Under The Crown

I have been sent the following:

The warning by republicans that a ‘yes for independence’ vote in Scotland would seriously undermine our own constitution is, I’m afraid, wishful thinking by followers of a movement that was rejected by the Australian people at referendum and is continuously being rejected in the polls.

The fact that our States agreed to unite: “under the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland” or that our sovereignty shall extend to Queen Victoria’s “heirs and successors in the sovereignty of the United Kingdom” does not mean that our constitution is voided should the composition of the United Kingdom change.

Even if Scotland votes ‘yes’, which seems to be highly unlikely, and leaves the Union, the United Kingdom will still remain. The departure of Ireland or Eire from the United Kingdom in the last century did not affect our constitution at the time. In fact the matter was debated following the ratification in 1922 of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, but it was decided that the change would not impede or affect in any way the validity of our Constitution.

An independent Scotland would join the existing sixteen Realms, of which Australia is one. However, I doubt whether people both in Scotland and in England have yet realised that Scotland would thereafter be treated as a foreign power. It would lose the pound sterling and would need to establish its own currency. Furthermore, Scottish citizens may find themselves unable to enter England without facing strict border, passport and immigration controls.

Philip Benwell

National Chair

Australian Monarchist League

0419 417 097