Crown Accession

Dr. Evan Harris (Oxford, West and Abingdon) (LD)
Q6.  What discussions he had at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in November 2009 on the succession to the Crown of Catholics and women.

Ms Harman
The Government are in contact with other countries of the realm where the Queen is Head of State about updating the rules of succession.

Dr. Harris
The right hon. and learned Lady was right the second time.

In March, the Lord Chancellor himself said that the sort of anti-Catholic and anti-woman provisions at the centre of our constitution have no place in a modern society, and that the Prime Minister was ready to consult Commonwealth Heads of Government. Will the right hon. and learned Lady suggest that he write to them, if he is too busy to consult, so that we can get on with this reform?

Ms Harman
As the Prime Minister has said, people recognise the need for change, but that change can be brought about only by the Prime Minister working with the 16 other countries. The discussions are continuing. We cannot speak for those other countries, but we are sure that progress will be made.