Inspired by Abigail Adams: A Call for a British Republic

Inspired by Abigail Adams: A Call for a British Republic

A speech by Tessa Murphy — Australian author and creative thinker

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, and everyone who believes in the power of ordinary people to have a voice,

My name is Tessa Murphy. I am an Australian woman with a passion for history, freedom, democracy and the future of our societies.

Today, I want to share the inspiration behind my petition calling for the abolition of the British monarchy and the establishment of a republic in the United Kingdom.

My inspiration comes from a remarkable woman who lived during one of the most significant periods in modern history: Abigail Adams, the second First Lady of the United States of America.

During the American Revolutionary War, Abigail Adams witnessed the struggle for independence from Great Britain. Although she was not a soldier on the battlefield, she used her words, her intelligence and her correspondence to express her political views and support the cause of American independence.

In March 1776, she wrote to her husband, John Adams, urging him to remember women’s rights when shaping the laws of a new nation. Her famous message, “Remember the Ladies,” reflected her belief that people deserved a voice in the laws and institutions that governed their lives.

Her story reminds me that political change does not always begin with someone holding public office. Sometimes, it begins with an ordinary person who has an idea, finds the courage to speak about it, and invites others to listen.

That is the spirit that has inspired me.

I believe it is reasonable for people in the United Kingdom to have an open and respectful conversation about their country’s future. Should Britain continue to have a hereditary monarchy, or should it consider becoming a republic, with a head of state chosen through a democratic system?

This is an important constitutional question, and people will have different opinions. Some value the monarchy for its traditions, history and ceremonial role. Others believe that a republic could better reflect democratic principles, equality and the idea that public leadership should not be inherited.

My petition represents my own position: I want to see the United Kingdom move towards abolishing the monarchy and establishing a republic.

I am asking people who share this goal to consider signing my petition and sharing it with their friends, families and communities. I also encourage everyone to read the petition, understand what it proposes, and make their own informed decision.

A signature may seem like a small action, but petitions can help people demonstrate public interest in an issue and encourage discussion among communities and decision-makers.

I know that I am an Australian, not a British citizen. However, history has taught us that conversations about democracy, independence and constitutional reform can cross national borders. Australia’s own constitutional future has also been debated, including the question of whether Australia should become a republic.

I am not asking everyone to agree with me. I am asking people to think, discuss and consider whether the system of government they have inherited is the system they want for future generations.

Abigail Adams inspires me because she did not remain silent about the questions that mattered to her. Her letters became part of the historical record of the American Revolution, and her advocacy for women’s rights continues to be studied today.

Her example encourages me to use my own voice, even when my ideas may challenge established traditions.

I want to make one thing clear: my campaign is about peaceful, democratic and constitutional change. It is about petitions, public discussion and the right of people to express their views without intimidation or violence.

If you support my call for the United Kingdom to abolish its monarchy and establish a republic, please consider signing and sharing my petition.

You can also watch my video to learn more about my campaign:

https://youtu.be/deiDm0rB2Ic?si=V_jgyuFrB0gYtxHO

Please share the video with others who may be interested in the future of British democracy.

Let us remember that history is not only about kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers. It is also about the people who question, write, speak, organise and imagine different possibilities for the future.

Abigail Adams used her words during the American Revolution. Today, I am using mine to contribute to a conversation about republican government and constitutional change.

My name is Tessa Murphy, and I believe that every person should have the opportunity to learn about political issues, express their views and participate peacefully in discussions about the future of government.

Thank you for listening, thank you for considering my petition, and thank you for taking the time to think about the future of democracy.

Let us learn from history, speak with courage, and make our voices heard through peaceful and democratic action.

Thank you.