Oriel declares independence
The inspiring Danny Wallace
Oriel JCR has declared itself an independent kingdom after passing a JCR motion on Sunday, demanding it secede from the UK. The motion mandated JCR President Frank Hardee to “exploit the loopholes in international law,” so that the college will now be known as the ‘Kingdom of Oriel’. Hardee said he was “writing to Tony Blair, just to inform him that we’re becoming independent and therefore free from the laws and taxes of the UK.
“The first thing is to set up a parliament - probably made up of the JCR committee - to choose a king. Membership of the United Nations will also be demanded.” The trappings of statehood are under development: “We have a first year historian designing our flag, as he has plenty of time. “Our Eurovision entry is currently being composed by a music student,” added Hardee.
The legal ramifications of independence and Oriel’s precise status in international law were discussed at the meeting, but Hardee said: “The motion was proposed by a law student. There may be a few legal difficulties, but with a little dodginess it should get through. We’re hoping that maybe by Christmas we’ll be fully independent. We’re working on it.
The move towards forming their own state was inspired by the actions of Danny Wallace, the BBC comedian who decided to set up his own country in his flat in London. As a result of his leadership, the motion declared that he should be invited to give a talk to the new Kingdom to receive a “royal welcome”. The JCR’s quest for independence came at the same time as other members of the JCR call ed for a referendum, with the declared intention of causing a “constitutional headache.
The referendum asks JCR members to vote on the statement: “This JCR will vote No in this referendum.” Hardee said it was “a lighthearted response to all the OUSU referenda…if the JCR votes yes, then we will have opposed the motion. But if we vote no, then the motion will have succeeded.”
10th Nov 2005