Prime Minister Gordon Brown seems to be causing alarm amongst some monarchists. A report in the conservative Sunday Express called “Laying siege to the Queen” claimed that the ban on republicans being MPs might be ended and even that a new national anthem is a possibility.
According to the newspaper Mr. Brown has briefed Elizabeth Windsor on his intentions. Former MP and Windsor supporter Norman St. John Stevas was quoted as saying that Ms. Windsor understood the need for change but nonetheless wanted things to stay as they are. Windsor historian Kenneth Rose said that she would be “furious”.
The newspapers claims were based on a paper written for the Fabian Society several years ago by Michael Jacobs. Mr. Jacobs is now a government adviser on environmental policy. A government spokesperson told the newspaper that there was no plan to implement Mr. Jacobs’ recommendations.
However, some reforms have been made or announced. Prime Minister Brown outlined his legislative programme to Parliament and did not wait for the “Queen’s speech”. He has also proposed the transfer to the legislature of some “Crown prerogatives” or executive privileges.
The Express claimed that that there are also secret plans to downgrade the Privy Council, which advises on the exercise of prerogative powers. According to Mr. Rose the government’s refusal to fund repairs to Windsor palaces is also a sign of its republicanism.