Laying Siege to the Queen

I saw this headline and thought, "Oh, they must be increasing security around the Queen, what the Rushdie affair and increased AQ/Islam-o-nutter chatter and all.

Imagine my surprise to find out that they were talking about Gordon Brown laying siege to her powers.

MEMBERS of Parliament will no longer have to swear allegiance to the Queen under constitutional reforms put forward by one of Gordon Brown’s closest advisers.

The blueprint, produced by the Prime Minister’s special adviser Michael Jacobs, would also turn the British into “citizens,” rather than “subjects,” and could even spell the end for our national anthem.

Downing Street last night distanced itself from the controversial ideas, saying there were no plans to adopt them. A spokesman said Mr Jacobs advised the Prime Minister on environmental issues (ed.note: Figures.) rather than constitutional affairs.

But critics pointed out that Mr Brown had already moved quickly to adopt key parts of the Jacobs plan, including ending the Royal Prerogative and having the Gov­ernment’s programme laid out by the Prime Minister in the Commons rather than the Queen at the annual state opening of Parliament.

Royal sources said the Queen was already alarmed by the pace of change under the Brown regime.

( One can only wonder what she thought of Jacqui Smith's liberal display of cleavage during her first speech to Parliament... "Labor," she said with a sniff.)

In other UK govt news: Race chief may quit in row over Brown's All White cabinet.

Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, also criticised the Prime Minister after he appointed two Muslims as Ministers but failed to give them ministerial salaries.