It’s time to curb Charles’ dangerous meddling

In an “exclusive” story yesterday the News of the World reported claims that Prince Charles had actively campaigned against Britain’s involvement in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.  (In fact the substantive elements of the story were almost identical to another article the paper ran seven years earlier.)

Prince Charles is already known to have lobbied government ministers on matters as diverse as architecture, the environment, complementary health and education.  If these latest claims are true, they raise the extent of Charles’ political meddling onto an entirely different level.

Denials have been issued by the Prince’s press office that Charles took part in any campaigning against the Blair government at the time of the Iraq invasion.  Yet because of the royal family’s favoured treatment under the Freedom of Information Act we may never get to know the full extent of Charles’ interference in this most contentious of political issues.

The story has resurfaced now because the ongoing Iraq Inquiry, led by Sir John Chilcot, is due to receive evidence from Tony Blair in the next few weeks.  If the heir to the throne was actively involved in trying to influence government ministers and the Prime Minister over whether or not Britain should have joined the US in an invasion of Iraq, that must surely be something to which the Chilcot Inquiry must address itself.  But according to a “senior royal aide” Charles would refuse to cooperate with the Inquiry if called to give evidence.

The potential implications of Charles’ uncontrolled interference could have posed incalculable security concerns for the country.  Charles is thought to have briefed against the government and made inappropriate comments which risked jeopardising delicately balanced diplomatic relations with foreign states.

Charles continues to abuse his privileged position to give unrequested advice without being held accountable.  He strives to influence ministerial decisions in secret without having any personal responsibility for the consequences.  He insists on meddling in matters that directly affect the lives of all of us without having a democratic mandate from the people to do so.

Charles knows he can undertake all of these activities behind closed doors because, like other members of the royal family, he has extraordinary protection from public scrutiny under freedom of information legislation.  He also knows that whatever the result of his lobbying activities he is exempt from the ultimate sanction of loss of office and possible prosecution.

It is for these reasons that the role of Britain’s head of state and, by implication, those who aspire to the office should not extend to dabbling in political matters. Yet Charles seems unwilling or unable to understand the obligations of his unique position and instead chooses to flout this constitutional convention at every turn.  His actions serve only to underline his apparent contempt for the democratic process and the principle of  public accountability to which all others in public office must adhere.

If Charles wants a career in politics there is a very clear path he must choose: relinquish his hereditary position, submit himself to due democratic process and stand for election as a member of parliament.  Otherwise, he should keep his views to himself.

Take action: Here are some other reasons why removing the royal family’s exemption from the Freedom of Information Act is so important:

• How Prince of Wales’ aides tried to influence Labour ecotowns policy
• New Charles lobbying shows need for FOI rules to stay
• As good a reason as any to change our constitution
• The Canadians can teach Britain something about Freedom of Information

So what can you do? Write to your MP today asking them to support Early Day Motion 83 and the removal of the royal family’s exemption from the Freedom of Information Act. You can also make sure that the issue has as high a public profile as possible by writing to your local newspaper.

Taking it further: If you share our vision of a fairer, more democratic Britain, why not consider becoming a supporter or a member of Republic, the campaign for an elected head of state?

You can also be part of our campaign by joining Republic Action, Republic’s own social networking site.