music and entertainment to conclude the royal wedding day in style. Weve hired a whole bar right by London Bridge station for the occasion, and were lining up a schedule of live bands, comedy fun and special surprises to make sure the republican shindig outshines all the rest. The party kicks off at 7.30pm and goes on til late, with a DJ from 10pm. Tickets are strictly limited to 250 which will all be sold in advance. Unfortunately we cant allow entry on the night without a ticket!

Cant make it to London?

We want to see big crowds at our London events, but if you cant make it to the capital dont worry, theres plenty you can do to support our campaign we want to see republican events in front rooms, pubs and town halls across the country! Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow If you live in any of these cities and would like to organise a Republic event for the day of the royal wedding then please get in touch with Sophie Deboick at sophie@republic.org.uk. In these cities we will offer additional assistance to anyone wanting to organise events. Elsewhere in the UK If you live elsewhere our DIY pack gives you practical advice and pointers on how to organise a party or event in your local area. The pack is available to download from www.republic.org.uk or by emailing Sophie at sophie@republic.org.uk.

Wedding Appeal
Our plans for the roayl wedding have attracted a lot of media attention, now we need you to help us make this opportunity a great success for our campaign.
If youre tired of the saturation coverage of the wedding, the fawning BBC reports, the sycophantic politicians and the endless hype then support our appeal today and help us challenge this nonsense. Your donation will make a difference, however much you can afford: Now is a great time to be a republican and the wedding is a great opportunity for us to press ahead with our campaign. So please dig deep and support our Wedding Appeal! Please donate at: www.republic.org.uk/weddingappeal Thank you for your support.

European Alliance Convention

Saturday April 30th From 2pm Directory of Social Change, 24 Stephenson Way, London NW1
A public meeting and press conference, held the day after the wedding, where we will announce our ambitious new plans to rid Britain of the monarchy. Well be joined by republicans from all the large European monarchies Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Sweden our friends from the Alliance of European Republican Movements, aiming for a monarchy-free Europe.

Read what weve got to say at www.republic.org.uk/blog

BBC bosses meet with Republic to discuss pro-monarchy bias

A delegation of republican activists met with BBC executives after Republic accused the broadcaster of widespread and institutionalised bias in favour of the monarchy. In a letter to David Jordan, the BBCs director of editorial policy, Republic said that the Corporations fawning coverage of the monarchy, especially since the announcement of the royal wedding, has had the effect of excluding, offending, disparaging and marginalising Britains ten to twelve million republicans. It is clear to us that the wedding is being used as part of this continuing PR campaign to shore up support for the monarchy, the letter said. It is appropriate for the palace to provide opportunities for their supporters to join in any celebrations they may hold. What is not appropriate however is for the BBC to join in those celebrations, to allow itself to be co-opted by the palace press office or to abandon its usually high standards of impartiality when reporting an event such as the royal wedding. The letter urged BBC executives to re-categorise the monarchy as a controversial subject within its editorial guidelines, a step which would ensure more rigorous standards of impartiality and broader representation of republican views. Republic says it will pursue the matter through parliament and the courts if the broadcaster does not address its concerns. The letter noted that since the announcement of the engagement in November the BBC News website has published over 100 stories related to the royals, many of which simply relayed information provided by the palace press office. Only one made any substantial reference to Republic or republicanism. The letter was reported by BBC Radio 4 and Five Live news, as well as The Daily Mail. If the BBC is not prepared to change its approach then well look at all options, including legal action, Republics Graham Smith told journalists. The BBCs standards of impartiality are usually extremely high we simply want to ensure it applies them to the monarchy.

Republicans stage Palace protest against royal secrecy

Republic supporters defied a ban on protesting outside Buckingham Palace by holding a flash mob demonstration to highlight the monarchys continued exemption from freedom of information rules. The protestors, surrounded by national and world media, held placards saying What have they got to hide? and End the royal secrecy. Police officers chose to let the protest go ahead, despite rules which outlaw demonstrations outside the palace. The royal household, unlike every other public authority, has always been exempt from the Freedom of Information Act and the coalition government recently moved to make that exemption absolute. On the day before the protest, distinguished supporters of Republic, including constitutional law expert Professor Adam Tomkins and campaigner Heather Brooke, wrote to deputy prime minister Nick Clegg to urge him to open up the monarchy to public scrutiny. The message of the protest was very clear: the level of secrecy surrounding the royals is indefensible in a modern democracy, said Republic director Jayde Bradley, who co-ordinated the protest. Nick Clegg is currently expanding freedom of information rules there is no good reason why he shouldnt include the monarchy in those changes. This demonstration was the first time that Republic has been able to hold a protest outside the Palace without being moved on by police. Thats a very significant step for our campaign and we plan to hold many more demonstrations in the future, said Bradley. More protests, to be held at various times and days, are planned over the coming months.

Dont be a mug buy one

Royalists are spoiled for choice when it comes to wedding memorabilia - stamps, spoons, crockery, even condoms. But for republicans there can be only one wedding souvenir: Republics Not the royal wedding mug. Launched the day after the engagement was announced, the mug has proved a surprise hit, with the initial order selling out in days. Republic has secured more stock, and a warehouse from which to distribute it, but anticipates running out long before April 29. With all proceeds going to fund republican campaigning over the coming months, this mug is more than just a memento it could help to brew a revolution.

Quangos secret emails: royal weddings are bad for tourism

When the wedding of William and Kate was announced in November last year, Britains national tourism agency VisitBritain confidently told the press that the event would bring a major boost to tourism and the British economy. The claim was repeated by VisitBritains chief executive Sandie Dawe in a number of broadcast interviews. But emails released to Republic under freedom of information rules revealed that previous royal weddings have actually reduced tourism income. As VisitBritain prepared to issue a press statement celebrating the wedding announcement, the agencys head of research and forecasting David Edwards cautioned colleagues that the evidence points to royal weddings having a negative impact on inbound tourism, not a boost. Edwardss warning went unheeded, however, and the agency continued to make unsubstantiated claims about the weddings impact on tourism. Staff also confirmed that VisitBritain has never commissioned any specific research into the link between tourism income and the monarchy despite claiming in its wedding press release that Britains Monarchy is a crucial part of the appeal this country offers as a tourism destination. VisitBritain is supposed to be an independent and credible tourism body, Republics Graham Smith told The Guardian, yet it has apparently flatly contradicted its own internal evidence so it can play along with this fiction that the monarchy and specifically the wedding is a boost for the tourism industry.

Go to www.republic.org.uk/shop to gets now.

6 Help us create a democratic Britain by making a donation at www.republic.org.uk/donate 7

Introducing Republic
Republicans are people like you who simply want whats best for Britain. Our campaign is supported by ordinary hard working people from all corners of the country and from all walks of life. We are united in a belief in responsibility, aspiration and, above all, democracy.
We want a democratically accountable head of state and an end to any constitutional role for the royal family. We advocate keeping our parliamentary democracy but replacing the unelected monarch with a directly elected, ceremonial and constitutional head of state. Republic is a campaigning pressure group. Everything we do is aimed at persuading ordinary people and our politicians to support a democratic alternative to the monarchy.

Republics publications
Find out more about the arguments in favour of real constitutional change.

Find out more at www.republic.org.uk/shop

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Republic 2010. Republic Campaign Ltd is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating under the name Republic. Registered Number: 05891072. Registered Address: Suite 14040, 145-157 St John Street, London EC1V 4PY. Designed by Stuart Ogier www.stuartogier.com. All photos of the British Monarchy The Royal Household.