CEO, Republic. Author of Abolish the Monarchy. "Only ever wants to start an argument." ~ Buckingham Palace. Chair @AERMorg. 🏳️🌈 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 🇪🇺 he/him/his
Nov 17, 2024 • 25 tweets • 5 min read
Some people seem to think Charles has earned these medals and ranks because he spent a brief spell in the armed forces fifty years ago. So let's look at what he's wearing and why it's completely inappropriate or dishonest. 🧵
Firstly, should he wear uniform at all? It's been pointed out he's commander in chief of the military, yet that's true of most heads of state. Most heads of state do not wear uniform.
Dec 31, 2022 • 6 tweets • 1 min read
We should award people for serving their country or community when that service involves sacrifice or bravery. We should not award MPs, as it’s a form of patronage that corrupts our politics, or people who have simply done their job, however well they’ve done it.
We should have honours everyone feels able to accept, which means awards not associated with Empire or monarchy but which are awarded on behalf of the whole country in a manner that is inclusive.
Apr 5, 2020 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
Like everyone else, I’m locked down and facing an uncertain future. My parents are elderly and at risk, my brother is serving on the A&E frontline. But I’m thankful that I’m better placed than many to weather this storm.
I was sincerely unimpressed by the Queen’s message. Why?
I don’t begrudge anyone taking comfort from it. It was well written, sure, but nothing to justify some of the responses I’ve seen. It was delivered in the same uninspired way and by someone completely cut off from and unrepresentative of the experiences of the rest of us.
