The Canadian poll showed a jump of 7 points to 65% since 2008. At the same time the Republican Movement of New Zealand reports that politicians from that country’s two main parties, Labour and the Nationals, are forming republican groups, to push for a referendum on the issue.

Republic spokesperson Graham Smith said:

“Clearly the royalists are wrong to claim the monarchy unites the Commonwealth. People around the Commonwealth see the monarchy as out-dated and irrelevant.”

“All Commonwealth countries are now moving far ahead of Britain in their commitment to democratic renewal and reform.”

“It is high time the British government began a serious debate on the future of the monarchy so we aren’t left behind, the only ones clinging to this bizarre feudal institution.”