He said, “The BBC recently described what the Royal Prerogative powers are in the following way, ‘A series of historic powers officially held by the Queen that have, in reality, been passed to politicians. They enable decisions to be taken without the backing of, or consultation with, Parliament.’

“Does my honourable friend not agree with me that in a democracy, decisions taken without the backing of or consultation of Parliament should be illegal and can we have a review of this anachronistic anomaly?”

Bridget Prentice MP, for the Government, said she did not see the need for a review at this time but the Government would look to provide votes for Parliament on all these issues where appropriate.

Afterwards Mr McGovern said, “I am disappointed by this response, but will keep raising this issue.

“I see absolutely no role for an unelected monarch within our political system. The royal family exists purely by an accident of birth and to assume they have the right to make decisions on behalf of the whole country in the age of democracy is absurd.

“When this country goes to war or signs a major treaty with another power or decides to dissolve Parliament, surely the elected representatives of the people should have the right to vote on the issue?

“In fairness, this Government granted MPs a vote on the war in Iraq and has allowed votes to be taken on some European treaties.

“However, there is nothing that guarantees that this would happen in the future or that gives Parliament a definitive right to make decisions over issues that still technically fall within the purview of the monarch.”

The Royal Prerogative covers, in domestic matters, the appointment and dismissal of ministers, the granting of honours, the dissolution of Parliament and the calling of elections.

In foreign affairs it covers issues such as the declaration of war, the recognition of foreign states and the deployment of armed forces in the UK and abroad.