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Royal succession reform is being discussed, Clegg says | Royal succession reform is being discussed, Clegg says |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The government is consulting Commonwealth countries about changing the laws on royal succession, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said. | The government is consulting Commonwealth countries about changing the laws on royal succession, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said. |
At present, the law of primogeniture means male heirs accede to the throne before any older sisters. | At present, the law of primogeniture means male heirs accede to the throne before any older sisters. |
Mr Clegg, who is responsible for constitutional reform, told the BBC the issue would "require careful thought". | Mr Clegg, who is responsible for constitutional reform, told the BBC the issue would "require careful thought". |
But he said both he and David Cameron were "sympathetic" to changing rules which seemed "a little old fashioned". | But he said both he and David Cameron were "sympathetic" to changing rules which seemed "a little old fashioned". |
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Clegg said: "Prince William and Catherine Middleton might have a baby daughter for instance as their first child, I think most people in this day and age would think it's worth considering whether we change the rules so that that baby girl then could become the future monarch. | Speaking to the BBC, Mr Clegg said: "Prince William and Catherine Middleton might have a baby daughter for instance as their first child, I think most people in this day and age would think it's worth considering whether we change the rules so that that baby girl then could become the future monarch. |
"I think that would be in keeping with the changes that happen in society as a whole." | "I think that would be in keeping with the changes that happen in society as a whole." |
It is an ancient discriminatory law, which despite plenty of talk, has remained resolutely unchanged on the statue book. | |
Nick Clegg is the latest politician to enter the "lion's den" that is the 1701 Act of Settlement. He acknowledges any reform won't be straightforward and won't take place overnight - not least because it would require fresh legislation in the 15 other countries where the Queen is head of state. | |
And if you tinker with succession, you have to address what one Scottish cardinal has called "state sponsored sectarianism" - the three centuries old law which bans a monarch from being a Roman Catholic or marrying one. | |
With sources close to Mr Clegg stressing this isn't a political priority, it's likely we'll still be discussing this issue when Kate Middleton gives birth to her first child - especially if it is a girl. | |
But he said it was not a "straightforward" process because the decision would have to be approved by all Commonwealth countries. | But he said it was not a "straightforward" process because the decision would have to be approved by all Commonwealth countries. |
"It's something that affects other countries - New Zealand, Canada, Australia and so on - and we're having consultations at official level with those governments," he said. | "It's something that affects other countries - New Zealand, Canada, Australia and so on - and we're having consultations at official level with those governments," he said. |
"My own personal view is that in this day and age the idea that only a man should ascend to the throne I think would strike most people as a little old-fashioned. | "My own personal view is that in this day and age the idea that only a man should ascend to the throne I think would strike most people as a little old-fashioned. |
"I think it is worth thinking about, I think it is worth talking about. It is worth looking at what other countries that would be affected also feel on the subject," he added. | "I think it is worth thinking about, I think it is worth talking about. It is worth looking at what other countries that would be affected also feel on the subject," he added. |
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said it was a matter for the government and would not comment. | A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said it was a matter for the government and would not comment. |
The 1701 Act of Settlement which gives precedence to male heirs in the succession also bars any Catholic or anyone married to a Catholic from ascending the throne. | The 1701 Act of Settlement which gives precedence to male heirs in the succession also bars any Catholic or anyone married to a Catholic from ascending the throne. |