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Gordon Brown could end the ban on monarchs marrying Catholics
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent25.11.09
Sweeping changes to the British monarchy to end discrimination against Catholics are to be discussed by Commonwealth chiefs, it emerged today.
Gordon Brown is to hold talks within days with overseas presidents and prime ministers about reforming the 308-year-old law which bars the monarch from marrying a Catholic.
Downing Street sources said discussions would take place "in the margins" at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting which starts on Friday in Trinidad.
Mr Brown was challenged at Prime Minister's Questions to move to reform the Act of Settlement 1701 which states heirs to the throne lose their right to be the sovereign if they marry a Catholic or convert.
A Private member's bill has been put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris. Ministers earlier this year refused to back the legislation but sources suggested in March that Mr Brown would raise the issue with Commonweath heads this month.
Mr Harris questioned Mr Brown in the Commons over whether he was "confident" that he could get Commonweath leaders to agree to ending the discriminatory laws.
The Prime Minister said: "Most people recognise the need for change.
"Change can only be brought about by not just the UK but all realms where Her Majesty is Queen making a decision to change. That's why it's important to discuss this with all members of the Commonwealth including countries such as Australia and Canada.
"That's the process which will be undertaken in due course."
Whitehall sources said the talks would definitely focus on ending the discrimination against Catholics.
Downing Street was unable to confirm that the move would also address the discrimination against women in the line of succession.
Senior MPs including Ann Widdecombe, a Catholic, have warned that Britain's identity as a Christian nation could be destroyed by amending the Act of Settlement 1701. The Church of England has also raised concerns.
Reader views (10)
The Act of Settlement is only relevant in so far as it is referrred to in Article II of the Treaty of Union.
It is much more drastic than the author acknowledges; it summarily ends the reign of a sitting Monarch if married to a Catholic.
- Alan Griffiths, Forest Gate, LONDON
What a waste of Parliamentary time even talking about it. William has not produced a family yet.
- Michael, London, UK
And what's it got to do with gordon Brown.........
- Tony Heath, Godalming, Surrey
Church and State are One.
This is England. Christian,Protestant and loyal.
If you don't like it...Tough
- Andrew, Ely UK
"Most people recognise the need for change." Oh dear ! Nu Labour resorting to the 'most people' phrase again which in this case probably means 'most people in the room with Gordon' when he thought up this waste of government time.
Give us a break Gordon. Call an election now.
- Doug Watt, london (EUSSR)14
I am astonished by the ignorance and small-mindedness shown by those who have commented so far. The Act of Settlement is a piece of anachronistic nonsense that should have been repealed decades ago. It has no place in our modern world and should go as soon as possible.
And no, I'm not a Catholic.
- Johnb, Biggleswade
I'd rather we just dumped Scotland, Wales, NI and the Commonwealth.
- Mark, South-East London
How can you have the head of teh Church of England married to a Catholic, it rather negates the faith status. I guess the Catholic could renounce their faith.
Do us a favour Gordon, you serve no useful purpose go back to Scotland and screw up their lives and stop taking out your petty vindictiveness on the English
- June, London
Wow, a great use of the dwindling time that Labour has left.
Education, health, defence, transport and finance are all tickety-boo are they, Gordon?
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one
Why is Grodon Brown wasting his time on something which is totally irrelevant.
Ann Wiodecombe's claim the Britain is still a Christian country shows how out of touch with the real world she is.
- Lyndsay, London
