Republic has backed Nick Clegg's view that the Church of England should be separated from the state, with the Queen being removed as head of the church.

It has long been Republic's position that in a democratic society no single religion should be privileged over others. The Church of England has legal privileges and the right to put bishops into the House of Lords.

The issue is not about religion versus atheism - it is about the equality of all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs. A lot of CofE members support the separation of the church from the state and the abolition of the monarchy.