Harvie’s call to abolish monarchy after royal family racism row
We have undervalued and overlooked the extraordinary benefits of physical fitness for too long
Recent revelations about the royal family underline the need to abolish the monarchy, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie has said.
Mr Harvie reiterated his party's opposition to the monarchy yesterday, saying an independent Scotland should have an elected head of state.
The royal family has been rocked by allegations of racism from the Sussexes, revealed publicly in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
In a rare move on an official visit on Thursday, Prince William briefly spoke to reporters to say he had not yet talked to his brother. He added: "We're very much not a racist family."
Mr Harvie said: "The revelations from the last few days, and other recent scandals, raise serious questions about the attitudes and values of the royal family and those around them.
"They
also
serve
as
a
reminder that the monarchy itself is an outdated, discredited and totally undemocratic institution."
He continued: "As we look to the future that Scotland can have as a fairer, greener and independent country, it is clear that asking the people to choose a modern, democratically accountable head of state would be the best step forward.
"The idea that any family has the right to such status based on hereditary titles and unearned wealth would hold Scotland back, and it's not one that the Scottish Greens will ever support. Their shooting and hunting estates can be put to better use serving the local communities and creating more jobs."
The Scottish Conservatives responded that the monarchy had wide support among Scots.
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said: "The monarchy is one of our most loved and respected institutions and that is widely recognised across Scotland.
"Patrick Harvie is indulging in the most pathetic type of politics in a shameless bid to pander to republican voters who might be tempted to vote for his party.
"The vast majority of Scots will recognise this patronising attempt to woo the electorate and see right through thegreens'illogicalnonsense.
"The benefits of having a constitutional monarchy as opposed to an elected politician as head of state are overwhelming.”
It's the miracle cure we've all been waiting for, says the NHS website, which is not usually prone to such hyperbole.
However, when faced with the facts, they do sound rather miraculous. Who would not want a 50 per cent reduction in their risk of a major illness like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer? You could also reduce the risk of an early death by as much as 30 per cent.
Not only that but “it's free, easy to take, has an immediate effect and you don't need a GP to get some”, adds the NHS website.
If you’ve not all ready guessed, the miracle cure is simple: exercise.
So the news that children under the age of 12 will be able to start playing outdoor contact sports like football and rugby, among other relaxations of the Covid lockdown rules relating to sport, is more important than it may seem.
There has been much talk about “building back better” after the Covid pandemic subsides and changing our attitudes to sport should be high on the list.
For too long, it has been seen as an optional extra; for too long, we have undervalued and overlooked the extraordinary benefits of physical fitness.
Not only does it make our lives longer and healthier, it also makes us happier and, potentially, if we embrace active rather than vehicular travel, richer too – just think of all the money saved on petrol, train tickets and the like.
The gradual return of children to schools has focused minds on the need for them to catch up academically. However, sport needs to be part of that discussion and must not be sidelined.
The habits we form when young can last a lifetime and human beings are simply not designed to live sedentary lives. And yet it is remarkably easy to do so in the modern world we have created where, Covid aside, many people travel to work by car, sit at a desk, then travel home to sit on a couch.
“Sport for all” is a common refrain and yet far too many people in Scotland do none at all.
As the lockdown eases, we must look for ways to reduce whatever barriers that exist, financial or otherwise, to ensure this excellent slogan becomes a reality.
Such good news from Nicola Sturgeon that lockdown easing is to go ahead (Scotsman, March 12). Her new approach is a change of tune from the doom-laden warnings of just a couple of weeks ago which didn't seem to strike a chord with businesses or the public when compared to the reports of more optimistic plans south of the border.
No doubt the beginning of May will see an essential appearance by the First Minister for a broadcast in which she will promise to deliver us all from purgatory (should that be purgatory?). But I become too cynical in my old age. No doubt she will go with the evidence – if she can find it!
COLIN HAMILTON Braid Hills Avenue, Edinburgh