Great scenes from The Mall

[Thunder Bolt]

Do you have any data to support this? Whenever I talk about the monarchy with anyone, this point always comes up and I must say I don't buy it. I'm open-minded to the idea it might be true, but surely it is completely unmeasurable? Republics around the world have great tourism industries and trade links without the need for a royal family (France & Germany being obvious examples) - surely the history and culture of Britain itself attracts people rather than the fact that it has a queen which will not even remotely affect your visit to the country.

We do get tourists come to this country for the culture but the royal family is a big part of the history, in fact, they're living history. There are 53 countries in the Commonwealth that are strongly linked with this country and the Queen is head of 16 of them. That alone brings in the tourists but when you see people being interviewed in the Mall today, they had come from countries around the world. They need to spend money in hotels, restaurants, they buy clothing whilst here which all adds to the economy. Travel & tourism together make up over 7% of the GDP.

 

[ATFC Seagull]

They need to spend money in hotels, restaurants, they buy clothing whilst here which all adds to the economy. Travel & tourism together make up over 7% of the GDP.

I'm not an idiot, I do have a basic grasp of how tourism is beneficial to an economy!

What I am disputing is how (aside from the odd peculiar character, usually American, who argues that they are in London "to meet the Queen") it is possible to assert that Britain's tourism has any meaningful relationship to the fact that there is still a monarchy.

I've just got back from Ireland (a Republic) and it was loaded with tourists from all around the world (including Britain). If I cared, I'd almost suggest it's slightly insulting to what does make Britain a great place to visit to suggest that people are only coming here because occasionally they wheel out an old dear who the rest of the time doesn't really do anything (and a good thing too seeing as we all want democracy).

 

[BadFish]

Patronising, nice. I really don't care too much about the rights and wrongs of this weekend, I've quite enjoyed it, others haven't. But to tarnish the whole thing on the word of a couple of dole cheats, who don't even want to be named, seems a tad desperate.

The only thing that has really annoyed me is the Republicans claiming that the weekend protest was an unbelievable success after a whole 1000 people turned up.

You have some proof that they are dole cheats?

 

[catfish]

Just think how much more attractive the view from the Eiffel Tower would be if they had a hereditory monarchy over there.

 

[Doc Lynam]

Will you forever be a victim of life?

I do seem to be a victim of your insipid comment

 

[Brovion]

and of course that was the Royal Family's fault...

also, no disrespect but, you must know pretty much nothing about music to say that the likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Jools Holland, Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox are has beens?

I didn't say it was their fault, in fact even as a Republican I always feel sorry for the queen when she has to sit through things like the Royal Variety Performance. And with regard to the music I just have different tastes and standards to you, that's all.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Nice to see that someone got the point, Stumpy Tim didn't. On the other hand/foot.............delete as applicable.........

What are you talking about? Your post makes no sense whatsoever

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Most people on this thread think you are wrong?

Oh, sorry, you asked for genius revelations.

Plenty of people agree with me actually. Have you read the thread? My genius revelations comment was in response to Bozza's. You've really added very little to this thread except a dose of stupidity. Leave it alone while people on both sides have a proper discussion.

 

[Racek]

I can't speak for the rest of my family, but I don't have a chip on my shoulder about them. I have an opinion.

Plagiarism springs to mind.

 

[yxee]

More people left Britain this weekend than entered the country. The whole thing cost a fortune, and all for a family of parasites who sponge off us tax payers.

Chavvy spongers are scum, royal spongers are ok it seems

This was my opinion before I watched this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhyYgnhhKFw

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Plagiarism springs to mind.

from who?