Should Britain retain a symbolic Head of State who, it is argued, is politically impartial and provides stability, a focus for national unity and a centrepiece for national celebrations? Or does the hereditary system need to be replaced by a democratically elected Head of State who others believe can also provide these services as well as being publicly accountable? Speakers included Graham Smith (Republic), Joan Smith (journalist and author), Peter Conradi (Sunday Times journalist, co-author of The King's Speech and The Great Survivors: How Monarchy Made it into the Twenty-First Century) and Jacques Arnold (Constitutional Monarchy Association). The event was chaired by Randeep Ramesh (social affairs editor, The Guardian).