It's the monarchy, stupid.

The 2010 Republic Annual Conference brought together prominent republicans from across the political spectrum to debate republicanism and the importance of placing the monarchy at the heart of the constitutional reform agenda.

The fundamental shape of the British constitution has changed little in the last 200 years. Power remains in the centre and at the top, vested in parliament and the Crown.

The British people continue to be denied an accountable head of state who can play a meaningful role in our political life - and the government continues to use royal powers to sign treaties, wage war and assault our liberties without proper democratic scrutiny.

In the wake of the expenses scandal, politicians have appropriated the language of "democratic renewal" yet we've barely moved one inch forward toward a more democratic political system.

Although there have been periodic attempts at making the monarchy "fairer", cheaper or more transparent, constitutional reformers have all too often shied away from the issue of the monarchy - for fear of scaring off politicians or offending an allegedly pro-royal public.

No longer can politicians and campaigners ignore the monarchy.

• Panel 1: 'An Activist King?'

  To what extent does Prince Charles influence government policy? How does he do it and how can we hold him to account?

• Chaired by: James Gray, Development & Membership Manager, Republic
• With ...
• David Colquhoun (Professor of Pharmacology, UCL)
• Peter Jenkins (partner, Inskip Jenkins architects)
• Paul Richards (former special adviser to two cabinet ministers)
• Panel 2: 'Our republican heritage'

  Britain has a rich tradition of radicalism and democratic reform. What can the contemporary republican movement learn from its forebears - and how can we challenge the idea that British history is nothing more than kings and queens?

  • Chaired by: Dr Emily Robinson, Department of Politics, Goldsmiths College and member of Republic's Board of Directors
  • With ...
  • Geoffrey Robertson QC (human rights lawyer and author of 'The Tyrannicide Brief')
  • Edward Vallance (historian and author of 'A Radical History of Britain')

• Panel 3: 'The post-election political landscape: opportunities and challenges'

  Whoever goes on to form a government after the forthcoming general election, British politics will have changed dramatically. How can republicans take forward the campaign in the course of the new parliament?

• Chaired by: Graham Smith, Campaign Manager, Republic
• With ...
• Alex Smith (editor, LabourList)
• Linda Jack (Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate)
• Natalie Bennett (Guardian journalist and Green Party activist)
• Republic Question Time

  A chance to ask prominent republican writers and activists about any issues related to the monarchy and the campaign for a republican constitution.

• Chaired by: Gareth Robson, Chair of Republic's Policy and Strategy Committee.
• With ...
• Jonathan Bartley (Co-Director, Ekklesia)
• Brendan O'Neill (editor, Spiked online)
• Naomi Phillips (Head of Public Affairs, British Humanist Association)
• Gary Younge (Guardian journalist and author)
• Graham Smith (Campaign Manager, Republic)

This conference took place in 2010.