Media Release

For immediate release to UK-based Canadian correspondents

Canadian and British republicans unite for Oxford Union monarchy debate

Republican movements use opportunity to meet and strategize

London, UK, February 1, 2011 - Britain's prestigious 186-year-old Oxford Union Society is the venue for a debate on the monarchy this Thursday. Supporting the society's motion of "This House Would Abolish The Monarchy" are Tom Freda, Director of Citizens for a Canadian Republic, Graham Smith, campaign manager for Britain's republican movement, ‘Republic,’ and well-known British human rights lawyer, Louise Christian QC.

While in London, the two republican movement organizers used the occasion to meet and discuss strategies.

The groups are charter members of Common Cause, an alliance of Commonwealth republican movements which also includes the Australian Republican Movement and the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand. Sharing a Commonwealth heritage, the four organizations joined forces in 2005 to promote the transformation of their respective constitutional monarchies into parliamentary republics.

Debate Location:

The Oxford Union
Frewin Court
Oxford, OX1 3JB
UK
Phone: 01865 241 353
E-Mail: enquiries@oxford-union.org
http://www.oxford-union.org

Date:

Thursday, Feb 3, 2011

Time:

6.30  - Champagne reception
7.15  - Dinner
8.30  - Debate starts
10.30 - Debate ends

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