Your columnist John Parry is quite right to suggest the goings-on surrounding the Royal Family should lead us towards the conclusion that a republic is the logical step forward for Britain (The Argus, October 24).

Current events raise many questions about the transparency and accountability of the system.

Issues surrounding the war in Iraq have also raised very important questions about the power the monarchy gives the Prime Minister.

Far from being a brake on politicians, the system of monarchy gives unfettered power to the PM.

Those of us in Sussex who support the idea of a republic in Britain have formed a local branch of Republic, the Campaign for an Elected Head of State.

Our first meeting will be on Saturday, November 15.

Call 07747 608770 or visit www.sussexrepublic.org

-Graham Smith, Brighton