Royal accounts under-estimate the real cost of the monarchy
London – 5 July 2010
“At a time of austerity and public spending cuts, the monarchy should not be exempt. The
Civil List should face the same cuts as all other government expenditure,” said human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
He was commenting on the publication today of the royal accounts.
Mr Tatchell is a supporter of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state. He joined Republic’s protest outside Buckingham Palace this morning. The protest’s themes were: “Cut the monarchy, not public services” and “Help save the economy, axe the monarchy.”
Photos of the protest from Graham Smith of Republic: 07747 608 770
“The Queen is one of the richest women in the world. It is time she and other royals paid their own way, instead of relying so heavily on hand-outs from taxpayers,” Mr Tatchell added.
“The government should cut the Civil List and put the money saved into welfare projects such as schools, hospitals and pensions.
“While the official cost of the monarchy is £38 million, the real cost is £100 million, when you take into account security and local civic receptions for the royals. Such huge expenditure cannot be justified at a time of government debt and belt-tightening by the rest the population.
“Britain should replace the monarchy with a low-cost, purely ceremonial elected of state, like Ireland,” said Mr Tatchell.