Former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker has launched a scathing attack on the Royal Family during an anti-monarchy rally in Trafalgar Square.
Speaking to GB News at the protest organised by the group Republic, Baker criticised the monarchy as "hopelessly out of date" and financially burdensome.
"I'm pleased GB News is here. The BBC isn't and the ITV isn't but GB News is, hearing both sides of the argument," Baker told the People's Channel.
Baker didn't hold back in his criticism of the monarchy's cost to taxpayers.
Norman Baker joined GB News as anti-monarchy protests kick off in the capital
GB NEWS / REPUBLIC
"I'm here because our monarchy, unlike other European monarchies, is hopelessly out of date, a bit like the Russian tsar would have been and it costs us a fortune," he said.
"Whether you are a republican or a monarchist, there is no defence for the public money that is spent on the monarchy."
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More recently, it was where King Charles III was officially proclaimed King.GettyHis comments came as protesters gathered with banners calling for the abolition of the Royal Family.
Baker highlighted a significant increase in royal finances, stating: "They got a 53 per cent increase this year."
He attributed this rise to a decision by former chancellor George Osborne, who "rather foolishly linked the royal finances with the Crown Estate."
The former minister particularly objected to revenue from renewable energy projects going to the monarch.
Norman Baker spoke to Ben Leo in Trafalgar Square
GB NEWS
"Now 12 per cent of the money coming in from wind farms, which are covering our channel, is going straight to the King. He's done nothing to deserve that," Baker claimed.
Baker also criticised the cost of royal ceremonies, claiming: "When we had the Coronation, it cost us probably up to £250 million."
He suggested the expense wasn't limited to direct costs but included broader economic impacts.
"That's a day off for everyone so therefore a day of lost productivity," he added.
He pointed out that the French monarchy was abolished in 1848, yet their royal palaces remain popular attractions.
"In theory, if there were no royals in Buckingham Palace, we would get more money from tourists, not less," Baker claimed.
Despite his criticisms, Baker acknowledged that most Britons support the institution of monarchy.
"Most people would want a monarchy but not one that costs as much as this one does with all of its hangers on," he conceded.
Baker argued the financial burden was secondary to constitutional concerns.
"The main issue is what kind of constitution we want in our country. What kind of say we want on the rest of the world."
Baker dismissed the argument that the monarchy is necessary for tourism.
"I don't think we should base our constitution arrangements on what the tourists want. If you look at the most successful royal palace in Europe, it's Versailles," he said.
This comes as a recent poll suggested that 55 per cent of the public favour keeping the monarchy.
The total cost to taxpayers of maintaining the Royal Family has been estimated at £510 million per year.
