THE monarchy must modernise, or die. That was the message delivered in Bolton last night by Paul Richards, author of the controversial Fabian Society pamphlet 'Long to Reign Over Us?'

Mr Richards was speaking to members of the Greater Manchester West Fabian Society at the Wood Street Socialist Club, where he spelled out proposals for reforming the Royals.

He said the constitutional powers must go, and be replaced by a 'People's Monarchy'. "Out with the flummery and decadence and in with a new Monarchy which works hard for charity and Britain abroad. The State Opening of Parliament should be replaced, and the Civil List ended and replaced with a new tax.

Mr Richards, who was Labour's Parliamentary Candidate in Billericay, Essex at the last election, said: "We need a proper, rational debate about the future of the Monarchy. Public support is melting away, especially among the young. In a new, modern, democratic Britain, there can be no place for an undemocratic, elitist institution at the top.

"I want a radically reformed Monarchy for the new millennium." 'Long to Reign Over Us?' was published in 1996, and hit the headlines around the world. Since then, Paul Richards has been speaking to meetings across the country in support of modernising the Monarchy,

The Fabian Society is New Labour's 'think tank' suggesting new ideas for policies to the Government. Founded in 1884, early members included G B Shaw and H G Wells. Today, members include Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.?

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