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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Ross Hunter

'Would you vote for him?': Anti-monarchy activists stage protest on coronation spot

ANTI-MONARCHY activists have raised a banner on the exact spot where King Charles is set to be crowned during his coronation.

On May 6 the official coronation ceremony will take place in Westminster Abbey – entirely financed by the UK Government.

Despite calls from the King himself for organisers to be aware of the cost of living crisis, some estimates suggest the lavish event could cost up to £100 million.

The National: Anti-monarchy activists in Westminster AbbeyAnti-monarchy activists in Westminster Abbey (Image: Republic)

On Thursday, activists from campaign group Republic raised a banner which read “Would you vote for him?” on the spot in Westminster Abbey where Charles is to be crowned. The stunt is part of series of protests in the run up to the coronation.

Graham Smith, lead campaigner for Republic, said: "There is no symbol that better represents the fundamental travesty of our democracy than the coronation throne in Westminster Abbey.

"On May 6 Charles will hold a pointless parade designed to shore up his position as unelected head of state. Without any consultation with the people, without a single vote being cast.

"That is a tragedy in itself, but what makes it worse is the fact that it is Charles - a petty and corrupt individual, who would stand no chance of winning a free and fair election.

"That’s why today we raised a banner on that exact spot, asking what should be the least controversial question in a true democracy: 'Would you really vote for this person to be our head of state?'

"Growing numbers of people around the UK look forward to the day when we look back and wonder what took us so long to abolish this ridiculous, undemocratic and corrupt institution."

Thousands could be set to take to the streets in Scotland on the day of the coronation, with politicians from both the SNP and the Scottish Greens set to give speeches in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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